Rare 1975 Error Coin That Made History: In the world of numismatics, where rare coins can fetch extraordinary prices, few stories have captured attention like the 1975 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dime. This rare error coin, which was never meant to exist, recently made headlines by selling for a staggering $506,250 at auction. What makes this dime so special, and why is it worth more than half a million dollars? Let’s dive into the details.
Rare 1975 Error Coin That Made History
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin | 1975 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dime |
| Error Type | Missing “S” Mint Mark (San Francisco Mint) |
| Mintage | Only two known examples |
| Auction Price | $506,250 (October 2024) |
| Grading | PR67 (PCGS – Professional Coin Grading Service) |
| Rarity | One of the rarest modern U.S. coins |
| Official Reference | PCGS Auction Details |
The 1975 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dime is a perfect example of how a small mistake can lead to an incredibly valuable rarity. With only two known specimens, it stands as one of the rarest modern U.S. coins, fetching $506,250 at auction. This sale not only highlights the importance of error coins but also serves as a reminder to always check your change—you never know when you might find a hidden fortune! For more details on this fascinating coin, visit the official PCGS auction listing.
What is the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime?
The 1975 “No S” Proof Dime is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. Normally, proof dimes minted in San Francisco bear an “S” mint mark just above the date. However, due to a minting oversight, a small batch of dimes was struck without the “S” mint mark and mistakenly released into circulation.
Unlike regular coins used for daily transactions, proof coins are specially made for collectors. These coins undergo a meticulous minting process, ensuring mirror-like surfaces and sharp details. However, when a proof coin is missing a crucial design element—like the mint mark—it becomes an extremely rare collector’s item.
How Did This Error Happen?
At the San Francisco Mint, where proof coins were produced, the mint mark was manually added to the coin dies before striking. This meant that if a die accidentally missed this step, all the coins struck from that die would lack the “S” mark.
While the U.S. Mint has encountered other “No S” errors (such as the 1968, 1970, and 1990 “No S” Proof Dimes), the 1975 version is exceptionally rare because only two confirmed examples exist.
The Discovery and Auction of the 1975 “No S” Dime
This extraordinary dime first surfaced in the late 1970s. A coin collector and his mother purchased it for $18,200 in 1978 from a dealer in Chicago. Recognizing its rarity, the family stored the coin in a bank vault for over four decades.
In 2024, the surviving sisters of the original owner decided to sell the coin through GreatCollections, one of the world’s leading numismatic auction houses. The final hammer price? A jaw-dropping $506,250, making it the most expensive modern U.S. coin sold at auction.
Why Such a High Value?
Several factors contributed to the record-breaking sale price:
- Extreme Rarity – With only two known specimens, this dime is a true collector’s gem.
- Historical Significance – One of the rarest proof errors in modern U.S. coinage.
- Exceptional Condition – Graded PR67 by PCGS, meaning near-perfect surfaces.
- Collector Demand – Numismatists worldwide competed to own this historic coin.
Other “No S” Proof Coins Worth Big Money
The 1975 “No S” Proof Dime isn’t the only error coin commanding high prices. Here are a few others:
| Coin | Auction Price |
|---|---|
| 1968 “No S” Proof Dime | $40,250 |
| 1970 “No S” Proof Dime | $21,000 |
| 1990 “No S” Proof Lincoln Cent | $20,700 |
| 1971 “No S” Proof Jefferson Nickel | $10,500 |
Spot a Rare “No S” Coin
If you’re wondering whether you have a valuable error coin, follow these steps:
- Examine the Coin’s Mint Mark: Proof dimes from 1975 should have an “S” mint mark. If yours doesn’t, it could be extraordinarily rare.
- Check the Coin’s Surface: Proof coins have mirror-like backgrounds and sharp details.
- Verify with a Magnifying Glass: Sometimes, a weak mint mark can appear missing. Look closely!
- Get it Graded: Contact a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
FAQs
1. How many 1975 “No S” Proof Dimes exist?
- Only two known examples have been verified by professional grading services.
2. What makes this dime so valuable?
- Its extreme rarity, historical significance, and high collector demand contribute to its record-breaking value.
3. How do I know if my dime is a proof coin?
- Proof coins have shiny, reflective surfaces and crisp details. If your 1975 dime lacks these features, it’s likely a regular circulation coin.
4. Where can I sell a rare coin?
- You can auction it through reputable coin dealers like GreatCollections, Heritage Auctions, or Stack’s Bowers.
5. What should I do if I think I have a valuable coin?
- Have it professionally graded to determine authenticity and potential value before selling.
