The 1975 “No S” Roosevelt dime is one of the most intriguing and valuable coins in the world of numismatics. To the untrained eye, it may appear to be an ordinary dime, but upon closer inspection, this coin carries a fascinating error that has earned it a place at the top of many collectors’ wish lists.
The History Behind the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt dime, first minted in 1946, was designed by artist John R. Sinnock in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who passed away in 1945. The coin has a distinctive appearance, featuring a profile of Roosevelt on the obverse and a torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the reverse.
In 1975, the U.S. Mint was preparing to release a special set of proof coins to commemorate the nation’s bicentennial. Typically, proof coins are struck with extra care and polished dies to create high-quality versions for collectors.
These proof sets were produced at the San Francisco Mint, and each coin was expected to bear an “S” mint mark, denoting its place of production.
However, a small number of 1975 proof Roosevelt dimes were mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark. This error is known as the “No S” variety. The mistake occurred due to a mix-up at the San Francisco Mint, where proof dimes from the previous year (1974) that had already been prepared for minting were used in 1975.
The 1974 dimes did not bear an “S” mint mark, so when these dimes were struck in 1975, the mint mark was omitted by accident. As a result, only a very small number of 1975 “No S” Roosevelt dimes exist today, making them extremely rare and highly desirable to collectors.
Rarity and Significance
The 1975 “No S” Roosevelt dime is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. It is estimated that only about 20 to 30 of these coins were released to the public before the error was corrected. This means that the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt dime is considered to be one of the rarest dimes in existence.
Although proof coins are typically produced in large quantities for collectors, the “No S” version stands out due to its limited availability. As a result, the 1975 “No S” dime has become a cornerstone of many high-end coin collections.
The error was discovered relatively soon after the coin was released, but by then, a handful of the dimes had already found their way into circulation. This further adds to the coin’s allure, as finding one of these rare dimes in a regular set of pocket change is highly unlikely, though not impossible.
Also See:-Top 3 Rare Dimes and Bicentennial Coins Worth Millions A Treasure Trove for Collectors
How to Spot a 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime
To the untrained eye, the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt dime can look very similar to a regular proof 1975 dime, which does have the “S” mint mark. Here are some key features to help you identify the rare “No S” version:
Mint Mark: The most obvious distinguishing feature is the lack of the “S” mint mark on the reverse side of the coin, just below the date. Regular proof dimes from 1975 will have the “S” mint mark on the reverse, while the “No S” error will be missing this mark.
Finish: The 1975 “No S” dime is a proof coin, so it will have the shiny, mirror-like finish characteristic of proof coins. Be on the lookout for this distinctive finish, as it will stand out against standard circulation dimes, which have a matte finish.
Condition: Since the 1975 “No S” dime is a proof coin, it should have a high-quality finish with sharp details. If the coin is well-preserved and free from heavy wear or scratches, it will be more valuable. Coins in high grades (such as PR-68 or higher) are the most sought after by collectors.
Authentication: If you believe you’ve found a 1975 “No S” Roosevelt dime, it’s a good idea to have it authenticated by a professional grading service like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Authentication ensures the coin’s provenance and helps establish its value in the marketplace.
Value of the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime
Due to its extreme rarity and the fact that it is a proof coin from a series that is widely collected, the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt dime is highly valuable. The price can vary significantly depending on its condition and certification grade, but here’s a general breakdown of its value:
In lower grades (e.g., PR-60 to PR-63), the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt dime can fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000.
In higher grades (e.g., PR-64 to PR-67), the coin can be worth anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 or more.
In the highest grades (PR-68 and higher), a 1975 “No S” Roosevelt dime can sell for upwards of $100,000, with some rarer specimens fetching even more at auction.
One notable sale took place in 2017, when a 1975 “No S” Roosevelt dime in PR-68 condition sold for $350,000. This shows just how much a well-preserved, high-grade example of this rare coin can be worth.
