Rare 1975 Dime Error Fetches $506,250 at Auction

WhatsApp Group Join Now
Telegram Join Now

Coin collectors have long been fascinated by the world of rare and unique pieces, and some coins transcend their face value to become legendary. One such coin is the 1975 Roosevelt Dime, which has made headlines by selling for an astounding $506,250 at an online auction. Despite its modest ten-cent denomination, its rarity and fascinating story have propelled it to iconic status within numismatics.

What Makes the 1975 Dime So Exceptional?

The standout feature of the 1975 Roosevelt Dime is its missing “S” mint mark, which designates coins produced at the San Francisco Mint. This small oversight created a rarity so rare that only two known examples exist. Such an error has transformed this coin into one of the most highly sought-after items for collectors, elevating it far beyond its original 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

The Significance of the Missing “S” Mint Mark

At first glance, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime appears to be an ordinary coin from that era. However, the absence of the “S” mint mark makes it highly unusual. Typically, this mark identifies coins minted in San Francisco, but two dimes from the 1975 proof sets were struck without it. This rare mistake was only discovered after the proof sets were distributed, cementing its place as one of the most notable errors in the history of U.S. coinage.

How the “S” Mint Mark Was Omitted

To understand the importance of this error, it’s helpful to know about mint marks. Mint marks indicate the location where a coin was produced:

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

In 1975, the San Francisco Mint struck more than 2.8 million proof sets intended for collectors. Proof coins undergo a special minting process to achieve a high-quality finish. However, two of these dimes were accidentally minted without the “S” mint mark, making them one of the rarest coin errors ever.

The Story Behind the Coin’s Journey

The history of one of these rare dimes adds an emotional layer to its value. Initially bought in 1978 for $18,200—an impressive sum at the time—it was passed down through a family, carefully stored away for over 40 years. After the original purchaser’s death, the coin was inherited by his sisters, who decided to sell it at auction. In October 2023, it broke records by fetching $506,250, transforming the coin into a life-changing fortune for the family.

Previous Auction Records

The sale of the 1975 No-S Dime in 2023 wasn’t the first time this rare coin had attracted attention. In 2019, the other known example of the No-S Dime sold for $456,000. These consistent record-breaking sales reflect the growing demand for rare coins, especially those with minting errors.

Why Minting Errors Are So Valuable

Leave a Comment