Imagine reaching into your pocket for spare change and realizing you’re holding a small fortune — a simple dime worth nearly a million dollars! It might sound unbelievable, but several rare U.S. dimes have sold for incredible prices at auctions, with one specific coin valued at an astonishing $935,000. These elusive coins, often overlooked because of their ordinary appearance, are the hidden gems of American currency. If you’ve ever collected coins, searched through rolls of change, or saved older coins from circulation, you could be sitting on one of these rare treasures without even realizing it.
The dime shown in the image above is an example of a Roosevelt Dime, featuring the profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse (front). While most of these coins are worth only ten cents, certain dates, minting errors, and composition variations make a few versions extremely valuable. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these rare dimes worth small fortunes — and how you can tell if you might have one.
1. The Legendary 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime
The coin that has made headlines and stunned collectors worldwide is the 1975 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dime. Normally, proof coins are struck at the San Francisco Mint and carry an “S” mint mark. However, due to a minting oversight, a few proof dimes were released without the “S” mint mark, making them some of the rarest modern coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint.
Only two confirmed examples of this error are known to exist. These dimes were discovered in proof sets sold directly to collectors, and their unique error has made them worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. In fact, one sold for nearly $935,000 at auction — setting a record for a Roosevelt Dime.
If you have a 1975 proof set, check your dime carefully. If it lacks the “S” mint mark just above the date, you may be holding one of the rarest dimes in history.
2. The 1968 “No S” Proof Dime
The 1975 “No S” isn’t the only mint mark error to fetch a fortune. Another remarkable variety is the 1968 “No S” Proof Dime. This error occurred under similar circumstances — a proof coin produced at the San Francisco Mint without the identifying “S” mark.
These dimes are highly prized among collectors, and only a handful are known to exist. A pristine, mirror-like specimen of this variety can sell for anywhere between $20,000 and $50,000, depending on condition and certification.
Like the 1975 error, these coins were sold in proof sets, so check any unopened or vintage sets you may own — you could uncover a hidden treasure.
3. The 1982 “No P” Roosevelt Dime
While most rare dimes are proof issues, even regular circulation coins can be valuable due to minting mistakes. The 1982 “No P” Dime is a prime example.
That year, dimes were minted in Philadelphia for the first time with a small “P” mint mark. However, a few dies used in production were mistakenly left without the mint mark, resulting in thousands of dimes missing this key feature. These “No P” dimes quickly became collector favorites and remain one of the most sought-after modern circulation errors.
In circulated condition, these dimes can sell for $75–$300, but uncirculated examples, especially those graded as “MS-65” or higher, can fetch $1,000 or more. While not as rare as the proof errors, they are still valuable finds that could turn an ordinary coin roll search into a profitable discovery.
4. The 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Dime
Another intriguing and valuable dime is the mysterious 1964 SMS Dime. These coins are believed to have been experimental strikes — special coins minted under unique conditions, possibly for testing the new minting equipment used for later proof issues.
The 1964 SMS Dime features a sharper strike, satin-like finish, and squared-off rims. Fewer than a dozen examples have ever surfaced, making this one of the rarest post-1960 U.S. coins.
In auctions, these coins have sold for between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on condition and grading. If you come across a 1964 dime that looks slightly different — sharper, more defined, and smoother — it might be worth investigating further.
5. How to Identify a Rare or Valuable Dime
If you want to check your own coins for potential hidden value, here’s what to look for:
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Inspect the mint mark – Located near the date, letters like “P,” “D,” or “S” indicate where the coin was made. Missing mint marks are red flags for valuable errors.
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Look at the date – Key years for valuable dimes include 1964, 1968, 1970, 1975, and 1982.
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Check the details – Proof coins should have mirror-like surfaces, while SMS coins have a matte or satin finish.
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Seek professional grading – Services like PCGS or NGC can authenticate and grade your coin, confirming its value.
Even coins that appear ordinary could have subtle differences that make them worth a fortune. Minting errors are often small — a missing letter, misplaced date, or slightly different texture — but their rarity can make them incredibly valuable.
6. Why Collectors Pay So Much
The demand for error coins and rare varieties continues to grow because they represent fascinating stories in U.S. Mint history. Each error reflects a unique moment when human oversight, machine malfunction, or transition in minting methods created something truly one-of-a-kind. Collectors love these imperfections, and their rarity fuels fierce bidding wars at auctions.
Conclusion
The dime may be one of the smallest denominations in U.S. currency, but when it comes to rarity and value, it can easily outshine larger coins. The 1975 No S Proof Dime, valued at $935,000, stands as a symbol of how even the tiniest minting mistake can lead to an extraordinary discovery.
So, the next time you come across an old dime — whether in a coin jar, a family collection, or loose change — take a closer look. You might just be holding a piece of American minting history… and a life-changing payday!
