The 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime is one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics. With only two known examples of this rare error, this coin has captivated collectors for decades.
A small mistake at the U.S. Mint has made this dime a treasure worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In this article, we will explore the history of the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime, the errors surrounding it, how to identify an authentic one, and its current market value.
Contents
History of the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime
In 1975, the U.S. Mint struck Roosevelt Dimes with a mintmark “S” indicating they were produced at the San Francisco Mint. However, a mistake occurred with the production of some proof dimes, where the mintmark “S” was inadvertently left off.
This error created the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime, making it a one-of-a-kind rarity in coin collecting. Despite only two known examples, this error coin continues to intrigue and attract collectors.
The 1975 Roosevelt Dime was struck as part of the annual proof sets, which were produced with a high-quality finish for collectors.
The absence of the “S” mintmark on a coin that was supposed to have one is considered one of the greatest mistakes in the history of coin production.
Identifying the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime
Understanding the difference between proof coins and business strikes is key to identifying the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime.
Proof coins are specially made for collectors and have a distinctive, highly polished surface with mirrored fields and frosted designs. On the other hand, business strikes are produced for general circulation and are not as finely crafted.
- Proof Coin Characteristics: The 1975 “No S” Dime has deeply mirrored fields, a frosted design, and a high-quality finish. The absence of the “S” mintmark makes it a unique specimen, unlike any other proof coin produced that year.
- Mint Error: The error is due to the absence of the “S” mintmark on a proof coin that was supposed to have one. This is a rare mistake, and the two known examples are highly prized.
- Comparing Business Strikes: Business-strike 1975 dimes, which are far more common, are minted without a mintmark if struck at the Philadelphia Mint. These coins do not have the same level of detail as proof coins and are not considered valuable in comparison.
Market Value of the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime
The value of the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime has skyrocketed due to its rarity and the fact that only two examples are known to exist.
The coin is highly sought after by collectors and numismatists, and recent auction prices have reflected this.
| Coin Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime |
| Mintmark | None (Missing “S”) |
| Mintage | 2 known examples |
| Value Range | $350,000 to $456,000 (depending on condition) |
| Coin Quality | Proof (PR68, PR67) |
| Weight | 2.27 grams |
| Diameter | 17.90 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Alloy | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
The 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime has sold at auction for as much as $456,000 for a PR68 specimen in excellent condition.
In comparison, a slightly lower grade example (PR67) has sold for approximately $350,000. These high values reflect the coin’s rarity, error status, and collector demand.
How to Spot a Fake 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime
With the high value of the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime, it’s crucial to ensure any potential finds are authentic. Here’s how you can spot a fake:
- Mintmark Absence: The most obvious feature of the genuine 1975 “No S” coin is the lack of the “S” mintmark. If the coin has a mintmark, it’s likely not the rare version.
- Weight Test: The genuine coin weighs 2.27 grams. Fakes may weigh differently, so it’s important to compare the weight of the coin using a precise scale.
- Magnet Test: This coin is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. If the coin is magnetic, it’s a sure sign it is not authentic.
The 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime is a rare and highly valuable coin that captivates collectors with its minting error and limited number of known examples.
If you’re fortunate enough to own one, you could be holding a coin worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Understanding its characteristics, market value, and how to authenticate it will help you navigate the exciting world of rare coin collecting.
FAQs
How rare is the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime?
There are only two known examples of the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime, making it one of the rarest coins in American numismatics.
What is the value of the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime?
Depending on the condition, the value of the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime ranges from $350,000 to $456,000 at auction.
How can I verify if I have a genuine 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime?
Check for the absence of the mintmark “S” and use a weight or magnet test to ensure the coin is genuine.
