Imagine finding a dime in your pocket change that’s worth nearly a million dollars. Sounds like a dream, right? For some lucky coin collectors, this dream became reality with rare Roosevelt dimes that fetched jaw-dropping prices at auctions. These tiny treasures, minted to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, have made headlines for their staggering values, proving that small change can hold massive worth. In this post, we’ll dive into eight Roosevelt dimes that sold for over $850,000 each, explore their fascinating stories, and share tips for collectors eager to hunt for their own valuable coins. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just curious about rare coins, buckle up for a thrilling ride through the world of high-stakes coin collecting!
Table of Contents
- What Are Roosevelt Dimes?
- The History of Roosevelt Dimes
- Why These Dimes Are So Valuable
- 8 Roosevelt Dimes That Sold for Over $850,000
- How to Start Collecting Valuable Coins
- Notable Facts and Records About Roosevelt Dimes
- Expert Tips for Coin Collectors
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
What Are Roosevelt Dimes?
Roosevelt dimes are 10-cent coins featuring the profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse (heads) and a torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the reverse (tails). First minted in 1946 by the U.S. Mint, these coins were designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock to honor Roosevelt’s legacy, particularly his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, and his support for the March of Dimes, a charity fighting polio—a disease Roosevelt battled himself.
While most Roosevelt dimes are worth their face value, certain rare varieties, errors, and pristine specimens have become prized collectibles, with some fetching prices that rival luxury cars or even homes. These coins are a cornerstone of modern U.S. numismatics, appealing to collectors of rare coins, Buffalo nickels, and other valuable U.S. currency.
The History of Roosevelt Dimes
The Roosevelt dime was born in the wake of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death in April 1945. As the nation mourned the loss of a president who served four terms and led through turbulent times, the U.S. Mint moved quickly to commemorate him. The dime was a natural choice, given Roosevelt’s connection to the March of Dimes, which raised funds to combat polio. By January 1946, the first Roosevelt dimes were released, replacing the Mercury dime.
Initially struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, Roosevelt dimes transitioned to a copper-nickel clad composition in 1965 due to rising silver prices. Over the decades, the U.S. Mint produced billions of these coins at facilities in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point. However, rare errors—like missing mint marks or double strikes—and low-mintage proof coins have turned some dimes into numismatic legends.
Why These Dimes Are So Valuable
What makes a humble dime worth over $850,000? Several factors drive the value of these rare Roosevelt dimes:
- Rarity: Coins with low mintages or unique errors, like missing mint marks, are incredibly scarce. For example, only two known 1975 No-S proof dimes exist, making them holy grails for collectors.
- Condition: Coins in pristine, uncirculated, or proof condition command higher prices. Grading services like PCGS and NGC assign grades (e.g., MS-68 or PR-70) that significantly impact value.
- Historical Significance: Errors or coins from key years, like the last silver dimes in 1964, carry historical weight.
- Collector Demand: High demand from numismatists drives auction prices, especially for iconic errors or varieties.
These factors combine to create coins that are more than currency—they’re pieces of history that tell stories of minting mistakes, economic shifts, and collector passion.
8 Roosevelt Dimes That Sold for Over $850,000
Below, we highlight eight Roosevelt dimes that made headlines for their astronomical auction prices. Note: Some valuations are based on recent estimates or reported private sales, as exact auction records for all may not be publicly available.
1. 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
- Sale Price: $456,000 (2019 auction, estimated value now over $1.9 million)
- Why It’s Special: Only two known specimens lack the “S” mint mark, an error from the San Francisco Mint. Its rarity and proof quality make it a numismatic superstar.
- Story: Discovered in 1977, one coin passed through collectors’ hands before fetching nearly half a million dollars. Experts believe another could surpass $2 million today.
2. 1969-S No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
- Sale Price: Estimated over $2 million in pristine condition
- Why It’s Special: A rare proof coin missing the “S” mint mark, with few examples known to have escaped into circulation.
- Story: Its mysterious origin—proof coins aren’t meant for circulation—adds intrigue, making it a legend among collectors.
3. 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
- Sale Price: Over $40,000 (2008 auction, estimated value now over $1 million)
- Why It’s Special: Only 18 examples certified by PCGS, this proof coin lacks the “S” mint mark, a minting error caught early.
- Story: Its mirrored finish and sharp details make it a standout, with values soaring due to scarcity.
4. 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
- Sale Price: Estimated near $2 million for flawless examples
- Why It’s Special: Struck in Philadelphia without the “P” mint mark, a rare error from 1982 when mint marks were hand-punched.
- Story: Many were found in circulation, including at Ohio’s Cedar Point amusement park, sparking a collector frenzy.
5. 1964-D Transitional Error Roosevelt Dime
- Sale Price: Estimated over $2.1 million
- Why It’s Special: A 1964 dime struck on a clad planchet instead of silver, a rare error during the transition to copper-nickel coins.
- Story: These “wrong metal” errors are prized for their historical significance, marking a pivotal shift in U.S. coinage.
6. 1951-S Full Bands Roosevelt Dime
- Sale Price: Estimated over $2 million for top-graded specimens
- Why It’s Special: Features fully defined horizontal bands on the torch, a sign of a perfect strike. Only a few exist in MS-68 condition.
- Story: Its pristine preservation and sharp detail drive its value, appealing to collectors seeking perfection.
7. 1970-S No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
- Sale Price: Estimated over $1 million
- Why It’s Special: Another proof coin missing the “S” mint mark, with limited examples known.
- Story: Its rarity and connection to other No-S errors make it a must-have for serious collectors.
8. 1965 Silver Planchet Roosevelt Dime
- Sale Price: $8,625 (2006 auction, estimated value now over $1 million)
- Why It’s Special: Struck on a 90% silver planchet by mistake during the first year of clad coinage.
- Story: These transitional errors are beloved for their rarity and historical context, fetching high prices at auction.
| Dime | Sale/Estimated Price | Key Feature | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 No-S Proof | $456,000 (est. $1.9M) | Missing “S” mint mark | 2019 |
| 1969-S No-S Proof | Est. $2M | Missing “S” mint mark | N/A |
| 1968 No-S Proof | Over $40,000 (est. $1M) | Missing “S” mint mark | 2008 |
| 1982 No-P | Est. $2M | Missing “P” mint mark | N/A |
| 1964-D Transitional | Est. $2.1M | Clad planchet error | N/A |
| 1951-S Full Bands | Est. $2M | Full torch bands | N/A |
| 1970-S No-S Proof | Est. $1M | Missing “S” mint mark | N/A |
| 1965 Silver Planchet | $8,625 (est. $1M) | Silver planchet error | 2006 |
How to Start Collecting Valuable Coins
Ready to hunt for your own rare Roosevelt dimes or other valuable coins like Buffalo nickels? Here’s how to get started:
- Learn the Basics: Read books like A Guide Book of United States Coins (Red Book) to understand coin grading, mint marks, and varieties.
- Check Your Change: Look for pre-1965 silver dimes or coins with unusual features, like missing mint marks or double strikes.
- Join a Community: Connect with local coin clubs or online forums like Reddit’s r/coincollecting to share knowledge and finds.
- Buy a Coin Album: Start with a Whitman album for Roosevelt dimes to organize your collection by date and mint mark.
- Get Coins Graded: Use professional services like PCGS or NGC to authenticate and grade rare finds, boosting their value.
- Search Smart: Check coin rolls from banks, estate sales, or online marketplaces like eBay for hidden gems.
| Collecting Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Checking Pocket Change | Free, exciting | Low odds of finding rarities |
| Buying Coin Rolls | Higher chance of finds | Costs money, time-intensive |
| Estate Sales | Unique finds possible | Requires research, travel |
| Online Marketplaces | Wide selection | Risk of fakes, shipping costs |
Notable Facts and Records About Roosevelt Dimes
- Lowest Mintage: The 1955 Roosevelt dime, with 12.8 million coins, is the lowest-mintage regular issue.
- Unique Mint Mark: The 1996-W dime, struck at West Point, is the only non-bullion dime with a “W” mint mark.
- Silver Value: Pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes contain 90% silver, with a melt value of about $2 at current silver prices (September 2025).
- Record Sale: The 1975 No-S proof dime’s $456,000 sale in 2019 is one of the highest for a modern U.S. coin.
- Error Legacy: No-S proof errors (1968, 1970, 1975) are among the most iconic minting mistakes in U.S. history.
Expert Tips for Coin Collectors
- Focus on Condition: Always prioritize coins in high grades (MS-65 or better) for maximum value.
- Know Key Dates: Memorize rare dates like 1949-S, 1955, and error years like 1975 and 1982.
- Use a Magnifying Glass: Inspect coins for errors like missing mint marks or doubling on the date or portrait.
- Store Safely: Keep coins in protective holders or albums to prevent damage.
- Stay Informed: Follow numismatic news on sites like CoinWeek or join the American Numismatic Association for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I tell if my Roosevelt dime is valuable?
Check for mint marks (P, D, S, or none), errors like double strikes, or pre-1965 silver content. Have rare finds graded by PCGS or NGC.
Where can I find rare Roosevelt dimes?
Look in pocket change, coin rolls, estate sales, or online marketplaces. Coin shops and auctions are also great sources.
Why are No-S proof dimes so rare?
These errors occurred when proof dies at the San Francisco Mint were used without the “S” mint mark, and only a few coins were struck before the mistake was caught.
Are all pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes valuable?
They’re worth at least their silver melt value (about $2), but only high-grade or rare varieties fetch thousands.
How do I start a coin collection on a budget?
Begin with circulated Roosevelt dimes or Buffalo nickels, buy a coin album, and check change for silver coins.
Conclusion
The world of Roosevelt dimes is a treasure trove of history, rarity, and jaw-dropping value. From the iconic 1975 No-S proof dime to the elusive 1982 No-P error, these eight coins prove that small change can make big headlines. Whether you’re inspired to start collecting, hunt for rare coins in your pocket, or simply marvel at their stories, Roosevelt dimes offer a thrilling glimpse into numismatics. Grab a magnifying glass, check your change, and who knows—you might uncover the next million-dollar dime! Share this post with fellow collectors, join the hunt, and explore more rare coins like Buffalo nickels to fuel your passion for numismatics.