Before you dump that jar of dimes into a coin machine, take a minute to look through them. Most will still be worth exactly 10 cents, but certain dates, mintmarks, and unusual varieties can be worth far more to collectors.

Some of the biggest values come from coins that were made in small numbers or have a detail that sets them apart from regular examples. Early U.S. dimes, Carson City issues, overdates, and unusual design varieties can all be worth checking.

Condition also matters a lot. A rare dime that has survived with sharp details and little wear can bring a very different price from the same coin after years of heavy circulation. USA Coin Book’s current listings show just how wide that range can be, with some rare varieties reaching into the hundreds of thousands or more in high grades.

Here are some U.S. dimes that collectors pay close attention to.

1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime No Arrows

The 1873-CC Seated Liberty dime without arrows is the standout coin on this list. USA Coin Book currently lists an estimated value of $3,737,499 or more for an example in MS+ condition. The listing shows a mintage of just 12,400 coins.

The absence of arrows on the date is what distinguishes this version from the later 1873 Seated Liberty dime design. Finding one would be an extraordinary discovery, particularly if the coin has survived in excellent condition.

1874-CC Seated Liberty Dime

Carson City coins are popular with collectors, and the 1874-CC Seated Liberty dime is a prime example. USA Coin Book lists a mintage of only 10,817 and an estimated value reaching $313,013 in MS63 condition.

A circulated example won’t necessarily come close to that figure, but the date and mintmark alone make this an interesting coin to check. Look for the small “CC” on the reverse.

1872-CC Seated Liberty Dime

The 1872-CC is another Carson City dime that collectors look for. USA Coin Book lists 35,480 struck and an estimated value of $278,927 in MS63 condition.

As with other older coins, condition makes a huge difference. A worn example and a sharply detailed example can have very different values, so don’t rely on the date alone.

1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime

The 1871-CC is another scarce Carson City dime. USA Coin Book lists a mintage of 20,100 and an estimated MS63 value of $175,513.

The “CC” mintmark is what you want to look for on the reverse. If you find an 1871 dime with that mintmark, it deserves a closer look before you spend it.

1843-O Seated Liberty Dime

The 1843-O Seated Liberty dime is an older New Orleans issue that can attract serious collector interest. Coins from this era are worth checking carefully because small differences in date and mintmark can have a big effect on value.

The “O” mintmark identifies the New Orleans Mint. A well-preserved example is much more interesting than a heavily worn coin with little detail remaining.

1797 Draped Bust Dime 13 Stars

Early American dimes are a completely different category from the coins most people find in circulation today. The 1797 Draped Bust dime with 13 stars is one of those early pieces that collectors watch for.

The coin features the small, classic design used on some of the country’s earliest dimes. Because of its age and scarcity, an authentic example can be worth a substantial amount, especially if it is in better condition.

1804 Draped Bust Dime 14 Stars

The 1804 Draped Bust dime with 14 stars is another early variety worth knowing. The star count is one of the details collectors use to distinguish different versions of these early coins.

USA Coin Book lists this variety among the high-value U.S. dimes, with an estimated value of $105,850. As with the other coins on this list, that figure applies to a particular condition and shouldn’t be treated as the price every example will bring.

1803 Draped Bust Dime

The 1803 Draped Bust dime is another early date that can command a high price. These coins are more than two centuries old, so simply finding an authentic example today would be unusual.

USA Coin Book lists the coin at $105,849 in its high-end value data. If you come across an early dime like this, it’s worth having it examined before making any assumptions about its value.

1804 Draped Bust Dime 13 Stars

The 1804 Draped Bust dime also comes in a 13 Stars variety. USA Coin Book lists this version at $93,132 in its 2026 value information.

Small design differences can be easy to miss on early coins, especially when the piece has seen heavy wear. If you have an early Draped Bust dime, compare it with a reliable coin reference before deciding which variety you have.

1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime

The 1873-CC Seated Liberty dime with arrows is another valuable Carson City issue. USA Coin Book’s current table lists a mintage of 18,791 and an estimated MS63 value of $92,687.

The arrows beside the date help distinguish this version from the earlier 1873-CC no-arrows variety. Both are rare, but the no-arrows coin is in a category of its own.

1801 Draped Bust Dime

The 1801 Draped Bust dime is another early U.S. coin that can bring a high price when found in good condition. Its age alone makes it interesting, but collectors also pay close attention to the condition and specific variety.

USA Coin Book lists the coin at $92,648 in its high-end value data. If an old dime turns up in a collection or inherited coin box, don’t assume it’s just another piece of old pocket change.

1798 Draped Bust Dime 8 Over 7 13 Stars

Overdates are especially interesting to coin collectors because they show evidence of how the dies were prepared. On the 1798 Draped Bust dime 8 Over 7 variety, an earlier number is visible beneath the final digit.

This variety also has 13 stars. USA Coin Book lists it at $92,646 in its 2026 value information, making it one of the more valuable early dime varieties on the list.

1798 Draped Bust Dime Small 8

Another 1798 Draped Bust dime variety has what collectors call a Small 8. The difference is subtle, which is why early coins should be examined carefully rather than judged from a quick glance.

USA Coin Book lists the Small 8 variety at $90,731 in its high-end value data. A magnifying glass and a good coin reference can be helpful if you’re trying to identify one.

1846 Seated Liberty Dime

The 1846 Seated Liberty dime is another date worth remembering if you’re sorting through older coins. It doesn’t have a Carson City mintmark, but its rarity still makes it an important coin for collectors.

USA Coin Book lists an estimated value of $62,603 in its high-end data. As always, the actual value of an individual coin depends heavily on its condition and authenticity.

1916-D Mercury Dime

The 1916-D Mercury dime is probably one of the most recognizable valuable dimes on this list. It was made at the Denver Mint, and the small “D” mintmark on the reverse is the detail collectors want to see.

USA Coin Book lists the 1916-D at $32,657 in its high-end value data. Because the date and mintmark are so important, make sure both are genuine before assuming you have a valuable coin.

A Simple Checklist Before You Cash Them In

Before you pour your dimes into a counting machine, give the older ones a quick inspection. Carson City dimes from the 1870s deserve extra attention, especially if you spot the “CC” mintmark on the reverse. Early Draped Bust and Seated Liberty dimes are also worth setting aside for a closer look.

Mercury dimes deserve a check too, particularly the 1916-D. If you know what you’re looking for, you can also watch for overdates and other varieties that may be easy to miss at first glance.

USA Coin Book’s dime listings cover U.S. dimes from 1796 through modern issues and include different varieties and errors. Its current Seated Liberty listings show how much values can differ based on the exact variety and grade.

If you think you’ve found something rare, don’t clean it. Scrubbing, polishing, or using a chemical cleaner can damage the surface and hurt a coin’s collector value. Keep it as you found it and have it checked by a reputable coin dealer or professional grading service.

Most of the dimes in a change jar will still be worth 10 cents. But taking a few minutes to look through your spare change could help you spot something worth keeping.