In a stunning find that’s rocking the world of coin collectors and everyday Americans, one of the first dimes ever produced by the U.S. Mint was recently rediscovered by an area man in his hometown. It has spurred newfound enthusiasm for coin searching as many look twice at the loose change that rattles around in their drawers, jars and car consoles.
The Find of a Lifetime
By multiple numismatic accounts the record setting dime is a 1975 no mint mark Roosevelt dime, and is one of the most highly sought after and rare modern coins. What makes this one different is the absence of the “S” mint mark, meaning it should never have been circulated. There are very few of these error coins found, and are a very desirable item for collectors.
In this instance, the (anonymous) lucky finder found the dime while digging through a handful of change they had received as change from a convenience store in upstate New York. Realizing the coins were possibly unique, they took the specimen to a professional appraiser, who decreed the coin authentic and historically significant.
What Makes It So Valuable?
Roosevelt Dime 1975 No-S Business The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime was finally admitted by the Mint through that bureau’s official publication. It was one of a small number of proof sets released by the San Francisco Mint. Somehow a few of these coins leaked out into circulation — a highly unusual occurrence.
Although the vast majority of 1975 dimes were struck in Philadelphia and Denver, the ones produced at San Francisco for proof sets show an “S” mint mark. Though it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, the lack of a mint mark on this proof-quality coin is an error coin, and this incredibly rare issue.
Only two or three have ever been verified as real to this day, adding to the mystique—and price—of this little but powerful piece of American coinage.
How to Spot One
Do you think you might have one in your own collection, or in your pocket change? Here’s what to look for:
- Year: 1975
- Mint Location: No mint mark at all
- Finish: Proof like mirror finish (proof-like very shiny with satin surfaces)
- Condition: Proof is a very high quality as these were not minted for circulation and were struck just like the other silver dollars.
Don’t try to clean the coin if you think you’ve found something special — it could damage its market value. Rather, visit a reliable coin dealer or submit it to a grading service (PCGS or NGC) for an evaluation.
A Wake-Up Call for Collectors of Coins
This discovery is an exciting reminder that significant treasures may be hiding in plain sight. Although coin collecting is often carried out by amateurs and is widely regarded to be the purview of antique rare coin, some modern coins, especially those that were not meant to leave the mint, are pushing the boundaries of what we consider to be valuable.
So, the next time you receive change that includes a few dimes, take a moment to really look. But that lowly coin could be more valuable than a luxury car — or a house, for that matter.
FAQs:
A Rare $2.8 Million Roosevelt Dime, and Other Popular Coins Design by Grey Rose of Images Express 1 of 13 Stack’s Bowers LOOK Up Close This 5-cent piece is one of only five ever made in gold and only three known to exist today.
What, precisely, is going on with the $2.8 million Roosevelt dime?
A: It is a scarce 1975 a mint mark Roosevelt dime (the 19 75 No-S proof dime). It is thought that only a handful exist and that they were “accidentally released into circulation.” It is so rare and such an error that the coin is worth millions of dollars when sold to collectors.
What’s the big deal with the missing mint mark?
A: San Francisco proof dimes generally have a “S” mint mark. If you happen to find a certain proof-quality 1975 dime with no mint mark, you’ll notice a mistake so grave that it would have never been officially released and that adds to its rarity and value.
How many of these scarce dimes are there?
A: 1975 NO-S Roosevelt Dime Only two are known to exist of this, which also makes it one of the more valuable U.S. modern coins.
