MONEY
The 10 cent coins worth up to $2,000: know what to look for
Some coins can be sold for a fortune, so you may want to double check any you have lying about.
In special cases and for various reasons, certain coins and bills in circulation can be sold for a fortune to collectors. The value of a coin or bill is primarily determined by three key factors: rarity, condition/grade, and market conditions, in particular, demand.
The combination of these three factors ultimately determines the value of a coin or bill.
Know the 10 cents worth thousands
U.S. 10-cent coins, commonly known as dimes, have been in circulation since 1796, and the designs have evolved over the years. Six different motifs have been used:
- Draped Bust, was minted from 1796 to 1807.
- Capped Bust, was minted between 1809 and 1837.
- Seated Liberty, circulated from 1837 to 1891.
- Barber, was used from 1892 to 1916.
- Winged Liberty Head, was minted from 1916 to 1945.
- The most recent design, Roosevelt, has been in circulation since the end of World War II.
According to Jaime Hernández, editor of the price guide for the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), about 150,000 Roosevelt dimes were minted in Philadelphia in 1982 without a mint mark. Experts suggest that one of these 1982 Roosevelt dimes could be worth as much as $2,000.
Most U.S. coins feature a mint mark, indicating the mint where the coin was produced. For 10-cent coins, the mint mark is represented by a small letter stamped on the coin:
- If there is no letter or a “P,” it was minted at the Philadelphia Mint
- “S” indicates the San Francisco Mint
- “O” represents the New Orleans Mint
- “D” stands for the Denver Mint
- “CC” signifies the Carson City Mint
Knowing details like these can mean the difference between handing away something that you thought was worth just 10 cents, and selling it for a small fortune. How your life can turn on a dime.