In a remarkable twist of luck, a retired schoolteacher from upstate New York uncovered what’s now being hailed as one of the most valuable modern coins in American history.
Hidden in an old coin album passed down from her father, a 1975 Roosevelt dime with no mint mark has been confirmed as authentic and worth a staggering $1.5 million.
This ultra-rare coin, previously unknown to the collector community, has now joined a tiny group of similar dimes—only two other verified specimens exist.
Let’s dive into how this coin became so valuable, what makes it special, and how you can find out if you have one too.
The Million-Dollar Error: Why This Dime Is Special
The 1975 Roosevelt dime in question lacks a mint mark, which makes it incredibly rare. Here’s why that’s a big deal:
In 1975, the San Francisco Mint produced proof coins, which are special high-quality coins made for collectors. These coins are almost always marked with an “S” mint mark.
However, due to a die mix-up at the mint, a small number of proof dimes were struck without the “S” mint mark, despite being minted in San Francisco.
These “1975 No S Roosevelt Dimes” were never supposed to exist. They were mistakenly included in a limited number of proof sets and are now considered one of the holy grails of modern numismatics.
Details Behind the $1.5 Million Discovery
The newly discovered coin was found tucked away in a plastic sleeve among other coins in an inherited collection. Unaware of its value, the finder nearly sold the album at a yard sale—until a sharp-eyed local dealer noticed the unusual dime and advised her to get it professionally graded.
The coin was sent to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) for authentication. After detailed examination, PCGS confirmed it was one of the rare No-S 1975 proof dimes.
Key Facts About the $1.5 Million Roosevelt Dime
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1975 |
| Type | Roosevelt Dime (Proof) |
| Mint Mark | None (“No S” Error) |
| Condition | Gem Proof, Uncirculated |
| Grading Authority | PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) |
| Estimated Value | $1.5 Million (as of latest private offers) |
| Known Examples | 3 confirmed (including this discovery) |
| Found In | Coin album inherited from collector |
Why Collectors Value It So Highly
- Rarity: Only three known specimens exist.
- Minting Error: The absence of the “S” mint mark is a verified mistake from the San Francisco Mint.
- Condition: This example is in mint, uncirculated proof condition.
- Historical Significance: Proof sets from transitional years (like 1975) often carry high collector interest.
What Should You Look For?
To determine if you might have a rare Roosevelt dime like this one:
- Check the Date: Look for dimes dated 1975.
- Look for Mint Mark: Inspect below the date on the obverse (front) side. A standard 1975 proof dime should have an “S”. If it’s missing, proceed with caution—it may be worth examining.
- Proof Features: Proof coins have a mirror-like finish, sharp details, and are typically housed in protective cases or folders.
- Avoid Cleaning: Don’t try to polish or clean the coin, as this reduces its value.
What to Do If You Think You Have One
- Do not spend it.
- Consult a professional coin dealer.
- Send it to PCGS or NGC for grading.
- Avoid altering or cleaning the coin in any way.
Even if your dime turns out not to be the $1.5 million version, radar dimes, misprints, and low-mintage coins can still be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
This story proves that hidden treasures can be found in the most unexpected places—even in a dusty old coin album. The $1.5 million Roosevelt dime is a testament to the thrill of numismatics and a wake-up call to everyday collectors.
Whether you inherited a collection or have a few coins tucked away in a drawer, now is the time to take a second look. One overlooked coin could change your life, just like it did for this lucky New Yorker.
FAQs
Why is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime so rare?
It was the result of a minting error where proof dimes meant to be struck with an “S” mint mark were accidentally struck without one, and only a few sets escaped quality control.
How many of these dimes exist?
Only three confirmed examples of the 1975 No S proof Roosevelt Dime are known. This makes it one of the rarest modern coins in U.S. history.
Can circulated 1975 dimes be valuable too?
Regular 1975 dimes are not rare unless they exhibit mint errors, are in unusually good condition, or come from proof sets without a mint mark.