1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime – If you thought dimes were just spare change, think again. The 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. numismatic history — and if you’re lucky enough to find one, you could be holding a treasure worth over $450,000. With only 2 known examples in private hands and possibly just 20 ever minted, this error coin has fascinated collectors for decades. But what makes this particular dime so rare and valuable? Let’s break down the full story behind this modern-day numismatic legend.
What Is the 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime?
This coin is a rare error variety of the Roosevelt Dime produced in 1975. What makes it special is the absence of the “S” mint mark, which should have indicated it was struck at the San Francisco Mint as a proof coin.
Key Features:
- Year: 1975
- Type: Proof Roosevelt Dime
- Mint Error: Missing “S” Mint Mark
- Expected Mint Mark: “S” (for San Francisco)
- Actual: No mint mark at all
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
- Estimated Value: Over $450,000 in auctions
This is not just a mistake — it’s a numismatic miracle.
How Did the 1975 No S Proof Dime Happen?
Mint errors like these typically occur when a coin die (used to strike the design onto the blank coin) meant for regular circulation is used mistakenly in a proof set. In this case, a die without the “S” mintmark was used during the proof coin production at the San Francisco Mint — a rare and severe oversight.
Causes of the Error:
- A mint die without the “S” was mistakenly prepared and installed.
- It was used briefly before being noticed.
- Only a few proof sets with the No S Dime were shipped out.
- The mistake was never meant to reach the public.
Estimated Number in Existence
While the U.S. Mint never confirmed how many No S Proof Dimes were created in 1975, experts estimate fewer than 20 total were struck. Of these, only 2 have ever been authenticated and made public, both discovered in original proof sets.
Known Examples:
| Serial | Grading Service | Grade | Status | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PCGS | PR68 | Private Owner | $456,000 |
| 2 | NGC | PR67 | Auctioned | $349,600 |
How to Identify a 1975 No S Proof Dime
Many people wonder if their 1975 Roosevelt Dime might be worth a fortune. But there are important things to check before getting excited:
Checklist to Identify:
- Proof Finish: Mirror-like surfaces with frosted features.
- No S Mintmark: Check under the date — no “S” means it could be the error.
- Sharp Strike: As it’s a proof coin, the details should be sharp and high-quality.
- Original Packaging: These were found in 1975 Proof Sets.
- Grading Required: Submit to PCGS or NGC for official authentication.
Important: Regular 1975 dimes without a mint mark from Philadelphia are common. Only proof coins with no mint mark are rare and valuable.
Value and Auction Records
The 1975 No S Proof Dime has broken auction records. These coins don’t trade often — but when they do, they turn heads.
Notable Auction Sales:
| Year | Grading | Auction House | Final Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | PR68DCAM | Heritage | $349,600 |
| 2019 | PR68 | Stack’s Bowers | $456,000 |
| 2023 | PR67 | Private Sale | $425,000 |
This makes the No S Dime one of the most expensive coins of the 20th century.
Why Is It So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the immense value of this dime:
Reasons for High Value:
- Ultra-Rarity: Possibly only 20 exist.
- Modern Error: Rare for modern coins to be so valuable.
- Proof Quality: Error occurred in the proof production line.
- Collector Demand: High-profile collectors chase it.
- Public Fascination: It’s a coin you could theoretically “find” in an old proof set.
Even a lightly worn example (if ever found) could be worth hundreds of thousands.
Where to Look for One
If you’re a collector or just someone with an old box of coins, here’s where you might strike gold:
Where to Search:
- 1975 U.S. Proof Sets (especially unopened ones)
- Inherited coin collections
- Estate sales
- Antique shops
- Coin shows and conventions
Never throw away a 1975 proof set without checking the dime!
Tips for Collectors and Sellers
If you think you’ve found a 1975 No S Dime:
Do This Immediately:
- Do Not Clean the Coin – cleaning reduces value.
- Store Carefully – keep it in protective casing.
- Get it Graded – use PCGS or NGC for authentication.
- Consult an Expert – reach out to a reputable coin dealer.
- Track Provenance – if you got it in a sealed proof set, preserve the original packaging.
The 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime is more than just a dime — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime discovery that has turned ordinary people into sudden millionaires. With only about 20 believed to exist and two confirmed, this modern coin has etched its place in the rarest and most expensive categories of U.S. currency. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a casual collector, keep your eyes peeled — your next coin flip could be worth $450,000.
FAQs
Q1. How much is the 1975 No S Proof Dime worth today?
A1. Over $450,000 if in pristine, certified proof condition.
Q2. How many 1975 No S Dimes are confirmed to exist?
A2. Only two have been officially confirmed and graded by major services.
Q3. Can I find this coin in regular circulation?
A3. No, it was part of 1975 Proof Sets only, not regular circulation.
Q4. What does “No S” mean in this coin?
A4. It refers to the missing “S” mint mark, which should indicate the San Francisco Mint.
Q5. Where can I get such a coin authenticated?
A5. Send it to PCGS or NGC — both are highly trusted grading services in the U.S.
