It’s just a dime—small, silver, and easily overlooked. But what if that little ten-cent coin in your pocket was secretly worth thousands of dollars? That’s the mystery behind one of America’s most talked-about coins: the 1975 Roosevelt Dime. While millions of these dimes were minted for everyday use, an incredibly rare version of this coin—missing a small detail—has collectors offering tens of thousands just to get their hands on it. Two versions exist, but only one could make you rich.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime: The Error That Made History
In 1975, Roosevelt Dimes were minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The San Francisco Mint typically marked its proof coins with an “S” mintmark. But in a rare mistake, a few 1975 proof dimes were struck without the “S” mintmark, creating what is now known as the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime. Only two of these error coins are known to exist, and both are proof coins—meaning they were specially struck for collectors, not circulation. Because they were part of official proof sets, the absence of the “S” made them instantly valuable. Today, these rare dimes have fetched upwards of $350,000 at auction, making them some of the most expensive dimes ever sold.
The Regular 1975 Dime: Common But Collectible
The more common 1975 Roosevelt Dime—with the correct “S,” “D,” or no mintmark—can still be collectible if it’s in uncirculated or proof condition. These dimes are mostly worth face value, but higher-quality examples might fetch a few dollars among collectors. While it’s not the ticket to wealth, it still holds interest for those completing Roosevelt dime sets. The key, however, is distinguishing it from the ultra-rare “No-S” version.
One Mintmark Stands Between You and a Windfall
Every coin collector dreams of the moment they spot a rare error coin in a regular pile of change. The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is a perfect example of how a small difference—a missing letter—can make a massive impact. If you own any 1975 proof sets, it’s worth examining the dime closely. Because while most 1975 dimes are worth just ten cents, one version is worth a small fortune—and someone might be holding it without even knowing.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my 1975 dime is the rare one?
Check for a mintmark just above the date. If it’s a proof coin from 1975 and there’s no “S” mintmark, it could be the rare No-S version. It’s best to have it authenticated by a professional.
2. What is a proof coin?
Proof coins are specially made for collectors with high-quality finishes. They are struck using polished dies and are typically sold in sets. The rare 1975 No-S dime is a proof coin.
3. Can I find a No-S 1975 dime in my change?
It’s highly unlikely, as both known No-S 1975 dimes came from proof sets and were never meant for circulation. But checking older proof sets is still worth it.
4. Where can I get my dime checked or appraised?
You can visit a professional coin dealer, attend a coin show, or submit it to grading services like PCGS or NGC for verification and appraisal.
5. Are there other valuable Roosevelt dimes?
Yes, other rare varieties include the 1982 No-P dime and some early Roosevelt dimes in high grades or with mint errors. Always examine your coins carefully.
