Imagine holding an ordinary-looking dime in your hand—just a simple ten-cent coin you might receive as change at a grocery store. Now, imagine discovering that this tiny piece of metal is worth nearly $900,000. That is not just a collector’s dream—it’s the incredible reality surrounding the 1975 Roosevelt Dime, specifically the ultra-rare No-S Proof Dime. For coin enthusiasts and numismatists across the world, this small coin represents one of the most extraordinary minting errors in American history.
Only two known specimens of the 1975 Roosevelt Dime without the “S” mint mark exist today. One sold for $506,250 at auction, and experts suggest that if another one ever surfaces, it could easily reach close to $900,000. To understand why this coin is so valuable, we need to dive into its history, design, and the fascinating events that made it such a numismatic legend.
History of the Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 Roosevelt Dime belongs to a coin series that began in 1946, introduced to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had passed away in 1945. Roosevelt, deeply admired for his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, also played a crucial role in establishing the March of Dimes Foundation, dedicated to fighting polio. To commemorate his legacy, the U.S. Mint decided to place his portrait on the dime.
The coin was designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock. The obverse (front) of the coin features Roosevelt’s bust facing left, with the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”. The reverse (back) displays a torch in the center, symbolizing liberty, flanked by an olive branch (representing peace) and an oak branch (representing strength and independence).
Originally, the Roosevelt Dime was minted in 90% silver, but starting in 1965, due to rising silver prices, the composition changed to a copper-nickel clad alloy. Despite the change, the dime retained its iconic design, becoming a staple in American currency and a favorite among collectors.
Mint Marks and Their Importance
Mint marks are tiny letters on coins that indicate the mint facility where they were produced. For the 1975 Roosevelt Dime, there were three mints involved:
- Philadelphia Mint – No mint mark.
- Denver Mint – Marked with a “D”.
- San Francisco Mint – Marked with an “S”.
The San Francisco Mint is particularly important because it produced proof coins—special coins struck with polished dies and planchets to achieve a high-quality, mirror-like finish. These proof coins were not intended for circulation but were sold to collectors in proof sets.
Normally, all San Francisco proof dimes carried the “S” mint mark. However, in 1975, a few proof dimes were mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark, creating the legendary 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime.
The Mystery of the 1975 No-S Proof Dime
In 1975, the San Francisco Mint produced more than 2.8 million proof sets. Among these, at least two dimes were minted without the “S” mark. This tiny oversight turned an otherwise ordinary proof coin into one of the rarest modern U.S. coins.
The absence of a mint mark on a proof coin is extremely significant. While Philadelphia business-strike dimes also lacked mint marks, the difference is that proof coins are not meant for circulation and are struck with precision. This makes the 1975 Roosevelt Dime without the “S” both a minting error and a numismatic treasure.
Only two confirmed specimens of the 1975 Roosevelt Dime No-S Proof exist, making it one of the rarest coins of the 20th century.
Record-Breaking Auction Prices
The 1975 Roosevelt Dime has consistently broken records whenever it appeared at auction. Its rarity, combined with its pristine condition, drives collectors into fierce bidding wars.
Some notable auction results include:
- 2011 – One sold for $349,600.
- 2019 – Another fetched $456,000.
- 2024 – The most recent sale reached $506,250.
Experts believe the price will only rise as demand for rare coins grows and the limited supply makes them even more desirable. If another specimen were to surface, estimates suggest it could command close to $900,000, cementing the 1975 Roosevelt Dime as one of the most valuable modern coins.
Identifying the 1975 Roosevelt Dime
One of the biggest challenges for collectors is distinguishing the ultra-rare No-S Proof Dime from ordinary dimes minted in 1975. Here’s how to spot the difference:
- Proof vs. Business Strike: Proof coins have a sharp, mirror-like finish, while regular coins struck for circulation look duller.
- Mint Marks: Philadelphia dimes from 1975 also lack mint marks, but they are business strikes, not proofs. The No-S dime is a proof coin that should have had an “S”.
- Surface and Luster: Proof dimes are struck multiple times with polished dies, giving them a distinctive shine that sets them apart from circulation coins.
Because the differences can be subtle, any suspected 1975 Roosevelt Dime No-S Proof should be sent for professional authentication.
Interesting Discovery Stories
The story of how these rare dimes came to light is just as fascinating as their value.
One example occurred when a collector carefully inspected a 1975 proof set he had purchased. He noticed that the dime lacked the usual “S” mint mark. Realizing the potential rarity, he sent it for authentication, and it was confirmed as one of the elusive 1975 Roosevelt Dimes.
Another story involves a dairy farm family from Ohio. In 1978, they bought one of the two known specimens for $18,200 as an investment. For decades, they kept it safely locked away in a bank vault. In 2024, when they finally decided to auction it, the dime fetched an astonishing $506,250, delivering them a life-changing return.
These stories prove that sometimes, life’s greatest treasures are hidden in the smallest details.
Investment Value of the 1975 Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 Roosevelt Dime is more than just a coin—it’s a high-value asset. Rare coins like this often appreciate in value over time due to three main factors:
- Scarcity – With only two known specimens, the supply is nearly nonexistent.
- Historical Significance – Minting errors, especially on proof coins, intrigue collectors and historians alike.
- Market Demand – As coin collecting continues to grow globally, demand for rare finds keeps pushing prices upward.
For serious investors, owning a 1975 Roosevelt Dime is not only a matter of prestige but also a potentially lucrative financial decision.
Conclusion
The story of the 1975 Roosevelt Dime is proof that extraordinary value can be hidden in the most ordinary places. Whether sitting unnoticed in a proof set, tucked away in an old coin album, or locked in a safe, this dime represents the excitement of discovery and the enduring passion of coin collecting.
With its unique error, extreme rarity, and record-breaking auction prices, the 1975 Roosevelt Dime stands as one of the crown jewels of modern American numismatics. It’s not just a coin—it’s a piece of history, a symbol of chance, and a reminder that sometimes, even the smallest objects can carry immense worth.
FAQs
Q. What is the 1975 Roosevelt Dime No-S Proof?
It is a rare proof dime struck in San Francisco in 1975 without the “S” mint mark, making it incredibly valuable.
Q. How many of these dimes are known to exist?
Only two confirmed specimens of the 1975 Roosevelt Dime No-S Proof are known today.
Q. Why is the 1975 Roosevelt Dime so valuable?
Its rarity, error status, proof quality, and historical importance make it worth more than $500,000 at auction.
Q. How can I identify a 1975 Roosevelt Dime No-S Proof?
Look for a mirror-like proof finish and the absence of the “S” mint mark. Always seek professional grading and authentication.
Q. Could more of these dimes still be undiscovered?
Yes. It’s possible some may still be hiding in proof sets or private collections, waiting to be discovered.
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