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Since 1946, the Roosevelt dime has been part of everyday American life, quietly changing hands in millions of transactions. Introduced to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his death, it replaced the Mercury dime and became a lasting tribute to a man whose leadership guided the nation through the Great Depression and World War II.
While the vast majority of Roosevelt dimes are worth just ten cents, a handful have become prized collectibles – some fetching thousands or even millions of dollars at auction. These ultra-rare coins are not only valuable but also serve as reminders of historical events, minting errors, and the sheer unpredictability of coin production.
Why Some Roosevelt Dimes Are So Valuable
Not every old coin is worth a fortune, and age alone doesn’t determine value. What makes certain Roosevelt dimes incredibly valuable comes down to a few specific factors:
- Minting errors: Mistakes during production that created unique coins.
- Proof coins: Specially struck coins intended for collectors, not circulation.
- Missing mintmarks: Indicators of the mint location that were accidentally left off.
- Limited releases: Low mintage or one-time commemorative issues.
- Condition: Coins in pristine, uncirculated condition command much higher prices.
The 7 Ultra-Rare Roosevelt Dimes You Should Know
1. 1975 No-S Proof Dime
One of the rarest U.S. coins ever struck, the 1975 No-S proof Roosevelt dime is a collector’s dream. Only two confirmed examples exist, and one sold for nearly $500,000. This coin lacks the “S” mintmark, which indicates it was supposed to be produced in San Francisco as a proof coin – but somehow, the mark was never added.
2. 1968 No-S Proof Dime
Another missing mintmark error, the 1968 No-S proof was supposed to have the San Francisco “S” mark. Instead, a few slipped through without it. These are extremely rare and can sell for over $30,000 in top condition.
3. 1970 No-S Proof Dime
Similar to the 1968 version, the 1970 proof dime without an “S” mintmark is highly sought after. These coins were never intended for circulation and are valued in the $20,000 to $35,000 range when authenticated.
4. 1982 No-P Dime
This Philadelphia-minted coin accidentally left off the “P” mintmark, making it one of the most famous Roosevelt dime errors of the 1980s. They’ve been discovered in circulation and can sell for $200 to $1,500, depending on condition.
5. 1996-W Roosevelt Dime
Issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime, this coin was struck at the West Point Mint. While not an error, only a limited number were produced and placed into collector sets. Today, these dimes in mint condition can fetch up to $300 or more.
6. 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Dime
This coin features a visible doubling of letters and numbers on the reverse side. These doubled die errors are popular among collectors and can be worth thousands when found in high grades.
7. 1951-S Over D (S/D) Dime
This rare overdate error occurred when the San Francisco Mint stamped an “S” over a “D” mintmark. While subtle, collectors pay a premium for this mistake – sometimes over $1,000 depending on grade.
How to Know If You Have One
Think you might have one of these dimes hiding in your change jar? Here’s what to do:
- Look for missing mintmarks (especially on proof coins).
- Inspect for doubling on the date or lettering.
- Weigh and examine the coin – unusual details may signal a rare strike.
- Use a magnifying glass or microscope to check for tiny errors.
- Do not clean the coin – cleaning can reduce its value significantly.
- Consider professional grading from PCGS or NGC to verify authenticity and condition.
Still Found in Change?
Yes, some of these rare dimes – especially the 1982 No-P and 1996-W – have been discovered in everyday circulation. That’s why collectors and casual hobbyists alike continue checking their pocket change and old jars. A rare coin can turn up anywhere, from estate sales to inherited collections.
Final Thoughts
While most Roosevelt dimes are worth only their face value, the rare few hold immense historical and financial value. Whether it’s a mint error, a missing mintmark, or a limited release, these coins remind us that treasure can still be found in the smallest places.
So, the next time you get change from the store or dig through an old coin jar, take a second look – you might just be sitting on a dime worth thousands, or even millions.