Certain coins capture the imagination of numismatists and historians alike, weaving together stories of rarity, historical significance, and collector intrigue. Among these rarities is the 1975 Roosevelt dime missing the “S” mint mark, a coin that recently commanded over $500,000 at auction, making waves in the numismatic world. This article delves into the unique characteristics, background, and remarkable journey of this one-of-a-kind coin.
The 1975 ‘No S’ Proof Dime: A Numismatic Rarity
In 1975, the San Francisco U.S. Mint produced over 2.8 million proof sets, each comprising six coins, including the Roosevelt dime. Proof coins are crafted with a high-quality finish and usually bear an “S” mint mark to indicate their San Francisco origin. However, due to an oversight, at least two 1975 Roosevelt dimes were struck without this “S” mint mark, marking them as exceptionally rare. These error coins, known as the 1975 “No S” Proof Dimes, are coveted by collectors for their scarcity and the allure surrounding minting errors.
Discovery and Provenance of the 1975 No-S Dime
The journey of this dime began in 1978, when a dairy-farming family from Ohio acquired it for $18,200—equivalent to roughly $90,000 in today’s dollars. The family regarded the coin as a financial safeguard and kept it in a bank vault for over 40 years. When the brother who originally purchased the coin passed away, his three sisters inherited it, initially unaware of its current market value. Their decision to auction the dime not only brought the coin back into the public spotlight but also rekindled interest in this numismatic gem.
Record-Breaking Auction and Sale
The Ohio family consigned the coin to GreatCollections, a well-known auction house for rare coins. On October 27, 2024, the online auction concluded with the dime selling for an astonishing $506,250, setting a new record for GreatCollections. The sale attracted over 200 bids, demonstrating the fervent demand for this unique piece of numismatic history. This remarkable sale underscored the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime’s importance and rarity within the collector community.
Historical Context and Significance
The 1975 “No S” Proof Dime is part of a broader history of mint mark omissions in U.S. coinage. Other notable examples include the 1968 and 1970 “No S” Proof Dimes and the 1971 “No S” Proof Jefferson Nickel. These errors occur when the minting process fails to stamp the intended mint mark onto proof coins, usually resulting from the use of incorrect or unmarked dies. Collectors prize these error coins not only for their scarcity but also for the fascinating production stories they tell.
Notable U.S. Mint Error Coins: A Comparison
The following table provides a comparison of notable “No S” proof coins, highlighting the unique characteristics of each and their corresponding auction sale prices:
| Coin Type | Year | Mint Mark Error | Auction Sale Price | Date of Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 ‘No S’ Proof Dime | 1975 | Missing ‘S’ | $506,250 | Oct 2024 |
| 1968 ‘No S’ Proof Dime | 1968 | Missing ‘S’ | $48,300 | Jan 2019 |
| 1970 ‘No S’ Proof Dime | 1970 | Missing ‘S’ | $31,200 | Aug 2018 |
| 1971 ‘No S’ Proof Jefferson Nickel | 1971 | Missing ‘S’ | $20,000 | Mar 2017 |
Note: Prices are approximate and based on available auction records.
The Appeal of Error Coins
Error coins hold a special place in numismatics. Often created accidentally during the minting process, these coins stand out as unique artifacts of U.S. monetary history. Their allure lies in their rarity and the unusual circumstances of their creation. The 1975 “No S” Proof Dime is a prime example, embodying both historical curiosity and tangible value. Collectors are drawn to these coins not just for their market value, but for the stories they hold about the minting process and its occasional mishaps.
The price fetched by the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime underscores how captivating such pieces are to collectors, with their errors turning them into highly sought-after treasures in numismatics.
What makes the 1975 ‘No S’ Proof Dime so valuable?
The coin’s value stems from its extreme rarity and the omission of the “S” mint mark, an error that makes it highly desirable among collectors.
How many 1975 ‘No S’ Proof Dimes are known to exist?
Currently, only two 1975 ‘No S’ Proof Dimes are known to exist, adding to their value and desirability.
Why do some coins lack mint marks?
Missing mint marks on proof coins result from production errors, typically when dies without mint marks are used inadvertently. These errors are rare and prized by collectors.
