A seemingly ordinary ten-cent coin recently defied all expectations when a rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime was sold for a jaw-dropping $506,250 at an auction in October 2024. This unassuming dime, minted nearly five decades ago, has become a star in the coin-collecting world—not because of its design, but due to a unique minting error. Missing the “S” mint mark, which signifies it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin is now regarded as one of the rarest U.S. coins.
The story behind the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime is a captivating mix of chance, historical context, and a rare minting mistake that has intrigued collectors for years. As one of only two known examples in existence, it has become a prized “Holy Grail” for numismatists, proving that even the simplest errors can lead to immense value.
Key Details of the Rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Year of Minting | 1975 |
Mint | San Francisco Mint (intended) |
Unique Feature | Missing the “S” mint mark |
Design | Portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse |
Initial Distribution | Part of a proof set of over 2.8 million coins |
Known Examples | Only two confirmed worldwide |
Original Purchase | Bought in 1978 for $18,200 |
Sale Price (2024) | Sold for $506,250 at auction |
Previous Record | Other example sold for $456,000 in 2019 |
Why the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime Stands Out
The most remarkable feature of this dime is its missing mint mark. Mint marks are used to identify the production facility of a coin, with “S” indicating the San Francisco Mint. For most proof coins, these marks are carefully placed, but for reasons that remain unclear, two dimes from the 1975 proof set were struck without the “S.” This mistake slipped past the mint’s quality control processes, turning an otherwise standard coin into a modern rarity.
From Vault to Record-Breaking Auction
The journey of the rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime, which sold for $506,250 in 2024, is a story filled with intrigue. A collector acquired it in 1978 for $18,200, considering it both a valuable asset and a form of financial protection. The coin was stored away for over four decades in a bank vault. After the original collector’s passing, the dime passed on to his three sisters, who recognized its worth and consigned it to GreatCollections, an auction house. The coin quickly attracted global attention, ultimately selling for a record price.
A Coin with a History of High Demand
The rarity and allure of the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime have made it a regular feature at auctions. The other known example has set records before, selling for $349,600 in 2011 and $456,000 in 2019. Each sale reflects a growing fascination with the coin and the rising demand among collectors for rare minting errors.
What Drives the Coin’s Value?
Several factors contribute to the incredible value of the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime: