The Most Valuable Coins in Circulation: Quarters, Dimes, and More

Precious metals and coins are one of the most secure, durable, and portable investments available and make a great way to save and secure value for a rainy day. Most coins are bought simply to attain gold or silver, as they can be worth more than their weight in gold.

Circulated coins are usually a great and inexpensive way to start a coin collection, then owners learn those same coins hold surprisingly good value.

The world’s most valuable coins have sold at auction for millions of dollars. For years, we have been privileged to deal with and buy some of these unbelievable historical coins. Archaeologists have discovered many ancient or early coins that are truly priceless.

Happily, you don’t have to travel the world searching to get your hands on some valuable coins. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the most valuable US coins in circulation. With a keen eye, you might even find one of the most valuable quarters in circulation is hiding right in your loose change.

Valuable Quarters in Circulation

1932-64 Silver Quarters. Quarters that were produced in this time had 90% silver and 10% copper. This makes them have a glorious shine and sets them apart just enough to push up value.

Many coins were made during this time, so to reap top value, a coin must be in exceptional condition. A coin shop may use the value of the silver to give you a value, but don’t get out the smelter just yet. It is illegal to melt down US coins for their intrinsic value.

Approximate Value: $5- $60. 2005 Kansas State Quarter-

“In God We Rust”. This is one of those errors that makes us laugh and shoots the price of a coin through the roof. According to legend, a bit of grease was getting into the die when these coins were being minted. This caused a handful of coins to come out with the “T” missing on the phrase “In God We Trust”.

Approximate Value: $5- $60. 2005 Kansas State Quarter-
Approximate Value: $5- $60. 2005 Kansas State Quarter-

The iconic phrase grace all US currency since the 1950’s had been slightly altered into the hilarious form which seems to translate to “In God We Rust”. In fact, if it happens you also own one, here is looking at the shiniest as well as rust-free coin going.

Approximate value: $100

Wisconsin State Quarter With Extra Leaf-In 1999, the US treasury began to mint quarters with a special design commemorating each of the states. It caused a lot of popular buzz around this. Not only was it the biggest change in coin design in decades but had local appeal for each state.

It is noted that a small defect of the Wisconsin state quarter was soon identified by collectors when it came out. The design was featuring the proud agricultural sector of the state with an image of a dairy cow, a nice round of cheese and an ear of corn.

When one looks at the ear of corn, there is an extra line that appears to give the coin an extra leaf. Normally, one would assume it was some shavings of metal that got caught in the die. But then, some coins had an extra leaf above, while others had an extra leaf just below.

The possibility of that occurring in two separate cases and happening nearly the same way is astronomical. The consensus among collectors is that some person working at the Denver mint did this on purpose. This great story has made it one of the most valuable quarters in circulation.

The Most Valuable Dimes in Circulation

1996 Roosevelt Dime- These dimes were made just for collectors to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1946 Roosevelt Dime. They were never supposed to be in circulation, but enough of them have been taken out of their sets and spent to make them possible to find. There were 1.5 million made in total.

Approximate Value: $2-3

1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime- When these dimes were made, the US mint made the coins. The individual branches of the mint (eg. San Francisco, Denver) would then punch it with a mint-mark. For example, coins released by the Denver mint would say “D” or the San Francisco mint would say “S”. These dimes are missing that mint-mark.

The Most Valuable Dimes in Circulation
The Most Valuable Dimes in Circulation

Approximate Value: $35- 50.

1965- Roosevelt Silver Dime- In the 1960s, the US was moving from making dimes out of 90% silver to the nickel and copper-clad dime. During this transition, some silver dimes were made in error using the wrong materials or the wrong die.

This caused the dimes to be slightly heavier than they should be. If you have a very accurate digital scale, you will find that some of the 1964 dimes weigh 2.50 grams, and some weigh 2.60 grams or more. This error is extremely rare with only a few known examples.

Experience History and Enrich Your Life By Collecting Coins:

They are fun conversation starters and have enough beauty to add interest to any great collection. Many of the coins you have read about today would fit into the “Premium” tier of our proven diversification strategy (link).

If you are interested in learning more about a low-risk way to start investing in coins, feel free to reach out to us by emailing ipmhelp@preciousmetals.com or calling 1-800-781-2090.

They are also excellent learning aids. It has been proven that young people learn better when they are able to feel and touch it with their hands. These coins tell the story of America in a way future generations will understand. From our great founding fathers to the symbolism of the bald eagle, the United States of America never looked so good.

If you’re interested in reading more about rare US coins, check out some of our other great posts including, ‘Indian Head Pennies’, ‘Why Do Pennies Turn Green? ‘ and ‘US Mint Coins’.

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