Dime : In the fascinating world of numismatics, ordinary pocket change can sometimes hide extraordinary treasures.
One such treasure is the rare 1975 “No S” Roosevelt dime, with only two known examples that have sold for astronomical amounts, with one specimen fetching $456,000 at auction in 2019 and then quickly reselling for $516,000.
While this specific dime represents the pinnacle of valuable Roosevelt dimes, there are several other error dimes and rare varieties that could be worth tens of thousands of dollars, making every dime in your wallet worth a second look.
The Million-Dollar Mystery: Understanding Valuable Dimes
The 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime: The Crown Jewel
The 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime is a rare error coin that represents one of the most elusive and expensive modern rarities issued by the United States Mint.
To understand why this tiny coin commands such extraordinary prices, we need to explore what makes it so special.
The 1975 Proof sets had a mintage of 2,845,450, with each set priced at $7 and containing coins from multiple denominations including the Roosevelt dime.
However, the “No S” dime refers to the fact that the mint mark, usually an ‘S’ for San Francisco, is missing from this proof coin, which is a specialized type with great detail encased in plastic and isn’t meant for general circulation.
How the Error Occurred
Beginning in 1968, when the San Francisco Mint began striking Proof coins, all dies for Proof coins were prepared at the Philadelphia Mint by adding a mintmark to a normal P-Mint die.
However, some dies escaped this process, resulting in “No-S” dimes in 1968, 1970, 1975, and 1983.
The extreme rarity can be explained in two ways: either the error was discovered at the Mint in time to stop production after only a very small quantity had been distributed, or the coins were deliberately made as part of other remarkable proof errors that emerged during the early 1970s.
Other Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Your Attention
The 1968-S No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime
The 1968-S Roosevelt Dime without the mintmark is a proof error coin that can be highly valuable, with the Professional Coin Grading Service certifying only 18 specimens since 1986, and Heritage Auctions selling one for over $40,000 in 2008.
The 1970-S No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime
A few 1970-S Roosevelt Dimes were mistakenly struck without the mint mark, making them valuable to collectors, with Coin Appraiser valuing this coin at approximately $250.
Pre-1965 Silver Roosevelt Dimes
Generally, U.S. dimes made after 1964 are not worth much more than their face value, but dimes minted before 1965 can be worth significantly more due to their silver content and rarity.
When searching through change, collectors should always set aside all pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes, which contain a 90% silver composition and are worth significantly more than their face value.
Current Market Trends and Values in 2025
The Modern Coin Market Explosion
The modern coin market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers reporting a 40% increase in rare coin submissions in just the first half of 2025.
Experts note that people don’t realize just how many rare coins are still in circulation, with routine shopping trips potentially netting valuable discoveries.
Social Media’s Role in Coin Collecting
Social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have played a major role in fueling the coin-collecting craze of 2025, with influencers regularly sharing videos of finding coins worth hundreds or thousands during routine transactions.
Record-Breaking Sales and Future Projections
Given the growing interest in rare coins and their appreciating value, experts believe that if another 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime specimen were to surface, it could command a price approaching or even exceeding $900,000.
Identifying Valuable Dimes: What to Look For
Key Distinguishing Features
Proof vs. Business Strike Coins
Proof coins have a mirror-like finish and are struck with special dies intended for collectors, while business strike coins are made for general circulation and lack the polished appearance of proofs.
To properly identify a valuable 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime, one must distinguish a Proof coin made for collectors from a business strike made for circulation.
Mint Marks and Their Significance
Understanding mint marks is crucial for identifying valuable dimes. In 1975, dimes were minted in three locations: Denver (D mark), Philadelphia (no mark for circulation), and San Francisco (S mark for proof coins).
Factors That Determine Value
Several factors contribute to a dime’s value including mintage errors, low circulation numbers, metal composition, historical significance, and condition grade, with coins showing minimal wear being more valuable.
The Discovery Stories: From Pocket Change to Fortune
The Original 1975 No-S Discovery
The two known 1975 No-S Roosevelt dimes were originally discovered by a California woman who purchased five proof sets from the United States Mint in 1975, with the coins being sold in the late 1970s to an Illinois coin dealer.
One of the two known 1975 No-S dimes has a particularly interesting history: in 1978, a dairy farming family from Ohio bought the coin for $18,200 as a financial safety net, keeping it in a bank vault for over four decades until it was sold at auction in 2024 for over $500,000.
How to Check Your Own Collection
Where to Look
For rare dimes, collectors should check reject bins of machines that convert loose change to cash, examine proof sets, and carefully inspect any pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes for silver content.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
It’s important to distinguish between genuine rare coins and common circulation strikes.
Many 1975 Roosevelt dimes without mint marks are being offered online for exorbitant prices by opportunistic sellers targeting misinformed collectors who think they’re getting a known rarity when they’re actually buying a common coin worth face value.
Professional Authentication and Grading
Since just two examples of the Proof 1975-S Roosevelt No S dime have been authenticated to date, professional grading and authentication through services like PCGS is essential for establishing authenticity and value.
Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Comparison Table
| Year | Type | Estimated Value | Known Examples | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | No-S Proof | $456,000-$516,000 | 2 | Missing S mintmark on proof |
| 1968 | No-S Proof | $40,000+ | 18 certified | Missing S mintmark on proof |
| 1970 | No-S Proof | $250 | Limited | Missing S mintmark on proof |
| 1983 | No-S Proof | $65-$175 | Various | Missing mintmark |
| Pre-1965 | Silver Content | $2-$1,000+ | Millions | 90% silver composition |
| 1996-W | Anniversary | $2-$50 | 1.457 million | West Point mint mark |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if my 1975 dime is the valuable No-S proof version? A: The valuable version must be a proof coin with mirror-like finish, missing the S mintmark, and authenticated by professional grading services.
Regular 1975 circulation dimes without mintmarks are common and worth face value.
Q: Are there other years of No-S Roosevelt dimes worth money? A: Yes, the 1968 No-S proof dime can be worth over $40,000, while 1970 and 1983 No-S varieties also carry premium values, though much less than the 1975 version.
Q: Where should I look for valuable dimes in circulation? A: Check proof sets, coin roll hunting, change rejection bins at coin counting machines, and always examine any pre-1965 dimes for silver content.
