It’s hard to believe anything still costs just a dime these days—but one rare dime could set you back a staggering $2.5 million.
That jaw-dropping price belongs to the 1894-S Barber Dime, which, according to Bullion Shark, sold at auction for a record-setting $2.5 million—the highest ever paid for this particular coin. While the 1894-S Barber Dime grabs headlines for its sky-high value, it’s far from the only rare dime collectors are willing to pay top dollar for.
Dimes have been part of U.S. currency since 1796, originally minted using real silver. Between 1796 and 1837, these coins featured an eagle on one side and Lady Liberty on the other. Over time, both the design and production methods evolved, resulting in many unique variations. These differences have fueled collectors’ passions and sent them searching for rare finds for generations.
Many factors can boost a coin’s value over time. A coin worth just ten cents today might be worth thousands—or even millions—in the future. Some coins gain value due to production defects, like double dies or striking errors. Others are prized for being among the first to use gold or other precious metals in their creation.
So why does the 1894-S Barber Dime command such an astronomical price? The answer lies in its rarity. Only 24 of these coins were ever minted by the San Francisco Mint. Today, just nine are known to exist in circulation. That extreme scarcity makes it one of the most difficult coins to find—and one of the most expensive U.S. coins in history.
The 1894-S Barber Dime began gaining widespread attention before the turn of the century, with one example fetching $825,000 at auction. In the years that followed, its value only grew. In 2005, two separate dimes sold—one for $1,035,000, and another for $1.3 million. By 2007, the price jumped again, with one selling for $1.9 million, according to Most Expensive Coin.
In 2016, Heritage Auctions sold a particularly pristine example—graded Proof 66—for nearly $2 million. Then, in January 2025, a Branch Mint PR66 PCGS 1894-S Barber Dime shattered that record, reaching $2.5 million at auction.
So even though dimes are small in size and face value, they can pack a serious financial punch. Rare coins from all over the world are now valued far beyond their original worth. It might be time to check your change jars, piggy banks, and couch cushions—you could be sitting on a fortune.
