Coin roll hunting is a technique in which you look through rolls of coins that have been deposited in banks in an effort to identify coins that are either uncommon or expensive. The goal of this process is to find coins that are either rare or unique.
Dime Coin Roll Hunting: What To Look For In Rolls Of Dimes
When you are searching for dimes, there are a few things that you should keep an eye out for in order to increase the possibility of finding more of them. These factors are listed below. You need to be on the lookout for a few things, including the following factors:
1. Silver Dimes (Before 1965)
90% Silver Dimes: Before 1965, dimes were made of 90% silver. In rolls, these are often the coins that people want the most. To find dimes from the years 1964 and older, look for Mercury dimes and Roosevelt dimes.
The amount of silver in a dime from before 1965 makes it worth more than its face value, which changes with the price of silver on the market. From 1916 to 1945, Mercury Dimes:
People really like collecting these, and they’re often the most expensive silver dimes. Some dates, like 1916-D, are very hard to find and can make coins more expensive. Roosevelt Dimes (1946–1964):
There is still more worth in these dimes because they are made of silver. Pay close attention to the state and any mint marks that are hard to find.
2. Coins of Error
Clipped Planchets: Look for dimes that miss a small piece of their edge or look like they’ve had a “bite” taken out of them. When the die hits the planchet (the blank metal disk), it’s not in the right place, this happens.
Off-Center Strikes: These happen when the coin isn’t lined up right in the coining press, leaving parts of the edge or the pattern out of place.
Double Strikes: A coin is struck twice, which can show up as a double image or writing, especially on the date or mint mark.
Not the Right Planchet: Sometimes, a dime is made on the blank for a different coin, like a penny or a quarter.
3. Important dates and rare coins
1942–1945 During World War II, the U.S. Mint made silver dimes with 35% silver content. These coins were called “wartime dimes” because they helped save silver for the war effort. These are still worth something, especially if you can find one that is in good shape.
Dimes from the 1930s and 1940s: Some dimes from the 1930s and 1940s have smaller mintage numbers and can be worth more than their face value, especially if they’re in great shape (MS-65 or higher).
4. Grade and Condition
High-Grade Dimes: Look for dimes that are in great shape (not used before and with very little wear). Collectors might pay more for high-grade coins, especially if they come from important years or mints that aren’t used very often.
Marks of the mint: On older dimes, pay close attention to the mint marks. It’s possible that a 1945-D Mercury dime is worth more than a 1945 dime that doesn’t have a mint mark or is from a different mint.
5. New Errors and Varieties
After 1965, Roosevelt Dimes: Most modern dimes are not made of silver, but you can still find mistakes or rare types. For instance, dime designs that are turned over make the design look like it is twice as big or fuzzy
Not having mint marks: Some dimes are made without the mint mark, which can make them more valuable.
Look for dimes that have pieces of paper or other things that weren’t there when they were minted. These are called strike-through mistakes.
See More: Rare & Valuable 1996 Dimes Worth Money You Should Be Looking For
6. Years with Low Minimums
Some dimes from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s were only made in small numbers. Finding these in good shape can be fun, even though they aren’t worth much more than their face value. This is especially true for collectors who want to find full date runs or certain mint sets.
