What if you found out that a tiny 10-cent coin in your piggy bank was actually worth millions of dollars? That’s exactly what happened with the 1894-S Barber Dime, one of the rarest coins in American history. Only 24 were ever made, and today, they’re worth a fortune. The most amazing part? One was actually found in a piggy bank years after it went missing! Here’s the unbelievable story of this multi-million-dollar dime.
Why Is the 1894-S Barber Dime So Valuable?
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest coins in the U.S. Here’s why:
Only 24 were minted in San Francisco (the “S” mint mark).
Just 9 are known to exist today—the rest are lost or destroyed.
One sold for $2.6 million in 2022, making it the most expensive dime ever.
Experts believe these dimes were made as special gifts for bankers, not for regular use.
The Crazy Story of the Piggy Bank Dime
The most famous 1894-S Barber Dime was found by accident in the 1950s. Here’s how it happened:
- A bank teller in the early 1900s supposedly got three of these dimes as a bonus.
- He gave one to his young daughter, who spent it on ice cream (ouch!).
- The other two were saved—one was sold, and the last one sat in a piggy bank for decades.
- Years later, the daughter (now grown up) broke open the piggy bank—and found a fortune inside!
How Much Is an 1894-S Barber Dime Worth Today?
Because so few exist, the price keeps going higher and higher:
- 1990s: Sold for around $100,000
- 2005: One sold for $1.3 million
- 2022: A top-condition dime sold for $2.6 million
If another one is found today, it could be worth even more!
How to Spot a Real 1894-S Barber Dime
Since this coin is so rare, fakes exist. Here’s how to check if a dime is real:
Look for the “S” mint mark (San Francisco) below the wreath.
Check the date—only 1894-S is this valuable.
Get it certified by a coin expert—real ones have documentation.
If you ever find one, don’t clean it! That can lower its value.
Could Another 1894-S Dime Be Out There?
It’s very unlikely, but not impossible!
- Some may still be hidden in old collections.
- A few could have been lost or melted down over the years.
- If another one turns up, it could break auction records again.
So, if you have old coins lying around, take a closer look!
The Rarest Dime in America
The 1894-S Barber Dime is more than just a coin—it’s a piece of history. From being a banker’s gift to getting lost in a piggy bank for years, its story is as fascinating as its value.
Who knows? Maybe there’s one more out there, waiting to be discovered. If you ever find it, you could be instantly rich!
