Most dimes you find in your pocket have tiny letters like “P”, “D”, or “S” to show where they were made. But some very rare dimes are missing this mint mark—and collectors are paying big bucks for them. One special dime even sold for over $506,000!
Let’s break down what are Dime Without Mint Mark, why they’re so valuable, and how you can tell if you have one in your change jar.
What Is a Dime Without a Mint Mark?
Normally, U.S. dimes have a mint mark:
- “P” for Philadelphia
- “D” for Denver
- “S” for San Francisco
Sometimes, due to a minting mistake, a dime is made without any mint mark at all. These errors are rare and can be worth thousands—especially when it comes to proof coins that were specially made for collectors.
Rare No Mint Mark Dimes and What They’re Worth
Here’s a look at some of the most valuable no mint mark dimes:
| Year & Type | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1975-S No “S” Proof | Only 2 known! Meant to have “S” mintmark but doesn’t. | Over $506,000 |
| 1968-S No “S” Proof | Rare proof dime missing the “S” mark. | Up to $49,000 |
| 1982 No Mint Mark | Philly error during transition to adding “P” marks. | Around $2,185 |
| 1967 No Mint Mark | Philly made all dimes without mintmarks this year. | Up to $250 |
1975-S No “S” Dime – The $506,000 Coin
The 1975-S no mint mark proof dime is the king of error dimes. Only two are known to exist! They were supposed to be proof coins from San Francisco with an “S” mark, but something went wrong. One of these coins sold at auction in 2024 for $506,250. That’s more than half a million dollars for a single dime!
1968-S No “S” Dime – Another Rare Find
This proof dime from 1968 also missed the “S” mintmark. While not as rare as the 1975 version, it’s still a major find. A high-grade example (graded MS68) can bring in close to $49,000.
1982 No Mint Mark Dime – A Transitional Error
In 1980, the U.S. Mint started adding the “P” mark to coins made in Philadelphia. But in 1982, some dimes missed the new mark, creating a rare error. Around 75,000 of these no mint mark dimes were made, and top-quality versions are worth over $2,000.
1967 Dimes – Common but Still Collectible
All dimes from 1967 were made in Philadelphia without a mintmark, so they’re not errors. Most are only worth face value, but high-grade ones with sharp details (especially “full torch bands”) can sell for up to $250.
Why Are No Mint Mark Dimes Worth So Much?
Here’s what makes them valuable:
- Super rare: Some were made by accident, and only a few exist.
- High demand: Coin collectors love rare errors and proof coins.
- Great condition: Coins in mint condition (graded MS65 or higher) are worth the most.
- Historical importance: Some of these coins were made during big changes at the U.S. Mint.
Watch Out for Fakes and Mislabels
Just because your dime doesn’t have a mint mark doesn’t mean it’s rare. For example, all dimes from 1965 to 1967 had no mint marks on purpose. Many sellers online try to pass off regular coins as valuable errors, so always check with grading companies like PCGS or NGC to be sure.
Conclusion
Dimes without mint marks might seem small, but they can be worth a fortune. The 1975-S no mint mark dime is the most famous, selling for over $506,000. But others from 1968, 1982, and even 1967 can be valuable too.
If you collect coins—or just love treasure hunts—keep an eye out. Your next big find might be hiding in your pocket change!
FAQs
Q: How do I know if my dime without a mint mark is valuable?
A: Check the year and see if it matches rare error dates like 1975, 1968, or 1982. Get it verified by PCGS or NGC.
Q: Are all dimes without mint marks worth money?
A: No. Some years (like 1967) had no mint marks on purpose and are common.
Q: Where can I sell a valuable no mint mark dime?
A: You can sell through trusted auction houses like Heritage Auctions or through certified coin dealers.
