Ashley Grahm
Imagine casually sifting through your spare change and stumbling on a dime potentially worth $12.7 million.
It sounds like fantasy—but that’s exactly the value experts attribute to an ultra‑rare 1975 Roosevelt dime with a missing mint mark.
This article explores every detail behind this astonishing valuation and why collectors are on the hunt.
Why the $12.7 Million Roosevelt Dime Is So Valuable
In May 2025, expert numismatists declared that a 1975 Roosevelt dime missing the “S” mint mark could fetch around $12.7 million in perfect condition. The key details:
- Year: 1975
- Mint mark missing: “S” (San Francisco)
- Mint type: Proof coin originally issued in San Francisco
- Survival count: Only one or two known examples, extremely rare
- Previous auction: A near‑twin missing‑“S” dime sold for $456,000 in 2019; another later for $506,250
Collectors prize this as possibly the single rarest Roosevelt dime ever found. Its value comes from extreme rarity, mint error, and exceptional grading.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | Roosevelt dime (10-cent US coin) |
| Year | 1975 |
| Mint Mark | Missing “S” (San Francisco) |
| Reason for Error | Proof coin expected to show “S,” but mis‑struck |
| Estimated Top Value | ~$12.7 million |
| Comparable Sold Value | $456,000 (2019), $506,250 (2024) |
| Rarity | Only one or two known examples exist |
| Material | Copper-nickel clad (1975 dime composition) |
| Collectors’ Interest | Extremely high—unique mint error, proof type |
History & Background of the Roosevelt Dime
- The Roosevelt dime debuted in 1946, honoring FDR and his leadership and polio‑relief work via the March of Dimes foundation
- From 1946 to 1964, dimes were made of 90% silver, then from 1965 onward shifted to copper-nickel clad composition, including the 1975 issues
- Mint marks: San Francisco proof dimes carry an “S”; Philadelphia dimes after 1980 carry a “P”; Denver normally “D”; no “P” shows on many Philadelphia coins 1965‑67
How Could It Still Be in Circulation?
Despite its potential fortune, this rare dime might be lurking in everyday change. Several mis‑struck proof coins have surfaced decades later during audits or family inheritance clean‑outs.
Experts say it’s possible an unrecognized copy still rests in a coin jar, bottom of a purse, or bedroom desk drawer.
How to Check Your Dime Safely
- Do not clean the coin—cleaning drastically lowers numismatic value.
- Check the date (1975) and look under the date for an “S” mint mark. If missing, set it aside.
- If the mint mark is absent, and it’s proof‑style (mirror finish), contact a professional grading service (like PCGS or NGC) for evaluation and certification
The story of the $12.7 million Roosevelt dime is a powerful reminder: something as small as a dime in your pocket might contain an unimaginable fortune.
A single mis‑strike, missing mint mark, and perfect preservation combine to create possibly the rarest dime in U.S. coin history.
If you own a 1975 dime without the “S” mint mark, don’t hesitate—get it graded by professionals. That ordinary piece of spare change could be your hidden fortune.
FAQs
What exactly is the rare dime?
It’s a 1975 Roosevelt dime originally minted in San Francisco as part of a proof set—but missing the expected “S” mint mark.
How much is it worth?
In pristine, graded condition, this dime could reach approximately $12.7 million. Previously similar examples sold for $456,000 and $506,250.
Why is it so valuable?
Because of its extreme rarity, a dramatic minting error, and intense collector demand for unique proof coins.