Collecting U.S. Roosevelt dimes can offer surprises beyond their ten-cent face value. While many circulate unnoticed, a handful of incredibly scarce varieties has sold for sums rivaling classic rarities.
This article reveals seven ultra-rare Roosevelt dimes that have fetched hundreds of thousands—or even millions at auction. If you’ve ever wondered whether a humble dime in your pocket could be worth a fortune, read on.
Detailed Breakdown of Each Rare Dime
1. 1975 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dime
Only two examples exist without the “S” mint mark from San Francisco. One recently sold for about $500,000, making it the most expensive Roosevelt dime ever auctioned. This is one of the rarest U.S. coins in modern collecting.
2. 1982 “No P” Clad Dime
These error coins lack the “P” mint mark from Philadelphia. Around 1,500 were found in a hoard, and individual coins in Gem Uncirculated condition have sold for up to $1,000.
3. 1968 “No S” Proof Dime
A proof dime struck without the San Francisco “S” went for approximately $45,600 at auction. Its superior design quality and the missing mint mark make it highly collectible.
4. 1998 Bonded Group Roosevelt Dime
A bundle of 32 fused (bonded) 1998 Philadelphia dimes sold as one item for about $9,200. This novelty error attracts collectors looking for unusual minting anomalies.
5. 1966 SMS Special Strike Roosevelt Dime
Special Mint Set (SMS) dimes were made with extra care. One SP-67 example from 1966 sold for approximately $12,500, driven by its high grade and mint-state quality.
6. 1965 Transitional Silver Roosevelt Dime
In 1965, the U.S. transitioned from silver to base metal. A rare silver-clad transitional dime in top condition fetched around $9,000, reflecting its fleeting silver content during the changeover.
7. Legendary “Million-Dollar” Roosevelt Dimes
Online rumors of dimes worth millions—like a $9.8 million Roosevelt dime—capture imaginations, but there’s no verified record of such sales. They live on as urban legends within numismatic circles.
The 7 Ultra-Rare Roosevelt Dimes That Made Headlines
| # | Coin Type | Year & Variety | Approx. Sale Price | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1975 “No S” Proof Dime | 1975 proof, missing “S” mint mark | ~$500,000 | One of only two known—extraordinary error |
| 2 | 1982 “No P” Clad Dime | 1982 clad, missing “P” mint mark | Up to $1,000 each | Rare error, large hoard still surfaced |
| 3 | 1968 “No S” Proof Dime | 1968 proof, missing “S” mint mark | ~$45,600 | Proof error from San Francisco—extremely rare |
| 4 | 1998 Bonded Group Dime Set | 1998 P bonded group, mixed grade | ~$9,200 | Unique fused bundle—distinct novelty |
| 5 | 1966 SMS Special Strike | 1966 special mint strike, SP 67 | ~$12,500 | Special mint strike with high grade |
| 6 | 1965 Silver Transitional Dime | Transitional 1965 no-mint-mark | ~$9,000 | Silver issue post-silver era—highly scarce |
| 7 | Legendary Mystery Dimes | Rumored high-value Roosevelt dimes | Hyped millions | Urban legend; no verifiable sale at that level |
Why These Dimes Command High Prices
- Minting Errors: Missing mint marks or fused varieties are unintended anomalies that collectors prize.
- Low Survival Rates: Especially for selective errors like the 1975 “No S,” extremely few examples remain.
- High Grading: Proof coins or SMS dimes graded MS67+ or SP67+ attract premium bids.
- Market Demand: Errors and rare issues often spark fierce bidding, especially when only a handful are known.
If someone calls your change a waste of time, they might be speaking too soon. Among Roosevelt dimes, rarities like 1975 “No S” proof dimes, 1968 “No S” proofs, and 1982 “No P” errors have fetched tens of thousands to half a million dollars.
While some rumored million-dollar dimes remain unverified, the real story is just as thrilling: even a humble dime can become a numismatic marvel. Always check for mint marks, condition, and error traits—and maybe you’re sitting on a small fortune.
FAQs
Inspect the area near the date or above the date (depending on year) for the mint mark. If it’s absent where one should be, especially for known error years, it could be valuable.
Proof and high-grade coins (e.g., MS67, PR67, SP67) command the highest prices. Certified by reputable grading services, these grades assure quality and authenticity.
No verified sale at that level exists. While rumors of multi-million-dollar Roosevelt dimes circulate, the most expensive authenticated sale remains around $500,000.