The Roosevelt dime, first minted in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is one of the maximum commonplace U.S. coins in circulation. However, some extraordinarily rare Roosevelt dimes have turn out to be numismatic treasures — some really worth hundreds of thousands to even millions of dollars nowadays.
Most of those rare dimes are precious due to minting errors, unique compositions, or constrained production runs. You might be amazed to study that this type of precious coins could still be hiding for your pocket trade, coin jar, or old collection.
Here’s a study seven of the rarest Roosevelt dimes that collectors are willing to pay a fortune for.
1. 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
This is one of the holy grails of modern coinage. In 1975, the San Francisco Mint struck proof coins, which should bear an “S” mintmark. However, a few dimes were accidentally struck without the mintmark — creating one of the rarest modern errors.
Only two confirmed examples of the 1975 No-S Proof Dime exist, and one sold for $456,000 at auction. If you ever come across a 1975 proof set, check it carefully — this dime could make you rich!
2. 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Another highly coveted coin, the 1968 No-S Proof Dime, was also struck without a mintmark at the San Francisco Mint. Only a few examples escaped into circulation before the error was discovered. Collectors value this dime not only for its rarity but also for its role in modern minting history. High-quality specimens have fetched over $40,000 at auctions.
3. 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
In 1982, dimes struck at the Philadelphia Mint were supposed to have a small “P” mintmark. However, some were mistakenly minted without the “P”, making them rare collector’s pieces.
Most of these coins were discovered in circulation, proving that even modern change can hide valuable errors. Depending on condition, an 1982 No-P Dime can sell for $500 to $15,000.
4. 1949-S Roosevelt Dime
Although not an error coin, the 1949-S dime is prized for its low mintage and historic importance. Fewer than 10 million were produced, and excessive-grade uncirculated examples are extremely scarce. In pristine situation, this coin can promote for as much as $25,000, in particular if it retains its unique luster and sharp strike.
5. 1965 Silver Roosevelt Dime
In 1965, the U.S. Mint transitioned from 90% silver coins to copper-nickel clad compositions. However, a few silver dimes were mistakenly struck using leftover silver planchets. These rare transitional-error dimes are worth a fortune today — with some fetching over $10,000 depending on condition.
6. 1996-W Roosevelt Dime
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime, the Mint released a special edition with the “W” mintmark (West Point). Only 1.45 million were made and distributed exclusively in uncirculated coin sets. Though not an error coin, this limited-edition dime is a must-have for collectors. A pristine example can sell for $3,000 or more.
7. 1946-S Roosevelt Dime
The first year of the Roosevelt dime’s release also produced a few scarce variations, with the San Francisco-minted (S) version being the rarest. While millions were minted, high-grade versions — especially those with full bands on the torch — are rare and can bring $1,000–$1,500 at auction.
Auction Highlights & Record-Breaking Sales
- A 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime sold at public sale for about $506,000. This proof coin was one of only known missing its “S” mint mark—one of the most elite errors coins amongst creditors.
- A 1968 No-S proof dime also commanded a excessive price: auctions fetched as much as $45,600 for specimens in close to-ideal condition. Only around two dozen are believed to exist, making them particularly rare.
- Collectors in Pennsylvania determined over 1,500 1982 dimes with lacking “P” mintmarks, potentially worth up to $1,000 each—in particular if in gem uncirculated situation.
How to Identify a Potential Million-Dollar Dime
- Check the Mint Mark: Look above the date (on maximum coins from 1968 onward). Missing “S” or “P” in which they should be is a sturdy purple flag for rarity.
- Assess Coin Type & Condition: Proof coins have reflect finishes and frosted design factors. The rarer the mintmark mistakes plus pristine circumstance, the higher the value.
- Rarity Matters: 1975 No-S evidence dimes are a number of the rarest (most effective recognized); 1968 No-S are also extremely scarce (round dozen anticipated).
- Market Trends Affect Value: As more error coins are determined (like with the 1982 No-P), prices can be diluted—but pinnacle-nice specimens keep strong value.
Conclusion
The Roosevelt dime, although often not noted, holds some of the most captivating and precious treasures in American coinage. From mintmark errors just like the 1975 No-S Proof to rare silver transitional pieces from 1965, those coins can transform everyday pocket exchange into existence-converting reveals.
If you enjoy amassing or honestly want to check your spare trade, take a closer appearance — any such rare Roosevelt dimes might be hiding in plain sight, waiting to expose its million-dollar mystery.
FAQ’s
Why is the 1968 No-S proof dime so treasured?
Because it lacks the “S” mintmark despite being from the San Francisco Mint, and handiest approximately dozen exist—a few in stream. One bought for $45,600 in a excessive grade.
Are missing mintmark dimes still treasured if discovered in circulate?
Yes—1982 No-P dimes discovered in pockets or jars, in gem uncirculated circumstance, may be worth as much as $1,000 every, although extra have surfaced now.
Which Roosevelt dime mistakes recently offered for over $500,000?
A 1975 proof Roosevelt dime missing its “S” mintmark was auctioned for around $506,000—certainly one of best recognized examples.