The world of coin collecting is full of surprises, and few stories are as fascinating as the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime. This tiny, seemingly ordinary coin has become one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. error coins, with only two known examples in existence. If you happen to find one, you could be holding a small fortune worth over $500,000. Let’s look into what makes this dime so special, how to identify it, and why collectors are willing to pay top dollar for it.
Table of Contents
Coin Details
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime |
| Minting Error | Missing “S” mint mark on a proof coin |
| Estimated Value | Over $500,000 |
| Number of Known Examples | 2 |
| Latest Auction Sale | $506,250 (October 2024) |
| Official Resource | Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) |
Background
Most dimes from 1975 were minted in Denver (D), San Francisco (S), or Philadelphia (no mint mark). However, a few proof dimes—intended for collectors—were mistakenly struck at the San Francisco Mint without the “S” mint mark. These proof coins have a mirror-like finish and sharp details, making them different from regular dimes found in circulation.
Only two examples of this rare error coin are known to exist, making it one of the scarcest U.S. dimes ever known.
Minting Error
The U.S. Mint produces proof coins with special dies that create a high-quality finish. These coins are specifically made for collectors and always bear a mint mark to indicate their origin. In 1975, all San Francisco proof dimes were supposed to have an “S” mint mark, but due to a rare mistake, a few were struck without it.
This type of mistake, known as a “No-S” proof error, has only occurred a few times in history, making these coins incredibly valuable.
Why Is It Worth $500,000?
Several factors contribute to the massive value of the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime:
Extreme Rarity
With only two examples known, this dime is one of the rarest U.S. proof errors. The fewer the coins available, the higher their value.
Auction Sales
The most recent sale of a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime happened in October 2024, fetching a record $506,250 at Heritage Auctions. With its rarity and demand from collectors, prices could continue to rise.
Proof Coin Features
Unlike regular dimes, proof coins have a mirror-like surface and sharp details. The missing “S” mint mark on a proof dime is what makes it extraordinary.
It’s important to note that a regular 1975 dime without a mint mark is NOT rare—only proof versions without the “S” mint mark are valuable.
How to Identify One
Think you might have a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime? Follow these steps to check:
Check for a Mint Mark
Look below Roosevelt’s neck on the coin’s front. If there’s an “S” mint mark, it’s NOT the rare No-S version. If there is no mint mark, further verification is needed.
Determine If It’s a Proof Coin
Proof dimes have a reflective, mirror-like finish with crisp details. If your dime looks worn or dull, it’s a regular circulated coin and not the valuable No-S proof dime.
Get Professional Authentication
If you suspect you have a 1975 No-S Proof Dime, have it authenticated by a professional grading service like:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
These services will confirm its authenticity and assign a grade, which can influence its value.
Other Valuable No-S Coins
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime isn’t the only valuable minting mistake. Here are other No-S coins that collectors seek:
| Coin | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1970 No-S Roosevelt Dime | Over $450,000 |
| 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime | $45,000+ |
| 1971 No-S Jefferson Nickel | Highly valuable proof error |
| 1990 No-S Lincoln Cent | Rare and collectible |
These errors happened when proof dies missed their mint marks, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Checking one of these rare coins could be like winning the lottery. While the chances are slim, it’s always worth checking your proof sets and old collections. If you think you have a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, professional grading is essential to verify its authenticity and value.
FAQs
How many 1975 No-S dimes exist?
Only two examples are known to exist.
How much is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime worth?
It recently sold for over $500,000 at auction.
How do I know if I have a 1975 No-S Dime?
Check for the missing ‘S’ mint mark and proof coin features.
Are regular 1975 dimes valuable?
No, only proof dimes without the ‘S’ mint mark are rare.
Where can I get my coin authenticated?
Use professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
