Most people don’t think twice about the dimes in their pockets, but minting mistakes have transformed some of these small coins into priceless treasures. These errors, caused by accidental misprints or flaws during production, make certain dimes incredibly valuable. Some have sold for thousands—even hundreds of thousands—of dollars at auctions. Here are three rare dimes with minting mistakes that turned them into collector’s dreams.
1. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is one of the rarest modern U.S. coins. It was supposed to be a proof coin minted in San Francisco, but a small batch was accidentally struck without the “S” mintmark. Only two examples have ever been found, making this one of the most sought-after dimes in history. In 2019, one of these rare error coins sold for $456,000, and experts believe its value could continue to rise.
2. 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Another rare minting mistake occurred in 1968, when a small number of San Francisco Mint proof dimes were struck without the “S” mintmark. These dimes were only available in special proof sets, making them even harder to find. A well-preserved 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime has sold for over $40,000 at auction. If you have an old proof set from 1968, check the dime—if it’s missing the “S,” you could be holding a fortune!
3. 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
In 1982, the U.S. Mint accidentally forgot to add the “P” mintmark on some dimes produced in Philadelphia. This was the first time a Philadelphia-minted dime was missing its mintmark. These dimes were circulated, meaning they could still be found in pocket change today. A high-grade 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime has sold for up to $20,000, making it one of the most valuable modern error dimes.
Minting mistakes can turn ordinary dimes into priceless treasures, and these errors are often discovered years after production. The 1975 No-S, 1968 No-S, and 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dimes are some of the rarest and most valuable coins in existence. If you have old proof sets or dimes from pocket change, take a closer look—you might have a fortune hiding in plain sight!
FAQ’s:
1. How do I know if my dime is a rare minting mistake?
Look for missing mintmarks, doubling errors, or unusual coin features. You can use a magnifier or consult a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
2. Where can I find rare error dimes?
Check old proof sets, coin rolls from banks, estate sales, and even pocket change. Many valuable error dimes have been found in everyday circulation.
3. Should I clean my rare dime before selling it?
No! Cleaning a rare dime can reduce its value significantly. Keep it in its original condition.
4. Where can I sell a rare dime?
Sell through coin dealers, auction houses, or online marketplaces like Heritage Auctions and eBay for the best prices.
5. How should I store a valuable error dime?
Use airtight holders or certified coin slabs to protect against damage, and store it in a cool, dry place.
