# Million Dollar Dimes The 1870-S Half Dime Sells Big at Auction By Rachel | Published 2009-07-22 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1870-s-half-dime References: [luxist](http://www.luxist.com/2009/07/21/tiny-half-dime-sells-for-over-one-million-dollars/) The 1870-S half dime is a seriously [rare coin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eroded-coin), and the price it was sold for solidifies the belief that it isn’t like any other dime. Made by the San Francisco Mint in 1870, the two half dimes [sold for $2.2 million](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phillips-decade-one). The 1870-S half dime is so rare because there is no record of the coins being made at the San Fransisco Mint, so these are most likely the only 2 created. You really have to love history (and 5 cent dimes) to spend $2.2 million on half dimes! Take a look at the [2 million dollar coins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Endeavor-Metals) above. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 26% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Rare Coin Collecting:** The high price of the 1870-S half dime highlights the growing trend of rare coin collecting as a lucrative investment. - **Historical Artifact Investment:** The unique nature of the 1870-S half dime presents an opportunity for investors interested in acquiring and profiting from historical artifacts. - **Alternative Asset Classes:** The record-breaking sale of the 1870-S half dime showcases the potential of alternative asset classes, such as rare coins, in diversifying investment portfolios. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Numismatics:** The rare coin market is poised for growth due to the increasing demand for unique and valuable coins like the 1870-S half dime. - **Auction Houses:** The sale of the 1870-S half dime at a staggering price highlights the importance of auction houses in facilitating high-value transactions for rare collectibles. - **Investment Banking:** The rising interest in rare coins as investments presents a potential opportunity for investment banking firms to offer specialized advisory services for clients seeking to capitalize on this market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vintage Gold Coins Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vintage-us-gold-coins.md) - [Fragrance-Inspired Collectible Coins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/44pound-gold-coin.md) - [Commemorative US Coins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bicentennial-of-harriet-tubman.md) - [Celebratory Innovation Coins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-1-innovation-coins.md) - [Commemorative Coin Releases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/commemorative-coin-release.md) - [Cartoon-Honoring Collector's Coin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/50th-anniversary-coin.md) - [Collectible Anniversary Coins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monopoly-90th.md) - [Wizard-Inspired Coin Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-royal-mint.md) - [Eroded Coin Studded Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eroded-coin.md)