Finding an Ultra-Rare 1975 Dime can be a thrilling moment, especially when a small dime ends up being worth a fortune. Recently, a unique 1975 Roosevelt dime sold at auction for over $500,000. What makes this coin so special? It’s missing a tiny detail—the “S” mint mark, which should be on all coins made at the San Francisco Mint. The rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime was hidden in a bank vault for over 40 years before being rediscovered and sold at auction. Let’s take a closer look at this coin, its history, and what makes it so valuable to collectors.
The Remarkable Discovery
In an interesting twist, the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime came back into the spotlight when it resurfaced in an Ohio family’s possession. Three sisters inherited the coin after their brother, who kept it safe in a bank vault for decades, passed away. Originally bought by their family for $18,200 in 1978 as a form of financial security, the sisters were surprised to find out that it was worth a staggering amount today. After an appraisal revealed its true value, they auctioned it off, and the dime sold for an impressive $506,250.
Why Is the 1975 “No S” Dime So Rare?
The missing “S” mint mark is what makes this dime so valuable. This coin was supposed to be part of a 1975 San Francisco Mint proof set, where every coin was specifically marked with an “S” to indicate where it was made. However, due to an error, two dimes were released without the mint mark. Out of the millions of proof sets made, only two of these mintmark-less dimes are known to exist, making them extremely rare.
1975 “No S” Proof Dime
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year of Minting | 1975 |
| Mint Location | San Francisco (intended) |
| Missing Mint Mark | “S” (San Francisco) |
| Known Examples | 2 |
| Original Purchase Price | $18,200 in 1978 |
| Recent Auction Price | $506,250 (October 2024) |
| Previous Record Sale | $456,000 (2019) |
Auction Record: Breaking the Previous High Price
The auction that sold this 1975 “No S” Dime took place, an auction house in California. It set a new record for this type of dime by selling for $506,250, beating the previous record of $456,000 in 2019 for the only other known 1975 “No S” Dime. This recent sale has caught the attention of collectors and sparked a new interest in error coins.
The Significance of Mint Mark Errors
Coins like the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime hold significant value because mint mark errors are rare in U.S. coins. When a coin leaves the mint without its designated mark, it becomes a collector’s treasure due to its scarcity and the mystery surrounding its creation. Collectors are willing to pay high prices for such unique coins because they tell a story about the minting process and represent unexpected events in the world of coin production.
Conclusion
The recent sale of this rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime has excited the coin-collecting community. With only two such dimes known, this coin stands out as one of the rarest modern U.S. coins. Collectors place great value on these rare error coins, especially when they feature unique details like a missing mint mark. If you ever come across a strange or unique coin, it might be worth investigating—it could be hiding a significant value, just like this rare dime.
FAQ’s
Why is the “S” mint mark missing on this 1975 dime?
The “S” mint mark was mistakenly left off two dimes in a 1975 proof set, making these coins rare and valuable.
How many 1975 “No S” dimes are known to exist?
Only two examples of the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime are known to exist, making it a rare collector’s item.
How much did the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime sell for recently?
The coin recently sold at auction for $506,250, breaking previous records for this type of dime.