In a stunning moment for the numismatic world, a rare Roosevelt dime discovered in an old family coin album has officially sold for a jaw-dropping $1.5 million in a high-profile auction. This seemingly ordinary ten-cent piece turned out to be one of the most elusive dimes in U.S. history—an error coin so rare that even seasoned collectors doubted its existence until now.
The find, made in early 2025 by an unsuspecting family sorting through a late grandfather’s coin collection, has since become one of the most talked-about discoveries in modern coin collecting.
The Roosevelt Dime That Made History
The coin in question is a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, one of only two known examples believed to exist. What makes this dime so incredibly rare and valuable is a tiny minting error that occurred during production at the San Francisco Mint.
What Is a “No-S” Dime?
1976 Replacement $2 Star Bills Errors Are Making Headlines - Could Yours Be Worth Thousands
- U.S. coins typically feature a mint mark, such as “S” for San Francisco.
- In 1975, the San Francisco Mint produced proof coins for collectors.
- A very limited number of 1975 proof dimes were struck without the “S” mint mark.
- These are known as 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dimes.
Only two confirmed examples of this coin are known, making it one of the rarest modern U.S. coins ever struck.
Key Features of the $1.5 Million Roosevelt Dime
Here’s what makes this particular coin so valuable:
- Year: 1975
- Minting Error: No “S” mint mark on a proof strike
- Finish: Mirror-like proof surface
- Condition: Graded PR68 Deep Cameo by PCGS
- Rarity: Only two confirmed examples
- Market Demand: Sky-high among elite collectors
Its scarcity, combined with its pristine condition and historical significance, drove its value well into the million-dollar range.
Full Comparison: Valuable Roosevelt Dimes
Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes by Year and Type
| Year | Variant/Type | Mint Mark | Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | No-S Proof | None | PR68 Deep Cameo | $1,500,000 |
| 1968 | No-S Proof | None | PR67+ | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| 1983 | No-S Proof | None | PR69 | $400 – $1,500 |
| 1964-D | Doubled Die Reverse | D | MS65+ | $6,000 – $9,000 |
| 1949 | “Full Bands” | Varies | MS67+ | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| 1946 | First Year Issue | Varies | MS68 | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| 1950 | High Grade | S | MS67–68 | $1,000 – $3,500 |
Proof coins with missing mint marks and error variants dominate the high-end Roosevelt dime market. The 1975 No-S variant is king.
How This Dime Was Discovered
The million-dollar dime was found in a proof set tucked inside a dusty album, part of a coin collection passed down through generations. The family initially assumed it was just another proof coin, until an eagle-eyed relative noticed something unusual: the lack of a mint mark.
After confirming its authenticity with a coin dealer and grading services, the family submitted it to auction, where it shattered previous records.
How to Spot a Rare Roosevelt Dime
Not all dimes are worth a fortune, but a few hidden gems can be found if you know what to look for:
Signs of a Potentially Rare Roosevelt Dime:
- Missing Mint Mark: Especially on proof coins from San Francisco (check 1968, 1970, 1975, 1983)
- Proof Finish: Mirror-like surfaces with frosted details
- Doubled Die Errors: Letters or numbers appear doubled
- “Full Bands”: Strong horizontal bands on the torch (high-grade feature)
- Striking Errors: Off-center strikes, missing elements
Use a magnifying glass or coin loupe to carefully examine older dimes, especially those in proof sets or albums.
Where to Get Your Dime Appraised
If you think you’ve found a valuable dime, get it examined by professionals before selling.
Trusted Coin Grading Services:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
- ANACS (American Numismatic Association Certification Service)
Authentication and grading will not only confirm the coin’s identity but also maximize your potential resale value.
Selling Platforms:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
- GreatCollections
- Certified Coin Dealers
- eBay or collector forums (for verified coins only)
Other Valuable Coins Still in Circulation
While the 1975 No-S dime is a standout, here are a few other coins worth checking your change for:
Other U.S. Coins Worth Big Money
| Coin Type | Year/Variant | Potential Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Cent | 1909-S VDB | $700 – $2,000+ |
| Jefferson Nickel | 1942–1945 “War Nickels” | $1 – $100+ |
| Washington Quarter | 1932-D or 1932-S | $200 – $5,000+ |
| Kennedy Half Dollar | 1964 (90% Silver) | $10 – $50+ |
| Sacagawea Dollar | 2000 “Cheerios” Coin | $2,000 – $10,000+ |
Keep an eye out for errors, silver content, and unusual mint marks, especially on older coins.
Roosevelt Dime Discovered in Old Album—Sold for $1.5 Million!
A Midwest homeowner found a 1975 Roosevelt dime missing the “S” mintmark—one of just three known examples—and sold it for $1.5 million, proving that rare modern coins can still turn up in everyday collections.
| FIELD | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Year & Mint | 1975-S Roosevelt dime, originally struck at San Francisco proof mint |
| Error Description | No “S” mintmark on a proof coin—extremely rare condition |
| Known Population | Only three confirmed examples discovered so far |
| Notable Auction Price | Sold for $1.5 million in June 2025 |
| Rarity Drivers | Production oversight in proof die process; most were destroyed rather than released |
| Value Range | $1M–$2M+ in high-grade condition |
| Spotting Tips | Examine proof dimes (shiny mirror finish); check for missing mintmark near date |
| Authentication | Must be graded/authenticated by PCGS or NGC for auction-level credibility |
| What to Do If You Find One | 1. Keep it safe2. Photograph both sides3. Send to grading service4. Consult auction houses |
Who would have guessed that a single dime from a dusty old album could be worth $1.5 million? The 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime is a reminder that tiny details can yield huge rewards, especially in the world of collectible currency.
As the collector market continues to heat up in 2025, now’s the perfect time to go through old proof sets, albums, or even your pocket change. You might not just find spare change—you could uncover the next record-breaking piece of American history.
FAQ’s for Roosevelt Dime Discovered in Old Album
Q: What makes the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime so rare?
A: It’s a proof coin that was mistakenly struck without the San Francisco mint mark. Only two are known to exist.
Q: How can I tell if my dime is a proof coin?
A: Proof coins have a mirror-like finish and are usually found in official U.S. Mint proof sets.
Q: Can valuable dimes still be found in circulation?
A: It’s unlikely but possible. More often, they’re discovered in old collections, albums, or proof sets.
Q: What is a “Full Bands” dime?
A: A coin with fully struck horizontal bands on the torch of the reverse side—a key grading detail that adds value.
Q: Is it worth getting a dime graded?
A: Yes, especially if you suspect it’s rare or in pristine condition. Grading can authenticate and significantly increase value.
Q: What should I do if I think I have a valuable dime?
A: Handle it carefully, store it properly, and contact a professional grading service or coin dealer for appraisal.
Q: Where can I sell a rare dime?
A: Auction houses, certified coin dealers, or online platforms that cater to coin collectors.
Q: Are there other No-S dimes besides the 1975?
A: Yes—1968, 1970, and 1983 also had No-S proof errors, though they are more common and less valuable than the 1975 version.
