Introduction
At first glance, a 1975 Roosevelt Dime might look like any other pocket change common, small, and seemingly insignificant. But one version of this everyday coin has made headlines by commanding nearly $900,000 at auction. What makes this dime so rare and valuable? The answer lies in a fascinating printing error that slipped past the U.S. Mint—one that shouldn’t even exist.
The Origin of the Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt Dime transformed into included in 1946 as a tribute to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who passed away the 12 months before. Struck through Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, the coin features Roosevelt’s portrait on the obverse and a torch among olive and okaybranches at the reverse, symbolizing liberty, peace, and power. Initially composed of 90% silver, the dime transitioned to a copper-nickel clad in 1965 because of high silver charges.
Mint Marks and What They Mean
Mint marks are small letters on coins that signify the mint where they were produced. Dimes were produced in three locations in 1975:
- Philadelphia Mint: No mint mark
- Denver Mint: ‘D’ mint mark
- San Francisco Mint: ‘S’ mint mark
The San Francisco Mint formerly produced proof coins, specially made for collectors with a high-grade finish. Proof coins typically bear the ‘S’ mint mark.
The 1975 No-S Proof Dime Mystery
During 1975, over 2.8 million proof sets were produced at the San Francisco Mint. Due to a minting defect, at least two dimes were produced without the ‘S’ mint mark.
This was a fatal error that rendered these coins extremely rare. An absence of the mint mark on a proof coin is an unusual anomaly, which makes the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime a precious treasure among collectors.
Record-Breaking Auction Prices
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime’s rarity has commanded record-breaking auction prices:
- 2011: One sold for $349,600.
- 2019: Another one sold for $456,000.
- 2024: The most recent sale reached $506,250.
With the increasing need for rare coins and their appreciating value, experts put the value of another sample at approximately or even higher than $900,000.
Distinguishing the 1975 No-S Proof Dime from Regular Issues
It is critical to differentiate the rare No-S proof dimes from regular 1975 dimes:
- Proof vs. Business Strike: Proof coins have a highly polished reflective surface and are struck using special dies, intended for collectors. Business strike coins are minted for general circulation and lack the polished appearance of proofs.
- Mint Marks: Philadelphia business strikes 1975 dimes lack a mint mark, but are not proofs. The rare No-S dimes are proofs without the ‘S’ mint mark.
To determine whether a 1975 No-S proof dime is authentic, look for the reflective surfaces typical of evidence money and the absence of the ‘S’ mint mark.
How Was It Discovered?
This rare dime was discovered via a collector who bought a 1975 evidence set from the United States Mint. When examined more closely, they saw something odd—the dime lacked a mint mark. Realizing the rarity, they sent it for verification. Once verified, the coin immediately stuck the eye of high-end collectors.
The Journey of a Remarkable Coin
One of the two reported 1975 No-S dimes has a fascinating history. A dairy farm family in Ohio purchased the coin in 1978 as an investment for $18,200. The coin remained in a bank vault for over four decades before selling at auction for over $500,000 in 2024, a tidy profit for the family.
Conclusion
Although the odds are against it, it’s not impossible. The story of the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is a powerful reminder that rare treasures can still be found in the most unexpected places, even in something as common as a coin collection or proof set. So, go ahead—check those old proof sets, your parents’ coin albums, or that dusty box in the attic. Because somewhere out there, another $900,000 dime might just be waiting to be discovered.
FAQ’s
Why are there only a few 1975 No-S dimes?
The error was caught early in production, and most of them were likely caught and crushed, so only two are known to have circulated.
How do I recognize if I own a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime?
Check the mirror polish finish of proof coins and absence of the ‘S’ mint mark. If your 1975 dime does not contain the mint mark but is not proof finished, then it is most likely a common Philadelphia type.
Are there other No-S proof coins that are valuable?
Yes
