Rare 1975 Dime Error Breaks Records, Selling for $506,250

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Coins have long been captivating to collectors, but some go far beyond their face value to become legendary treasures. A recent story involving the rare 1975 Roosevelt Dime demonstrates just how far the value of a coin can go. Originally worth only ten cents, one such dime sold for an astonishing $506,250 at an online auction, setting a new benchmark in the world of numismatics. Its rare minting error and remarkable history have made it a prized collector’s item.

What Makes This Dime So Valuable?

The 1975 Roosevelt Dime in question stands out due to a rare minting mistake—an omission of the “S” mint mark. Normally, coins minted in San Francisco carry this mark, but this dime was issued without it, making it one of only two known examples. This error has made the coin exceedingly rare, catapulting its value well beyond its original face value.

Key Details of the Rare 1975 Dime

FeatureDetails
Coin1975 Roosevelt Dime
Unique FeatureMissing “S” mint mark
Known ExamplesTwo
Original Proof Set Price$7
Recent Auction Price$506,250
Previous Record Sale$456,000 (2019)
Year of Error Discovery1975

Why the 1975 No-S Dime Is One of a Kind

At first glance, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime might appear to be just another coin from the era. However, its exceptional nature lies in the missing “S” mint mark. This mark usually identifies coins produced in San Francisco, but in this case, the mark was absent, making this dime a rare find. Only two such dimes are known to exist, making it one of the most coveted pieces in the world of rare coins.

The Mystery Behind the Missing Mint Mark

To fully grasp the importance of the missing “S” mint mark, it’s helpful to understand how mint marks work. In U.S. coinage, mint marks indicate the location where the coin was produced:

  • “D” for Denver
  • “P” for Philadelphia
  • “S” for San Francisco
  • “W” for West Point

In 1975, the San Francisco Mint produced over 2.8 million proof sets designed for collectors. During the minting process, two of these dimes were unintentionally struck without the “S” mint mark. This oversight wasn’t discovered until after the proof sets had been distributed, making the No-S Dime a prized rarity in the world of coin collecting.

The Fascinating Journey of a Family Heirloom

The story behind one of the two known 1975 No-S Dimes is especially touching. The coin was originally purchased in 1978 for $18,200, a significant amount for the time. It was then passed down as a family heirloom and kept in a bank vault for over 40 years. After the original buyer’s passing, his sisters decided to sell the coin. When it went to auction in October 2023, it fetched a record-breaking $506,250. For this family, the coin wasn’t just a piece of history; it was a life-changing treasure.

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