The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime stands as one of the rarest modern U.S. coins, captivating collectors with its mysterious origin and staggering value. Struck without the “S” mint mark at the San Francisco Mint, this proof dime slipped into circulation—or rather, proof sets—by sheer accident, vanishing almost as quickly as it appeared. Its story blends minting mishap, scarcity, and skyrocketing auction prices, turning a simple 10-cent piece into a treasure worth hundreds of thousands.
Discovery and Early Buzz
Whispers of the 1975 No-S dime first surfaced in 1977 when a collector cracked open a standard 1975-S proof set and spotted the anomaly. No one expected a dime from San Francisco to lack its identifying “S” below Roosevelt’s neckline. This find sparked immediate excitement in numismatic circles, as proof coins from this era always bore mint marks punched into the die in Philadelphia before shipping west. A second example emerged years later in 1984, solidifying the coin’s legend, but no more have surfaced despite millions of proof sets produced that year.
Why the Missing Mint Mark Matters
At the heart of this dime’s allure lies a classic mint error. Dies for proof coins started in Philadelphia, where the “S” got added for San Francisco strikes. Somehow, one obverse die shipped out unmarked, producing a tiny batch of dimes before the mistake was caught. San Francisco minted 2.8 million proof sets in 1975, yet only two authentic No-S dimes escaped destruction. This extreme scarcity elevates it above other errors, making it the second-rarest U.S. dime after the 1873-CC No Arrows.
Auction Records and Market Heat
The first public sale came in 2011 at the ANA convention, fetching $349,600 for a gem-quality example. Demand surged, with another hitting $456,000 in 2019 and a record $506,250 in October 2024 at Heritage Auctions. Prices reflect not just rarity but pristine PR-68 or higher grades, certified by PCGS or NGC. Speculation about a third coin persists, but experts confirm only two, driving values ever upward in a market hungry for modern rarities.
| Key Facts on 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime | Details |
|---|---|
| Known Examples | 2 confirmed |
| Mint Location | San Francisco (Proof-only) |
| Proof Sets Produced in 1975 | 2,845,450 |
| Record Auction Price | $506,250 (2024) |
| Typical Grade for Top Sales | PR-68 or higher |
| Composition | Copper-Nickel Clad |
| Discovery Years | 1977 and 1984 |
Spotting Fakes in the Wild
Counterfeits plague this dime, as enthusiasts scour change or estate lots dreaming of instant wealth. Genuine pieces boast mirror-like proof fields, sharp strikes, and no “S” under the torch on the reverse either—wait, no, the mint mark is obverse only, but fakes often butcher details like Roosevelt’s hair or the olive branch. Always seek third-party grading; raw “finds” rarely pass muster. Most circulated 1975 dimes are common business strikes from Philadelphia, lacking any drama.
Place in Roosevelt Dime History
Introduced in 1946 honoring FDR, Roosevelt Dimes transitioned from silver to clad in 1965. Proof versions from San Francisco became collector staples in sets, but errors like 1968, 1970, and 1983 No-S kin pale beside 1975’s duo. Completing a full set demands this holy grail, pushing registry values into millions. Its tale underscores how human oversight at the Mint births legends, much like the 1955 doubled die cent.
Collector Appeal Today
Today’s hunters prize the 1975 No-S for its blend of accessibility—proof sets still surface at shows—and impossibility. Online forums buzz with “what if” posts, while auctions tease pedigreed specimens. Values hold firm amid economic shifts, appealing to investors beyond hobbyists. As fewer hands touch these coins, their mystique grows, ensuring the “vanished” dime remains a circulation ghost story.
Future Outlook
Expect prices to climb if a third surfaces, though experts doubt it. Market saturation with lesser errors keeps focus sharp on these two. For newcomers, study via clubs or apps, but chase dreams responsibly—genuine riches stay slabbed in vaults.
FAQs
How many 1975 No-S dimes exist?
Only two confirmed examples.
What’s the highest sale price?
$506,250 in 2024.
Is it from circulation?
No, strictly proof sets, not business strikes.
Disclaimer
The content is intended for informational purposes only. You can check the official sources; our aim is to provide accurate information to all users.
