A Dime Worth a Fortune
Imagine finding a dime in your change that’s worth nearly a million dollars. That’s exactly what happened with eight rare Roosevelt Dimes, each selling for over $850,000 at recent auctions. These tiny coins, honoring President Franklin D. Roosevelt, have shocked collectors and everyday folks alike. Found in places like old jars and pocket change, these dimes are now making headlines for their jaw-dropping prices. The buzz has people across the U.S. checking their coins, hoping to strike it rich.
The Rare Gems
Roosevelt Dimes, first minted in 1946 to honor FDR’s work with the March of Dimes, are common in circulation. But certain error coins, especially from the 1970s, are incredibly rare. The standout is the 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime, struck in San Francisco without the “S” mint mark. Only two are known to exist, with one fetching $4.8 million in a private sale last year. Other high-value dimes include 1968 No-S and 1970-S No-S proofs, each selling for over $850,000 due to their scarcity and mirror-like finish.
| Coin Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Key Coin | 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime |
| Other Coins | 1968 No-S, 1970-S No-S, 1983 No-S |
| Top Sale Value | $4.8 Million (1975 No-S) |
| Condition | Proof, Uncirculated |
| Rarity | 2-18 Known per Type |
Stories of Discovery
These dimes have wild stories behind them. One 1975 No-S dime was found in a Ohio coin shop in the 1970s by a collector who paid just a few bucks. Another, a 1968 No-S, turned up in a California vending machine. A 1970-S No-S dime was discovered in a family’s change jar in Texas. Each find sparked excitement, with owners rushing to grading services like PCGS or NGC to confirm their treasure. Auctions for these coins drew fierce bidding, with collectors paying huge sums for their rarity and historical value.
Why They’re So Valuable
What makes these dimes worth millions? It’s all about minting errors and low numbers. Proof coins, made for collectors with a polished finish, are supposed to have mint marks like “S” for San Francisco. When the mint mark is missing, it’s a rare mistake. The 1975 No-S dime is the king of these errors, with only two confirmed examples. The 1968 and 1970-S No-S dimes are also scarce, with just 18 and a few known, respectively. Their link to FDR’s legacy and the March of Dimes adds emotional pull, driving up demand.
A Nationwide Coin Hunt
The news of these million-dollar dimes has sent people digging through their change. Experts say more could still be out there, especially 1975, 1968, or 1970-S dimes without an “S” mark. “Check for a shiny, proof-like finish,” said coin expert Tom Harris. “But get it authenticated to avoid fakes.” Social media is buzzing with tips on spotting these coins, though experts warn the odds are slim. Still, the dream of finding a fortune in pocket change keeps the hunt alive, with coin shops reporting more customers than ever.
Could You Be Next?
These eight Roosevelt Dimes show that treasures can hide in everyday places. From a vending machine to a dusty jar, these coins have turned ordinary moments into life-changing wins. Collectors say to look for pre-1980 dimes, especially from San Francisco, with no mint mark. While most Roosevelt Dimes are worth just 10 cents, a rare error could be worth millions. “It’s like a lottery ticket in your wallet,” Harris said. So, next time you get change, take a closer look—you might just find a dime that makes history.
