1975 Dime with Rare Error Shatters Records, Sells for $506,250

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Rare coins are far more than just currency—they hold the power to captivate collectors and historians alike, often skyrocketing in value when they possess unique characteristics. A remarkable example is the 1975 Roosevelt dime, which recently sold for an astounding $506,250 at auction, breaking records. This small ten-cent coin, minted nearly 50 years ago, is now worth a fortune thanks to a rare minting error.

The Story Behind the Rare 1975 Dime

The tale of this elusive dime begins at the U.S. Mint in San Francisco. Normally, coins minted here bear the “S” mint mark, but this particular dime is missing it. With only two known examples in existence, the absence of the “S” mark turned this coin into a highly coveted piece of numismatic history.

In 1975, the U.S. Mint produced over 2.8 million proof sets, which included a variety of coins, such as a dime. Proof sets are specially struck coins, often with polished dies, making them visually stunning and of a higher quality than standard coins. Amid the production, two dimes inexplicably left the mint without the “S” mint mark. These rare anomalies have piqued the interest of collectors, transforming the 1975 dime into a highly valuable treasure.

Key Details of the 1975 Dime

FeatureDetails
Coin Type1975 Roosevelt Dime
ErrorMissing “S” mint mark
Mint LocationSan Francisco Mint
Known ExamplesOnly 2
Auction Sale Price$506,250 (October 2023)
Previous Record$456,000 (2019)
1975 Proof Set Price$7
Current ValueAmong the rarest coins in U.S. history

Why Is This Dime So Valuable?

The immense value of this coin is due to its rare minting error—the missing “S” mint mark. This mistake occurred during the production of proof sets in 1975, with two dimes slipping through the cracks of quality control. Since coins from the San Francisco Mint usually have the “S” mint mark, the absence of it on these dimes makes them extraordinarily rare and highly sought after by collectors.

A Coin with a Fascinating Backstory

The rare dime that sold for $506,250 in October 2023 has a captivating backstory. It was owned by three sisters from Ohio, who inherited the coin from their brother after his passing. In 1978, the brother purchased the coin for $18,200—a hefty sum at the time. Believing that the coin would one day increase in value, the family stored it in a bank vault for over four decades. Their foresight paid off, as the coin sold for an incredible amount, far exceeding its original price, even when adjusted for inflation.

Record-Breaking Sales

This isn’t the first time a 1975 no-“S” dime has made headlines. The only other known example of this error was sold in 2019 for $456,000. Since then, the rarity and demand for these coins have only grown, resulting in the record-breaking auction price of $506,250.

The remarkable sales of coins like this show how rare minting errors, combined with historical significance, can increase a coin’s worth significantly over time.

Why Collectors Are Drawn to Rare Dimes

The 1975 no-“S” dime exemplifies why collectors are so fascinated by rare coins. Their value lies not just in the rarity of minting errors, but also in their historical context and aesthetic appeal. Here’s why rare dimes, in particular, capture the imagination of numismatists:

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