An incredibly rare dime, whose location had baffled collectors since the late 1970s, has recently been sold for over $500,000. This intriguing piece, minted by the U.S. Mint in San Francisco in 1975, showcases President Franklin D. Roosevelt and is notably one of only two such coins known to exist without the typical “S” mint mark.
The story of this coin is as captivating as its rarity. It was passed down to three sisters from Ohio following their brother’s death. He had safeguarded this treasure in a bank vault for more than four decades, unaware of its impending fame.
How much was this rare dime worth?
The coin captivated bidders and ultimately sold for an impressive $506,250 during an online auction that wrapped up on Sunday. Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections, the auction house based in Irvine, California, reported that the coin attracted 212 bids, highlighting its significant allure among collectors.
- Rare New England threepence anticipated to reach $1 million.
- Coin minted in 1975 in San Francisco.
- Features President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- One of only two without the “S” mint mark.
- Inherited by three sisters from Ohio.
- Stored in a bank vault for over 40 years.
- Sold for $506,250 at an online auction.
- 212 bids placed, showcasing its rarity.
The Fascinating Story of the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime
One of the most intriguing pieces in the world of coin collecting is the elusive 1975 “No S” proof dime. This rare gem captured the attention of enthusiasts when it was auctioned in 2019 for an astounding $456,000.
Not long after, it exchanged hands again for a remarkable $516,000, becoming the pride of a dedicated Roosevelt Dime collector who now boasts the only complete collection of the series, according to the auction house.
The Origin of the Rare Dime
In 1975, the San Francisco Mint produced over 2.8 million special uncirculated “proof” sets, each comprising six coins and originally sold for $7. However, a few years later, collectors made a surprising discovery: two of these dimes were missing the distinct mint mark.
This rare occurrence has sparked intrigue and fascination among coin enthusiasts, with the undated image provided by GreatCollections showcasing this extraordinary 1975 proof set dime, mistakenly crafted without the San Francisco Mint’s “S” mintmark.
A Coin with a Personal Connection
Russell recounted an intriguing story from a pair of sisters in Ohio, who chose to remain anonymous. They revealed that they inherited one of these elusive dimes.
Their family story is quite remarkable—their brother and mother bought the first error coin discovered in 1978 for $18,200, a sum that would equate to roughly $90,000 today. For their parents, who ran a dairy farm, this coin was more than just a collector’s item; it served as a financial safety net.
This tale of the 1975 “No S” proof dime not only highlights its rarity and financial value but also touches on the personal connections and stories that make coin collecting such a cherished hobby.