15 Valuable U.S. Dimes That Could Be Hiding in Your Change Jar Right Now

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Before you pour that jar of dimes into a coin machine, it’s worth taking a step back. Most dimes are still only worth ten cents, but some rare dates, varieties, and mintmark mistakes are worth hundreds, thousands, or far more. According to USA Coin Book’s 2026 values list, the most valuable U.S. dime is the 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime without arrows, worth thousands.

The biggest values usually come from a few things: low mintages, scarce mintmarks, major die varieties, and well-known errors. Before you toss your spare change into a coin machine, take a look at these valuable dimes collectors are always hoping to find.

1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime No Arrows

This is the standout rarity on the list and the single most valuable dime in USA Coin Book’s 2026 ranking. Its listed value is $3,737,496, making it the clear king of U.S. dimes.

1874-CC Seated Liberty Dime

Carson City dimes are famous for low mintages and collector demand, and the 1874-CC is one of the strongest examples. USA Coin Book lists it at $313,010.

1872-CC Seated Liberty Dime

Another major Carson City rarity, the 1872-CC, ranks near the top of the list. Its 2026 listed value is $278,923.

1871-CC Seated Liberty Dime

The 1871-CC is another sought-after Seated Liberty dime from Carson City. USA Coin Book values it at $175,509.

1843-O Seated Liberty Dime

New Orleans issues can be surprisingly scarce, and this one is among the most valuable dimes in the entire series. USA Coin Book lists the 1843-O at $120,117.

1797 Draped Bust Dime 13 Stars

Early U.S. dimes are a category of their own, and the 1797 13 Stars variety is one of the biggest prizes. Its listed value is $118,825.

1804 Draped Bust Dime 14 Stars

This major early dime variety is another six-figure coin. USA Coin Book lists the 1804 14 Stars dime at $105,850.

1803 Draped Bust Dime

Collectors of early federal coinage pay close attention to rare early dime dates, and the 1803 is one of them. Its listed value is $105,849.

1804 Draped Bust Dime 13 Stars

The 13 Stars version of the 1804 dime is also highly valuable. USA Coin Book gives it a 2026 value of $93,132.

1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime

The Carson City 1873 dime with arrows is valuable too, though far behind the no-arrows rarity. It is still listed at $92,683.

1801 Draped Bust Dime

This early dime date remains one of the toughest pieces in the series. USA Coin Book lists the 1801 at $92,648.

1798 Draped Bust Dime 8 Over 7 13 Stars

Overdates are a major part of coin collecting, and this early 1798 variety is one of the most valuable dime overdates listed. Its value is $92,646.

1798 Draped Bust Dime Small 8

Another important 1798 variety, the Small 8 version, is also a high-value coin. USA Coin Book lists it at $90,731.

1846 Seated Liberty Dime

The 1846 Seated Liberty dime is one of the standout non-Carson City keys in the denomination. Its listed value is $62,603.

1916-D Mercury Dime

This is one of the best-known dime keys and one that many collectors recognize immediately. USA Coin Book lists the 1916-D Mercury dime at $32,657, making it one of the most valuable 20th-century circulation dimes on the page.

Related: 17 Rare Quarters Worth Some Serious Money

A simple checklist before you cash them in

Look closely at any Carson City dime, especially those dated in the early 1870s. Set aside all early Draped Bust and Capped Bust dimes, since even the scarcer varieties can be worth substantial money. Check Mercury dimes carefully, especially the 1916-D and the 1942 overdate varieties.

It also helps to remember that USA Coin Book’s list spans dimes from 1796 to 2026 and includes major varieties and errors, not just regular date-and-mint combinations. That means unusual details like overdates, star counts, or design variations can matter a lot.

If you think you’ve found something important, don’t clean it. Cleaning can hurt value, and rare coins are best checked by a reputable dealer or grading service before you sell or spend them.

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