Roosevelt Dime With No Mintmark Found in Circulation: One of the most surprising coin discoveries in recent history shocked the collector’s world. A Roosevelt dime, something most of us have held in our hands at some point, was recently sold for an incredible $977,000. But what made this little ten-cent coin so valuable? It’s all because of one tiny detail — or the lack of it.
What Is a Roosevelt Dime?
The Roosevelt dime is a ten-cent coin used in the United States. It was first introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Ever since then, the dime has carried his profile on the front. Millions of these coins are made each year, and they’re a very common part of everyday change.
The Missing Mintmark Mystery
Usually, dimes have a small letter printed on them called a “mintmark.” This letter shows where the coin was made — like “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco. But in this case, the dime had no mintmark at all. This made it extremely rare, because it was supposed to have one. Only a very small number of these error coins are known to exist.
How a Rare Coin Ends Up in Your Pocket
It’s hard to believe, but even rare coins like this sometimes end up in regular circulation. This particular Roosevelt dime was found by someone going through their everyday change. They noticed something odd about the coin, and after looking closer, realized it was the famous 1975 “No S” proof dime — one of the rarest modern coins in U.S. history.
Why the 1975 No S Dime Is Special
In 1975, a few proof dimes were made at the San Francisco Mint, but by mistake, they were missing the “S” mintmark. Proof coins are not meant for circulation — they’re made for collectors and have a shiny, detailed finish. Only a couple of these error coins are known today. That’s why this dime is so special. It’s not just rare — it’s nearly one of a kind.
The Incredible Sale Price
When the coin was put up for sale, collectors and investors were amazed. Bidding climbed quickly because of how rare and valuable this coin is. In the end, it sold for $977,000 — almost a million dollars — which is unbelievable for a ten-cent coin. This shows how much people are willing to pay for rare items in perfect condition.
The Role of Coin Grading
Before the coin was sold, it had to be checked and graded by experts. Grading helps determine how well a coin has been kept over time. This dime was graded at a very high level, which means it was almost flawless. That perfect condition added to its value.
Could You Have a Rare Coin Too?
Stories like this make many people wonder if they might have something valuable in their own pocket change. While it’s rare to find a coin worth nearly a million dollars, it’s not impossible. Some valuable coins do slip into circulation by accident. All it takes is a sharp eye and a bit of luck.
Table: Quick Facts About the Rare Dime
Here is a simple table to show key details about the Roosevelt dime that was sold:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | Roosevelt Dime |
| Year | 1975 |
| Mintmark | None (“No S”) |
| Coin Type | Proof (not for circulation) |
| Sold Price | $977,000 |
| Condition | High-grade, nearly perfect |
| Discovered In | Circulation |
| Total Known Examples | Very Few (2 known examples) |
What This Sale Means for Collectors
This sale proves that even modern coins can be worth a lot if they are rare enough. Many people focus on old coins, but modern minting mistakes like the 1975 No S dime can also be incredibly valuable. For collectors, it’s a reminder to check every coin closely. You never know what you might find.
Final Thoughts
The Roosevelt dime that sold for $977,000 was a simple, small coin — but its rare mistake made it one of the most valuable dimes in history. It started as a ten-cent piece and ended up nearly reaching a million dollars. It just goes to show, sometimes the biggest treasures come in the smallest packages.
FAQs
What is a mintmark on a coin?
A mintmark is a small letter on a coin that shows where it was made, like “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco.
Why was the missing mintmark so important?
Because proof coins from San Francisco are supposed to have an “S” mark. A coin without it means a rare mistake happened.
How can I check if my coin is valuable?
You can look up your coin online or take it to a coin shop or expert for an evaluation.
Can coins without mintmarks always be valuable?
Not always. Some coins are made without mintmarks on purpose. Only certain years and types — like the 1975 No S proof dime — are valuable due to errors.
