Imagine finding yourself about to spend a dime worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in change. That’s exactly what nearly happened to a collector when a rare Roosevelt dime—one of only two known to exist—resurfaced after decades.
This mind‑blowing coin recently sold at auction for $506,250, with another rumored to command prices as high as $720,000. It’s a powerful reminder: check your coins today—you never know what treasure might be waiting in your pocket.
What Makes a Roosevelt Dime So Valuable?
The Roosevelt dime has been minted since 1946 in massive quantities, and most are worth just their face value. But a few rare varieties—especially proof coins with missing mintmarks—can fetch astronomical prices. Among these, the 1975 “No‑S” proof dime stands out.
- Only two examples are known to exist from the 1975 San Francisco proof set—both missing the “S” mint mark normally applied to dimes from that mint.
- One of those sold in late 2024 for $506,250 at auction; the other is privately estimated to be worth up to $720,000 due to condition and provenance.
- The original finder paid just $18,200 in 1978, illustrating the staggering potential return on what seemed like pocket change.
Notable Rare Dime Sales & Values
| 1975 Proof Roosevelt “No‑S” | Missing San Francisco mintmark | 2 | $506,250 | ~$720,000 |
| 1968 Proof Roosevelt “No S” | Omitted “S” mintmark | Very few | $45,600 | — |
| 1982 Philadelphia Roosevelt “No‑P” | Missing “P” mintmark | Few known | $50–$75 (each) | — |
| 1916‑D Mercury Dime (full bands) | Denver mint “full bands” | ~246K minted | $20,400 | — |
| 1894‑S Barber Dime | Extremely rare proof dime | ~9 known | $1.3M–$1.9M (varied) | — |
The Story Behind the $720,000 Dime
In October 2024, a 1975 San Francisco proof Roosevelt dime lacking the “S” mint mark sold for $506,250 at auction. It had been tucked away in a bank vault in Ohio for over four decades by a dairy farm family, who initially acquired it in 1978 for just $18,200. Its rarity is staggering: only two such coins are known to exist.
Experts believe the second example—privately held—could sell for as much as $720,000, based on its pristine condition and collector demand.
Why These Dimes Fetch Such Prices
1. Mint Error Rarity
Missing mint marks, especially on proof coins, are extremely unusual. Proof sets are carefully struck, and mintmarks are standard—thus coins missing them are glitch-level rare.
2. Survival & Condition
Most coins enter circulation or deteriorate over time. These special error coins were preserved in vaults or collections, often in near-perfect PCGS Grade 69–70 conditions.
3. Collector Demand & Provenance
Numismatists prize documented provenance and scarcity. A coin with a known backstory and verified error status becomes a trophy piece, driving its value into six figures or more.
You Could Be Sitting on a Fortune
This story isn’t isolated. Other rare Roosevelt dime types include:
- The 1968 proof dime missing the “S”, sold recently for around $45,600.
- The 1982 Philadelphia “No‑P” dime, which can still fetch $50–$75 in circulation for mint error hunters.
- Mercury dimes, such as the 1916‑D with full bands, bring thousands—about $20,400 for certified examples.
With these potential windfalls, even more modern Roosevelt dimes—from 1975, 1968, 1982 and certain proof sets—are now eagerly checked when hidden in jars or pocket change.
What to Look For in Your Coins
- Mint mark errors: Missing or doubled mint stamps, especially “S” or “P”.
- Proof coins in circulation: Highly polished faces, cameo contrast.
- Years: 1975 proof, 1968 proof, 1982 business strikes.
- Condition: Crisp detail, no wear, clear fields—higher collector grade means more value.
Even if you spot something that looks suspicious, getting a professional PCGS or NGC coin grading before listing it for sale is essential.
A rare Roosevelt dime once nearly scrapped as trivial change turned into a $506,250 auction sensation, and its twin could fetch up to $720,000 under the right conditions. From mint mark errors to proof strike quality, coins that slipped through the cracks may still be hiding in plain sight.
If you’re at all curious, check your spare change, roll bins, and coin jars now. Even a dime that looks worthless could be your next shocking fortune. Don’t let rare coin gold slip through your fingers.
FAQs
Could a dime really be worth $720,000?
Yes. In rare cases like the 1975 Proof Roosevelt dime missing its “S” mint mark, examples have sold for over $500,000. Experts estimate the remaining known coin could command up to $720,000, based on condition and collector demand.
Which Roosevelt dime errors are most valuable?
The most prized are proof dimes from 1968 and 1975 missing mint marks, especially the 1975 No‑S proof. Also sought after are 1982 No‑P circulation dimes and well-preserved Mercury dimes like the 1916‑D full bands variety.
How can I find out if my dime is valuable?
Look for missing or unusual mint marks, crisp proof-like surfaces, or error doubling. If you suspect rarity, send the coin to a certified grading service (e.g., PCGS or NGC). An official grade dramatically increases selling potential.