Imagine about to pay for your coffee when you glance down and realize your Roosevelt dime may be worth six figures—or more.
Believe it or not, a few of these tiny coins, especially those with minting errors or missing mint marks, are turning up with price tags reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Here’s how to figure out if your dime could be a hidden treasure.
What Makes a Roosevelt Dime So Valuable?
The Roosevelt dime, first issued in 1946, usually holds minimal collector interest—until a rare twist surfaces. The most prized versions include:
- Missing Mint Mark Errors – like the famous “No S” dime struck in 1975 that sold for $506,250.
- Silver Error Strikes – a 1965 dime mistakenly struck on a silver planchet sold recently for $1.5 million.
In fact, coins with these kinds of errors or rare mint variations are now among the most valuable modern U.S. coins on the market.
Recent Record-Breakers in the Market
Here’s a snapshot of recent headline-grabbing Roosevelt dime sales:
| Coin Type | Year & Error | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Proof 1975 “No S” dime | 1975, missing S mint mark | $506,250 |
| First “No S” proof dime (1975) | 1975, Proof 68 | $349,600 (2011), $456,000 (2019) |
| Silver-clad 1965 dime error | 1965, struck on silver | $1.5 million |
| Mint State Roosevelt dime | – | $2,185 (Heritage auction) |
These figures show that rare mint combinations and mistakes can send values soaring.
How to Spot a Valuable Roosevelt Dime
Follow this quick guide to identify a collectible dime:
1. Check the Mint Mark
- Look for dimes struck in San Francisco (S), Denver (D), or Philadelphia (P).
- A dime missing a mint mark—especially a proof dime from 1975—could be worth hundreds of thousands.
2. Inspect the Planchet
- Between 1965–1967, the U.S. transitioned from silver to clad currency.
- If your 1965 dime is heavy and clinks like silver, it might be the rare silver-planchet mistake valued in six digits.
3. Confirm Proof Quality
- Proof coins have a polished, mirror-like finish.
- An error-struck proof dime in high grade can fetch high sums.
4. Look for Weird Mint Errors
- Off-center strikes, doubled dies, and clipped planchets are sometimes dramatic—and valuable.
Should You Get Your Dime Graded?
A professional grade from PCGS or PMG can verify authenticity and dramatically increase resale value. If your dime has a mint mark error or unusual composition, having it authenticated is essential before selling.
What You Should Do Next
- Treat it gently—store your dime in a protective sleeve.
- Weigh it: if it’s a 1965 that weighs over 2.268 grams, test further for silver composition.
- Compare serials: check online auction results for missing mint-mark Roosevelt dimes.
- Get it graded if you suspect a rare variety.
- Choose where to sell—auction houses, reputable coin dealers, or online coin forums.
The Roosevelt dime commonly circulates with little value beyond ten cents—but rare errors make it a hidden treasure chest worth potentially vast sums. Coins that were once tucked away may now be worth enough to fund a new life chapter.
That modest-looking dime could be hiding a fortune—especially if it’s a rare 1975 proof dime missing the “S” mint mark or a silver-planchet error from 1965. Keep an eye on tiny details: mint marks, planchet composition, proof finish, and unusual minting mistakes.
With a bit of knowledge and a professional grade, your dime could be worth far more than its face value. Take a closer look—it might turn out you’ve been carrying a priceless coin.
FAQs
How can I tell if my dime is silver?
Silver Roosevelt dimes (pre-1965) weigh more and have a distinct silver ring—use a scale or magnet-free test for accuracy.
What does “No S” mean on a dime?
“No S” refers to a missing San Francisco mint mark on proof dimes, most famously the 1975 dime—a super-rare error.
Is it worth getting the coin graded if I think it’s rare?
Yes—a professional grading is essential for authentication and significantly increases a rare dime’s resale value.