Many people treat small coins as everyday pocket change, but some dimes and quarters can be extremely valuable. This guide explains how to spot rare dimes and quarters worth thousands or even millions and what to do if you find one.
Why some rare dimes and quarters are worth millions
Value depends on rarity, survival count, condition, and collector demand. Coins with very low mintage, strong historical importance, or unusual errors can command very high prices.
Condition matters: collectors pay a premium for coins with original surfaces and no wear. Grading by a professional service can dramatically increase a coin’s market value.
Key factors to check for
- Date and mint mark — missing or unusual mint marks change value.
- Errors — doubled dies, off center strikes, and clipped planchets are sought after.
- Condition — look for sharp details and minimal wear.
- Provenance — documentation or a known discovery story can add value.
Common rare dimes and quarters to look for
Not every old coin is valuable, but certain dates and types are worth closer inspection. Learn a few hallmark examples to make your initial screening faster.
Rare dimes worth checking
- 1894-S Barber dime — extremely rare and widely recognized by collectors.
- Early Draped Bust and Capped Bust dimes from the 18th and early 19th centuries.
- Major error dimes — double dies, dramatically off center strikes, or clipped planchets.
Rare quarters worth checking
- Early Draped Bust and Capped Bust quarters from the late 1700s and early 1800s.
- 1932 Washington quarters from Denver or San Francisco in mint state can be valuable to advanced collectors.
- Error quarters — particularly off center strikes, broadstrikes, and doubled dies.
How to check your change today
Follow these practical steps to screen coins quickly at home. You do not need specialized equipment for the first pass.
Step by step inspection
- Separate older or unusual-looking coins from everyday change.
- Use a good magnifying glass or jewelers loupe (10x) to read dates and mint marks.
- Weigh suspect coins on a small digital scale and compare to published specs.
- Measure diameter and thickness with calipers to verify authenticity.
- Look for obvious errors: misaligned designs, doubled devices, or missing letters.
Authentication and grading
If you find a coin that looks rare, do not clean it. Cleaning can damage surfaces and reduce value. Packaging and handling should minimize contact.
For potentially high value coins, seek third party grading and authentication from reputable services such as PCGS or NGC. A certified grade provides buyer confidence and typically increases sale price.
Selling a rare dime or quarter
Choose your route based on value and urgency. Options include specialist dealers, auction houses, and direct private sales. Prepare documentation and full photos, and get at least two independent opinions for high value items.
Where to sell
- Reputable coin dealers with references.
- Major auction houses for high value and historic pieces.
- Certified coin marketplaces that accept graded coins.
Practical tips for everyday checks
Keep a small loupe, a magnet, and a smartphone handy to check suspicious coins when you get time. A magnet helps rule out modern counterfeits made from magnetic metals.
Dont assume age equals value. Many worn or common-date coins are worth only their face value. Focus your effort on coins with clear rarity signals like odd dates, mint marks, or striking errors.
Case study: A jar of change that mattered
A local collector described finding an old dime tucked into a coin jar at a garage sale. The date looked faint, so it was set aside for inspection. After magnifying the date and mint mark, the coin was submitted to a grading service and authenticated as a rare issue.
The authenticated coin later sold at auction. The collector used the proceeds to buy more coins and fund proper storage. The quick screening steps and careful handling were essential to preserve value.
Final checklist before you sell
- Do not clean the coin — cleaning lowers value.
- Document the coin with clear photos and notes on how it was found.
- Get professional authentication for anything that might be high value.
- Compare offers and consider auction exposure for maximum competition.
Rare dimes and quarters can appear in ordinary places. With basic tools and careful steps you can spot candidates, authenticate them properly, and find the right market to sell. Check your change today — you may discover more than small savings.
