Some coins are extremely valuable in coin collecting because of their rarity, historical relevance, or minting flaws. The 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime is one such piece; at auction this October, it is anticipated to bring in over $500,000.
The basic minting fault that accounts for this dime’s exceptional worth is that it lacks the “S” mint mark, which identifies pieces made at the San Francisco Mint. These mistake dimes are among the rarest coins in American history—only two are known to exist.
The Discovery of the 1975 No S Dime
When a coin collector from California found the error in the late 1970s, the 1975 No S Proof Dime became known. In 1975, the U.S. Mint produced almost 2.8 million proof sets, each comprising six coins, one of which was the Roosevelt dime.
Coins manufactured with a higher degree of detail and polish are called proof sets, and they are often only available to collectors. The San Francisco Mint marks every proof coin with an “S,” but this dime was made incorrectly without one.
After acquiring five proof sets from the U.S. Mint, a collector found the first of the two known No S dimes in 1977. A story about the discovery in Coin World magazine caused a flurry of activity among collectors. Decades later, the second dime emerged from a family vault.
Three sisters from Ohio recently inherited this dime. Their family bought it in 1978 for $18,200, a significant amount, and almost $90,000 today. This rare coin is now anticipated to sell for up to $500,000 at auction.
Why Is the No S Dime from 1975 Worth So Much?
Multiple factors influence the 1975 No S Proof Dime’s astronomical value:
- Rarity: Two known examples of the 1975 No S Proof Dime exist. Due to its exceptional rarity, investors and collectors highly seek the coin. On the other hand, hundreds of specimens of comparable mistake dimes from various years (including 1968, 1970, and 1983) are available.
- Minting Error: This dime is so precious because it does not have the “S” mint mark. The “S” symbol is supposed to be present on San Francisco Mint-proof coins; if it is absent, the coin is an extremely sought-after anomaly.
- Condition: The 1975 No S Proof Dime is even more valuable because of its superb condition. Proof coins are usually in good condition because they are produced to a high standard and have restricted circulation.
- Historical Significance: The coin’s appeal is increased by its association with the U.S. Mint’s production procedures and its status as a rare error in numismatic history. Rare coin collectors appreciate objects with a backstory, and the 1975 No S Dime is a prime example.
Previous Sales and Auction Expectations
The sole additional known specimen of the 1975 No S Proof Dime was auctioned off in 2019 for a whopping $456,000. Later, that identical coin was sold for an undisclosed sum to a private collector.
Experts predict that the second known 1975 No S Proof Dime could break records and sell for more than $500,000, given the current market demand for rare coins and the growing interest in numismatics.
Details of the Auction
The GreatCollections-hosted next auction is set to end in late October of 2024. The dime has garnered noteworthy interest from investors and collectors alike. The coin will be on exhibit at a coin show in Tampa, Florida, before the auction, providing prospective purchasers with an opportunity to see the rare object up close.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Mintage | 1975 |
| Mint | San Francisco |
| Error | Missing “S” mint mark |
| Condition | Proof, excellent condition |
| Number of Known Specimens | Two |
| Estimated Auction Value | Over $500,000 |
The 1975 No S Proof Dime is one of the most sought-after coins in the numismatic industry because it strikes the ideal balance of historical significance, rarity, and inaccuracy. Its value is increasing, and collectors and investors are noticing, as only two known copies exist.
Excitement is building for this rare dime as the October auction draws near, and it is predicted to bring in a record-breaking sum.
I think I have a 1975 no mint mark dime proof