Collecting coins can be a fun and rewarding hobby, especially when it comes to finding coins with errors. A “dime error” is when a mistake happens during the minting process, making the coin more valuable. Some dime errors are rare and can be worth much more than their face value. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most notable dime errors, sorted by the year they happened.
Dime Errors by Year
Here is a list of some famous dime errors, including details on what makes each error special and how valuable they can be.
| Year | Error Type | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Silver Clad Error | Some 1965 dimes were accidentally struck on silver planchets that were leftover from 1964. | Up to $8,000+ |
| 1968 | No-S Proof Dime | A few proof dimes from 1968 were struck without the “S” mint mark, making them rare and valuable. | $15,000+ |
| 1970 | Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) | Some dimes from 1970 show a doubled image of the date and lettering, making them a popular collector’s find. | $100 – $500 |
| 1982 | No-P Mint Mark | Dimes from 1982 were made in Philadelphia but had no “P” mint mark, which was a big mistake. | $75 – $300 |
| 1996 | W Mint Mark | Some 1996 dimes were made with a “W” mint mark to mark the 50th anniversary of the dime design. | $20 – $50 |
| 2007 | Misaligned Die | A few 2007 dimes were struck with an off-center design due to misaligned dies. | $5 – $50 |
| 2015 | Die Clash Error | Some 2015 dimes were struck with a die clash, which caused images to appear on both sides of the coin. | $15 – $75 |
Common Dime Errors Explained
1965 Silver Clad Error
In 1965, the U.S. Mint stopped making dimes out of silver and started making them from copper-nickel. But, some silver planchets (blanks for coins) from 1964 accidentally got used in 1965. These coins are rare and valuable because they were not supposed to be made from silver.
1982 No-P Mint Mark Error
This error occurred in 1982 when the mint in Philadelphia forgot to add the “P” mint mark on some dimes. It was the first time the U.S. Mint had done this, and these dimes are now highly valuable to collectors.
1968 No-S Proof Dime
In 1968, proof dimes were minted in San Francisco with a small “S” mint mark. But, some of these coins were accidentally made without the “S” mark. These rare dimes are very expensive because they are hard to find.
Tips for Collecting Dime Errors
- Check Your Coins: Always check the date and design of your dimes. You may have a rare error coin in your collection.
- Use a Magnifying Glass: Dime errors can be small, so using a magnifying glass will help you spot them more easily.
- Get Coins Graded: If you think you have a rare dime error, consider getting it graded by a professional service to find out its value.
Conclusion
Dime errors are an exciting part of coin collecting. Whether you are looking for silver clad errors or missing mint marks, each dime with an error has a story to tell. By knowing which errors to look for and understanding their value, you can increase your chances of finding a rare coin worth more than its face value. Keep an eye on your coins, and who knows – you might find the next big collector’s item!
FAQ’s
What is a dime error?
A dime error occurs when a mistake is made during the minting process, causing the coin to have a misprint, missing details, or unusual features. These errors can make a dime more valuable to collectors.
How can I spot a rare dime error?
Look closely at the date, mint mark, and design of your dimes. Errors like missing mint marks, doubled images, or off-center strikes are common. Using a magnifying glass can help you spot small details.
Are dime error coins worth more?
Yes, some dime error coins can be worth much more than their face value, especially if the error is rare or unique. The value depends on the type of error and its rarity.