The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is one of the most fascinating and valuable coins in U.S. numismatics. What makes this particular dime stand out from others is its rarity—this coin was never supposed to exist.
Struck with a minting error, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime was accidentally released into circulation, and today it’s one of the most sought-after coins by collectors.
If you have a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime in your collection, you may be holding onto a coin worth up to $450,000. But how did this rare error occur, and why is it so valuable? Let’s explore the details of this remarkable coin and explain why it could fetch a fortune.
The Mystery Behind the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is an anomaly in the world of coin collecting. Typically, coins produced at the San Francisco Mint feature an “S” mintmark to indicate where they were struck.
However, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime was released without this mintmark, making it an incredibly rare minting error.
Key Features of the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime:
- Mint Year: 1975
- Mint Location: San Francisco Mint (but with no “S” mintmark)
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Design: Obverse features President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the reverse features a torch, olive branch, and oak branch.
- Mintage: Extremely limited, as only a small number were mistakenly struck.
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime was part of the regular production of dimes, but due to an oversight at the minting process, coins were struck without the “S” mintmark. This was not detected at the time, and a small number of these error coins were released to the public.
How Valuable is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime?
The rarity of the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is what makes it so valuable. When it was first discovered, collectors were stunned by the error, and demand for the coin skyrocketed.
Today, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is considered one of the most significant error coins in U.S. history.
Several factors contribute to the coin’s high value:
- Rarity: Only a few 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dimes were released, with estimates suggesting fewer than 20 surviving examples in existence.
- Historical Significance: The 1975 No-S Dime serves as a reminder of the U.S. Mint’s occasional slip-ups in production and is an example of human error.
- Condition: Coins in uncirculated or high-grade conditions can fetch much more than those in poor condition. Coins graded MS-65 or higher have been known to command significant sums, reaching up to $450,000.
Grading the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
The condition of the coin plays a crucial role in determining its value. Like any rare collectible, the better the condition, the higher the value.
A professional grading service, such as the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), assigns a grade to coins based on factors such as clarity, sharpness, and overall preservation.
The most valuable 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dimes are those that have been preserved in uncirculated, mint state (MS) condition.
A coin graded MS-65 or higher could be worth $450,000 or more, whereas a lower-grade coin, while still valuable, would not fetch the same price.
Key Grades and Their Impact on Value:
| Grade | Approximate Value (Per Coin) |
|---|---|
| MS-65 | Up to $450,000 |
| MS-64 | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| AU-50 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| VF-20 | $500 – $1,000 |
Coins with higher grades command a premium in the market, as collectors are willing to pay top dollar for coins that have been well-preserved and retain their original shine and detail.
Where to Buy or Sell a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
If you own a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime and are considering selling it, it’s important to work with a trusted coin dealer or auction house.
Because of the high value of this coin, having it professionally authenticated and graded is essential to ensure you get the best possible price.
Reputable auction houses such as Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers Galleries regularly auction rare coins, including error coins like the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime.
Online platforms such as eBay also provide opportunities to sell or buy these coins, though they require extra caution to avoid fraud or misrepresentation.
Why Should You Consider Investing in Rare Coins Like the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime?
Investing in rare coins, such as the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, can be a smart decision for collectors and investors alike. Coins that are both rare and significant in history tend to appreciate in value over time.
As the population of well-preserved coins continues to dwindle, demand for these collectibles increases, making them a valuable asset for those looking to diversify their investment portfolio.
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is one of the most valuable and rare coins in U.S. numismatics, with some examples worth up to $450,000 or more. Its rarity, historical significance, and unique minting error make it highly sought after by collectors.
If you’re lucky enough to own one, it could be worth a significant amount of money. Be sure to have your coin professionally authenticated and graded to ensure you receive the best possible value for this remarkable piece of American history.
FAQs
Why is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime so valuable?
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is valuable due to its rarity and minting error. Only a small number of these coins were released, making them extremely sought after by collectors.
How much is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime worth?
In high-grade condition, a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime can fetch up to $450,000. The value depends on factors such as grade and condition, with coins in uncirculated states commanding the highest prices.
What makes the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime different from other dimes?
Unlike most Roosevelt dimes, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime was mistakenly struck without the “S” mintmark, which indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. This error makes it a rare and highly valuable coin.
How can I determine if my 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is valuable?
Having your coin professionally graded and authenticated by services like NGC or PCGS is the best way to determine its value. Coins in high-grade, uncirculated condition are worth significantly more.