Missed Call

Roosevelt Dime Be Worth $650,000? Check Your Change for This Rare Coin

Imagine finding a dime in your pocket that’s worth $650,000! The Roosevelt Dime, a common 10-cent coin first minted in 1946, has a rare version that collectors are eager to own. One such dime, likely a 1969-S No-S Proof with a missing mint mark, sold for $650,000 at auction due to its rarity and unique error. This coin could still be hiding in your wallet,

coin jar, or loose change from a store. In this article, we’ll explain in simple English what makes this dime so valuable, how to spot it, and why it excites coin collectors. We’ve also included a table with complex terms explained in easy English. Optimized for SEO, this guide is perfect for anyone hoping to find a treasure in their change.

What is the Roosevelt Dime?

The Roosevelt Dime was introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who led the U.S. through the Great Depression and World War II. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the front, or obverse, shows Roosevelt’s profile, while the back, or reverse, features a torch, olive branch, and oak branch. From 1946 to 1964, these dimes were made of 90% silver, but after 1965, most were copper-nickel due to rising silver prices. The $650,000 dime is a 1969-S No-S Proof, a rare error coin missing the “S” mint mark that indicates it was made in San Francisco. This mistake, combined with its mirror-like proof finish, makes it a collector’s gem.

Key Features of the $650,000 Roosevelt Dime

Here’s what makes this rare dime special:

FeatureDescription
Obverse DesignRoosevelt’s profile, with “LIBERTY” and the year, designed by John R. Sinnock.
Reverse DesignTorch, olive, and oak branches, symbolizing liberty, peace, and strength.
1969-S No-S Proof ErrorMissing “S” mint mark on a proof coin, which has a shiny, mirror-like finish.
MaterialCopper-nickel clad (post-1965); weighs 2.27 grams, unlike silver dimes (2.5g).
RarityOnly a few No-S Proof dimes exist; fewer than 18 known for 1969-S.
ValueSold for $650,000 due to rarity, error, and high-grade condition (PR68 or higher).

Why is the Roosevelt Dime Worth $650,000?

Rare Minting Error

The $650,000 Roosevelt Dime is valuable due to a minting error where a 1969 proof dime from the San Francisco Mint was struck without the “S” mint mark. Proof coins, made for collectors with a shiny, mirror-like finish, always carry a mint mark (“S” for San Francisco). The absence of the “S” is a rare mistake, with only a few known examples. This error, known as the 1969-S No-S Proof, makes the coin highly sought after, with one fetching $650,000 at auction in 2023.

Extreme Scarcity

Only a handful of 1969-S No-S Proof dimes are known, with estimates suggesting fewer than 18 exist. The U.S. Mint produces millions of dimes, but proof coins are made in small batches, and errors like a missing mint mark are caught quickly. These rare dimes escaped into circulation, possibly in proof sets sold to collectors, making them incredibly scarce and valuable to numismatists.

Pristine Condition

The coin’s condition, or grade, is key to its value. The $650,000 dime was likely graded PR68 or higher (Proof condition, near-perfect) by services like PCGS or NGC. Proof coins have sharp details, no scratches, and a brilliant shine, making high-grade examples worth more. A worn or damaged No-S Proof dime would still be valuable but fetch less than a pristine one.

Historical Significance

The Roosevelt Dime honors Franklin D. Roosevelt, who founded the March of Dimes to fight polio, a disease he battled himself. Introduced in 1946, shortly after his death, the coin carries emotional and historical weight. The 1969-S No-S Proof, from a time of transition in U.S. coinage (post-silver era), adds to its appeal, making it a piece of history collectors cherish.

How to Spot a $650,000 Roosevelt Dime

Finding a valuable Roosevelt Dime is possible with a sharp eye. Here’s how to check:

  1. Check the Year and Mint Mark: Look for a 1969 dime. Check below Roosevelt’s profile for an “S” mint mark. If it’s missing, you may have a No-S Proof.
  2. Look for Proof Finish: Proof coins have a shiny, mirror-like background with frosted details. Compare with regular dimes, which look duller.
  3. Examine Condition: Look for a coin with no scratches, wear, or tarnish. High-grade coins are worth more.
  4. Use a Magnifying Glass: Inspect for fine details or errors, like doubling on “LIBERTY” or the date, which could indicate another rare variant.

If you find a potential rare dime, preserve its value:

  • Don’t Clean It: Cleaning can scratch the coin and lower its worth.
  • Handle Carefully: Use cotton gloves or hold by the edges to avoid fingerprints.
  • Get It Graded: Send it to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.
  • Consult Experts: Visit a reputable coin dealer or auction house like Heritage Auctions for an appraisal.

Simple English Explanations for Complex Terms

Here’s a table explaining tricky terms in easy English:

English TermSimple English Explanation
NumismaticsThe hobby of collecting and studying coins and paper money.
Minting ErrorA mistake made when making a coin, like missing a letter or mark.
Proof CoinA special coin with a shiny, mirror-like finish, made for collectors.
Mint MarkA small letter (like “S” or “D”) showing where the coin was made.
GradingChecking a coin’s condition and giving it a quality score (e.g., PR68).
ObverseThe front side of a coin, usually with a portrait.
ReverseThe back side of a coin, with a secondary design like a torch.

Comparison with Other Valuable Roosevelt Dimes

The 1969-S No-S Proof isn’t the only valuable Roosevelt Dime. Here’s how it compares:

  • 1975 No-S Proof: Only two known, one sold for $456,000. Like the 1969-S, it lacks the “S” mint mark and is highly rare.
  • 1968 No-S Proof: Fewer than 18 exist, with one sold for $47,000 in 2020. Valued for the same missing mint mark error.
  • 1965 Silver Transitional Error: Struck on a silver planchet by mistake, worth up to $20,000 in high grades.
  • 1951-S Full Bands: Perfectly struck with full torch lines, valued at $2,000–$20,000.

The 1969-S No-S Proof’s $650,000 price is among the highest, driven by its scarcity and high-grade condition, though the 1975 No-S is similarly rare.

Why Collectors Love Roosevelt Dimes

Roosevelt Dimes are prized for their history and rare errors. The 1969-S No-S Proof’s missing mint mark makes it a thrilling find, as it’s a mistake that slipped past the U.S. Mint’s quality checks. Stories of people finding valuable dimes in change, like one in a laundromat or a coin roll, keep the excitement alive. The coin’s tie to Roosevelt’s legacy and the 1960s era adds emotional appeal, making it more than just money—it’s a piece of history.

Tips for Finding a Valuable Roosevelt Dime

You don’t need to be an expert to find a $650,000 dime. Try these tips:

  • Check Pocket Change: Look at dimes from cash registers, vending machines, or your wallet, especially 1969 coins.
  • Buy Bank Rolls: Purchase rolls of dimes from banks to inspect for errors.
  • Search Old Collections: Check inherited coin jars, piggy banks, or family safes.
  • Visit Coin Shows: Attend local coin shows or flea markets to find rare dimes.
  • Use Online Resources: Check PCGS CoinFacts, NGC Coin Explorer, or Reddit’s r/coins for images and tips.

Conclusion

The 1969-S No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime, worth up to $650,000, proves that a 10-cent coin can be a life-changing treasure. Its rare minting error, scarcity, and pristine condition make it a collector’s dream. By checking your change for a 1969 dime with no “S” mint mark and a shiny proof finish, you could uncover a fortune. Stories of dimes found in everyday places like laundromats or bank rolls show that anyone can strike it rich. So, next time you get a dime, take a closer look—it might just be worth a small fortune.

FAQs

1. What makes the 1969-S No-S Roosevelt Dime so valuable?

It’s a rare proof coin missing the “S” mint mark, with fewer than 18 known, valued at $650,000 for its error and condition.

2. How do I spot a 1969-S No-S Proof Dime?

Look for a 1969 dime with no “S” mint mark below Roosevelt’s profile and a shiny, mirror-like finish. Use a magnifying glass to confirm.

3. Where can I find a valuable Roosevelt Dime?

Check pocket change, bank rolls, old coin jars, or coin shows. Vending machines or inherited collections may hold them.

4. Are all 1969 Roosevelt Dimes valuable?

No, only the No-S Proof dimes are worth $650,000. Regular 1969 dimes with mint marks are worth 10 cents or slightly more.

5. What should I do if I find a rare dime?

Don’t clean it. Store it in a protective sleeve, get it graded by PCGS or NGC, and consult a coin dealer or auction house.

Sources: blueskyschools.org, oto-mobility.com, alleyscafe.com, coincollecting.com

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