Roosevelt Dime
A Shocking Discovery
Imagine buying a coffee and almost paying with a dime worth $720,000! That’s what happened to a man who nearly spent a rare Roosevelt dime without knowing its true value. This small coin, which looks like any other dime in your pocket, turned out to be a collector’s treasure due to a tiny mistake made at the mint. Stories like this are exciting because they remind us that hidden gems might be hiding in our loose change, waiting to be found.
What Makes This Dime So Special?
The dime in question is a 1975 Roosevelt dime, but it’s not your average coin. It was minted in San Francisco and should have an “S” mark to show where it was made. However, this one was struck without the “S” mint mark, a rare error that makes it incredibly valuable. Only a handful of these “No S” dimes are known to exist, which is why collectors are willing to pay huge sums—like $720,000—for them. The Roosevelt dime, first made in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is a common coin, but these rare errors turn them into a numismatist’s dream.
How to Spot a Valuable Dime
If you’re wondering whether you have a treasure in your wallet, here’s what to look for. Check the year on your Roosevelt dime—1975 is the key year for this specific error. Next, look for the mint mark, a tiny letter usually found below the date on the front of the coin. If there’s no “S” where it should be, you might have a winner. Also, this dime is a proof coin, meaning it has a shiny, mirror-like finish, unlike regular dimes. Be careful, though—condition matters. A dime in great shape is worth more than one with scratches or wear.
| What to Check | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1975 |
| Mint Mark | No “S” (missing San Francisco mark) |
| Finish | Shiny, mirror-like (proof coin) |
| Condition | No scratches or wear for max value |
Where Could These Dimes Be Hiding?
The crazy thing is, these rare dimes could still be out there. They might be in your coin jar, a drawer, or even the change you got at the grocery store. The man who almost spent his $720,000 dime only noticed it by chance when he stopped to check his coins. Some of these coins have been found in everyday places, like old collections or even car glove boxes. Coin collecting, or numismatics, is a hobby that’s all about finding these hidden treasures, and stories like this make it feel like a treasure hunt anyone can join.
Tips for Checking Your Coins
- Grab a magnifying glass to look closely at the date and mint mark.
- Compare your dime to online pictures of 1975 No S dimes to spot differences.
- Take it to a trusted coin dealer for an expert opinion if you think it’s special.
- Keep your coins safe—damage like scratches can lower their value.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve found a rare 1975 No S Roosevelt dime, don’t spend it! Take it to a professional coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC to get it checked. These experts can confirm if it’s real and tell you how much it’s worth. In 2023, another rare Roosevelt dime sold for $650,000 at auction, showing how much these coins can fetch in good condition. Even if you don’t find a $720,000 dime, other Roosevelt dimes from 1946 to 1964 are made of 90% silver and can be worth a few dollars each, so it’s worth a look.
A Fun Hunt for Everyone
This story is a reminder that treasures can hide in plain sight. You don’t need to be a coin expert to have fun checking your change. Next time you get a dime, take a second to look at it—you never know what you might find. Whether it’s a $720,000 jackpot or just a cool piece of history, every coin has a story. So, grab your loose change and start hunting. Who knows? You might just find a fortune in your pocket!