Roosevelt Dime : Imagine flipping through an old coin album tucked away in an attic and discovering a single dime worth over $2 million. That’s exactly what happened when a rare 1975 Roosevelt dime without a mintmark was found — now valued at a stunning $2.3 million.
A Dime Worth a Fortune
At first glance, the Roosevelt dime is one of the most ordinary coins in American currency. But one particular version — the 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime — is anything but ordinary. Only two examples are known to exist, and one of them was recently discovered in an inherited coin album, turning an everyday collection into a multimillion-dollar treasure.
The Mystery of the 1975 No-S Dime
In 1975, the U.S. Mint produced special proof coins for collectors at the San Francisco Mint. These coins typically bear an “S” mintmark to indicate where they were struck. However, due to a die error, a tiny handful of 1975 Roosevelt dimes were produced without the “S” mintmark — and somehow escaped the Mint in official proof sets.
The result? An extremely rare and valuable mint error.
An Accidental Treasure
The $2.3 million example was discovered by a family going through a late relative’s coin collection. Inside a dusty album of U.S. proof coins, they spotted a 1975 dime that looked slightly unusual. Upon close inspection, they noticed the “S” mintmark was missing. A trip to a professional coin dealer confirmed their suspicion — they had found one of the only known 1975 No-S Roosevelt Proof Dimes.
The coin was later authenticated and graded PR68 (Proof 68) by PCGS, and sold at auction for an astonishing $2.3 million.
Why So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the coin’s extraordinary value:
- Extreme Rarity: Only two confirmed examples are known to exist.
- Mint Error: Proof coins are supposed to be flawless, making this kind of mistake extremely rare.
- Collector Demand: Proof errors from the U.S. Mint are highly prized, especially when they escape detection.
- Historical Significance: The error tells a story about how even the most controlled minting processes can go awry.
How to Check Your Own Dimes
While most Roosevelt dimes are worth face value, it’s always worth checking. Here’s what to look for:
- Year: 1975
- Proof Coin Only: This error occurred on proof coins, not circulation dimes.
- No “S” Mintmark: Located just above the date, between Roosevelt’s neck and the edge.
- Mirror-like Finish: Proof coins have sharp details and a reflective surface.
If you suspect you have a rare proof coin, contact a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC immediately.
Other Valuable Roosevelt Dimes
Though the 1975 No-S is the crown jewel, other Roosevelt dimes worth checking for include:
- 1968 No-S Proof Dime
- 1970 No-S Proof Dime
- 1982 No-P Circulation Strike Dime
Each of these coins has a unique error or variation that makes them highly collectible.
Final Thoughts: Hidden Riches in Plain Sight
The $2.3 million Roosevelt dime serves as a powerful reminder that hidden treasures don’t always come in gold bars or rare stamps. Sometimes, they’re waiting in a forgotten coin album, hiding in plain sight.
So the next time you find yourself flipping through an old collection — or even your pocket change — take a closer look. That little dime could be worth a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs.)
Q1: What makes the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime so valuable?
A: This coin is a rare proof mint error. In 1975, proof dimes were supposed to have an “S” mintmark (for San Francisco), but a few were mistakenly struck without it. Only two verified examples are known to exist, making it one of the rarest modern U.S. coins.
Q2: What is a proof coin?
A: Proof coins are specially made for collectors. They are struck with polished dies on specially prepared planchets, giving them a mirror-like finish and sharp details. They are not intended for circulation and are typically sold in sets.
Q3: How do I identify a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime?
A: Look for the following:
- Date: 1975
- No mintmark: The space above the date (between Roosevelt’s neck and the coin’s edge) should be blank.
- Proof finish: The coin should have a mirror-like surface with frosted design elements.
Q4: Can regular circulation dimes have this error too?
A: No. The 1975 No-S error only occurred on proof dimes, which were made specifically at the San Francisco Mint and sold in collector sets. Circulation dimes from 1975 were produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints and did not include this error.
Q5: How rare is the 1975 No-S proof dime?
A: Only two authentic examples have ever been confirmed, making it one of the rarest coins in U.S. numismatic history.