Every once in a while, a coin pops up that makes collectors stop in their tracks—and the 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime Proof is exactly that kind of coin. With only two known to exist, this little dime is one of the rarest U.S. coins ever made, and it’s become something of a legend in the coin world.
Let’s dig into why this dime is so special—and why it could be worth almost half a million dollars!
What Makes 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime Proof So Special?
Here’s the deal: Proof coins in 1975 were supposed to be made at the San Francisco Mint, which means they should all have a little “S” mintmark. But a few slipped through the cracks without that “S”—and that’s a huge deal.
Why? Because that tiny missing letter turns an ordinary dime into a rare and valuable treasure. The “No S” error wasn’t discovered until years later, and even after tons of searches, only two real 1975 No S dimes have ever been found.
A Little Bit of History of 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime Proof
Back in 1975, the U.S. Mint produced over 2.8 million proof sets. Yet somehow, just two of these mystery dimes made it out without the “S” mintmark. The first one wasn’t even discovered until 1978, when ANACS (the American Numismatic Association’s grading service) spotted it.
Despite collectors tearing through thousands of proof sets since then, no new examples have shown up. That makes this dime one of the most elusive modern coins in U.S. history.
How Much Is It Worth?
In 2019, one of these dimes—graded PR68 by PCGS—went up for auction at Heritage Auctions and sold for a jaw-dropping $456,000.
That’s right. A dime. Worth nearly half a million dollars.
Why? Because it’s not just rare—it’s ultra rare. And for collectors and investors alike, that kind of scarcity is gold.
Coin Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Year | 1975 |
| Denomination | 10 cents |
| Mintmark | None (should have “S”) |
| Known Examples | Only 2 |
| Weight | 2.27 grams |
| Diameter | 17.90 mm |
| Composition | Clad: copper-nickel over a copper core |
| Designer | John R. Sinnock |
| Edge | Reeded |
How Did This Happen?
Experts think this happened when a Philadelphia die (which doesn’t have a mintmark) was accidentally used during proof production in San Francisco. Proof coins are made with extra care, and using the wrong die was a major goof—but only a few escaped, making it one of the rarest minting errors ever.
Other “No S” Dimes
This isn’t the only time the mint forgot the “S.” Other rare no-mintmark proof dimes include:
- 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime
- 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime
- 1983 No S Roosevelt Dime
These are all collectible and valuable—but the 1975 version is in a league of its own because of its extreme rarity.
Conclusion
The 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime Proof is more than just a cool error—it’s a piece of American minting history. With only two in existence, it’s the kind of coin that dreams (and bidding wars) are made of.
Whether you’re hunting through old proof sets or just learning about coin errors, this dime is proof—pun intended—that sometimes the smallest mistakes lead to the biggest treasures.
FAQ’s
What is the 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime Proof?
It’s a rare proof dime from 1975 that was made without the usual “S” mintmark. Only two are known to exist.
How much is the 1975 No S Dime worth?
One sold for $456,000 at auction in 2019, making it one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins.
How can I tell if I have one?
Check if your 1975 proof dime has no “S” mintmark and mirror-like surfaces. If so, get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC.
