Roosevelt dime worth $1.5 million : Sometimes treasure isn’t buried—it’s tucked away in a forgotten coin album. That’s what one lucky collector discovered when a seemingly ordinary Roosevelt dime turned out to be an incredibly rare minting error now valued at a staggering $1.5 million.
The Surprising Find
While sorting through a dusty collection of proof coins inherited from a late relative, a coin enthusiast stumbled upon a 1970 Roosevelt dime that lacked something crucial: the “S” mintmark. Though subtle, this missing detail set the coin apart as one of the most elusive U.S. minting mistakes known to collectors.
After verification from professional graders, the dime was authenticated as a 1970 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime, one of only a few confirmed to exist—and one that hadn’t surfaced in decades.
Why It’s Worth $1.5 Million
Several factors contribute to the incredible value of this dime:
- Extreme Rarity: Fewer than 10 verified examples of the 1970 No-S proof dime are known.
- Mint Error: Proof coins struck at the San Francisco Mint are expected to have an “S” mintmark. The absence of this mark signifies a serious and rare minting oversight.
- High Demand: Mint errors on proof coins, especially those released to the public in official sets, are highly sought after by serious collectors.
- Condition: The newly discovered coin was preserved in near-perfect proof condition, boosting its market value.
The combination of rarity, quality, and historical curiosity pushed its appraised value to $1.5 million—making it one of the most valuable Roosevelt dimes ever discovered.
What Is a “No-S” Proof Coin?
In the coin world, a “No-S” proof coin is a proof strike from the San Francisco Mint that is missing the expected ‘S’ mintmark. These mistakes are incredibly rare, as proof coins are carefully manufactured and inspected.
In the case of the 1970 No-S dime, a working die without the mintmark was mistakenly used to strike a small number of proof coins. Some escaped into official proof sets and entered the hands of collectors unaware of their significance.
How to Spot a 1970 No-S Dime
If you have a 1970 proof set, check the dime for these features:
- Date: 1970
- Mintmark: No “S” above the year (the mintmark should be to the right of Roosevelt’s neck).
- Finish: Mirror-like surface typical of proof coins
- Sharp Detail: Strongly defined edges and design elements
If you find a match, it’s worth having the coin professionally authenticated by PCGS or NGC.
Other Valuable No-S Dimes
The 1970 No-S isn’t the only dime with hidden value. Other examples include:
- 1968 No-S Proof Dime
- 1975 No-S Proof Dime (worth over $2 million)
- 1983 No-S Proof Dime
Each of these carries significant collector interest due to similar minting errors.
Final Thoughts: Your Pocket Change Could Hold a Fortune
The discovery of a $1.5 million Roosevelt dime is more than a collector’s dream—it’s proof that incredible value can be hiding in plain sight. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a casual collector, this story is a reminder to examine every coin carefully.
So before you cash in that old proof set or ignore that forgotten coin album, take a closer look. That small silver dime might just be your ticket to a life-changing windfall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs.)
Q1: What exactly is the 1970 No-S Roosevelt Dime?
A: It’s a rare proof coin struck in 1970 that is missing the “S” mintmark, which indicates it was supposed to be made at the San Francisco Mint. Only a few of these dimes are known to exist, making them extremely valuable.
Q2: Why is the missing “S” mintmark such a big deal?
A: Proof coins from 1970 were all supposed to carry the “S” mintmark. Its absence indicates a major minting error, especially rare in the highly controlled proof coin production process.
Q3: How many 1970 No-S Roosevelt Dimes exist?
A: Fewer than 10 confirmed examples are known to exist. This rarity is a key reason the coin is valued at up to $1.5 million.
Q4: How was this dime discovered?
A: It was found in an old proof set inside a forgotten coin album inherited by a family. A collector noticed the missing mintmark and had the coin authenticated.
