A Hidden Treasure in a Coffee Can
In a small town in Pennsylvania, a retired librarian made a stunning discovery that turned her quiet life upside down. Emily Carter, 68, was cleaning out her attic when she found an old coffee can filled with coins. Among them was a 1916-D Mercury dime, a coin so rare it’s now valued at $975,000. What started as a simple spring cleaning task led to a life-changing find, and now experts are urging everyone to check their old coin stashes for hidden gems.
The Mercury Dime’s Special Place in History
The Mercury dime, minted from 1916 to 1945, is named for its image of Liberty with a winged cap, resembling the Roman god Mercury. Most of these dimes are worth just a few dollars, but the 1916-D version is a collector’s dream. Emily’s coin, struck in Denver, was part of a tiny mintage of just 264,000, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins. Its excellent condition, graded MS-66 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), pushed its value close to a million dollars.
| Coin Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Mercury Dime | $2 to $10 |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | Up to $975,000 |
How the Coin Was Uncovered
Emily found the coffee can among her late husband’s belongings, tucked away with old buttons and trinkets. Curious about the coins, she took them to a local coin shop. The shop owner immediately spotted the 1916-D dime’s distinct “D” mint mark and sharp details. After sending it to PCGS for verification, the coin was confirmed as a rare 1916-D in near-mint condition. News of the find spread quickly, drawing attention from collectors and auction houses eager to bid on this treasure.
Why This Dime Is So Valuable
Several factors make Emily’s dime a numismatic jackpot. The 1916-D Mercury dime had a low mintage, and many were lost or worn out over time. Its high grade, showing minimal wear, is rare for a coin over a century old. The Mercury dime’s elegant design also adds to its appeal among collectors. Recent auctions have seen similar coins sell for $700,000, but Emily’s dime, with its pristine condition, is expected to fetch even more at an upcoming sale.
| Feature | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Low Mintage | Fewer coins mean higher rarity |
| MS-66 Grade | Excellent condition increases price |
Emily’s Plans for the Fortune
Emily, who never imagined her attic held such wealth, plans to auction the dime next month in Chicago. She hopes to use the money to fund a scholarship for local students and travel to see her grandchildren. The coin, now stored in a secure vault, has become a symbol of unexpected possibility. Emily says she’s grateful for her husband’s habit of saving loose change, which led to this incredible discovery. She’s even started checking other old cans in her home, just in case.
Check Your Change for Hidden Gems
This story is a reminder that treasures can hide in everyday places. Coin experts say other rare coins, like certain Buffalo nickels or Lincoln pennies, could also be worth thousands. Emily’s find has sparked a wave of interest in coin collecting, with people digging through jars and drawers for potential fortunes. While most Mercury dimes are common, the 1916-D proves that a single small coin can hold immense value. So, next time you find an old coffee can, take a closer look. You might just find a $975,000 dime.