Have you ever checked your loose change for hidden treasures? Roosevelt dimes, those small 10-cent coins featuring President Franklin D. Roosevelt, might look ordinary, but some rare ones are worth millions! In this article, we’ll dive into seven ultra-rare Roosevelt dimes that could turn your pocket change into a fortune. We’ll break it down in simple terms, so you can easily understand which coins to look for and why they’re so valuable.
Why Are Some Roosevelt Dimes So Valuable?
Roosevelt dimes were first minted in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who passed away in 1945. These coins are still in circulation today, but certain versions are incredibly rare due to minting errors, low production numbers, or unique features. Collectors are willing to pay big bucks for these coins, especially if they’re in great condition. Let’s explore the seven rarest Roosevelt dimes that could be hiding in your coin jar!
The 7 Rarest Roosevelt Dimes Worth a Fortune
Here’s a detailed look at the seven ultra-rare Roosevelt dimes that could make you rich. Each one has a unique story and features that make it a collector’s dream.
1. 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
The 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt dime is a superstar in the coin world. Normally, proof coins (special coins made for collectors) have an “S” mark to show they were minted in San Francisco. But a small batch of 1968 proof dimes was accidentally made without the “S” mark, making them super rare.
- Why It’s Valuable: Missing mint mark error.
- Estimated Value: Up to $20,000–$25,000 in top condition.
- How to Spot It: Look for a 1968 dime with no “S” on the front.
2. 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Another proof coin gem, the 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime is one of the rarest of all. Only two are known to exist, and they were mistakenly left without the San Francisco “S” mint mark.
- Why It’s Valuable: Extremely limited quantity (only two known).
- Estimated Value: Sold for over $2 million at auctions!
- How to Spot It: Check for a 1975 proof dime without the “S” mark.
3. 1970 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Similar to the 1968 and 1975 versions, the 1970 No-S Proof Roosevelt dime lacks the “S” mint mark. This error makes it a hot item for collectors.
- Why It’s Valuable: Rare minting mistake.
- Estimated Value: $500,000–$800,000.
- How to Spot It: Look for a 1970 proof dime with no “S” mark.
4. 1969-D Roosevelt Dime with Full Bands
The 1969-D Roosevelt dime with “Full Bands” is a must-have for collectors. The “Full Bands” term refers to the clear, sharp lines on the torch on the back of the coin. Most dimes from this year don’t have such crisp details, so those that do are worth a lot.
- Why It’s Valuable: Perfectly struck with clear details.
- Estimated Value: $1,000–$5,000 in high-grade condition.
- How to Spot It: Check the torch on the back for fully separated bands.
5. 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
In 1982, a small number of Roosevelt dimes were minted in Philadelphia without the “P” mint mark, which is a big deal since Philadelphia coins usually have it.
- Why It’s Valuable: Missing “P” mint mark error.
- Estimated Value: $300–$2,000, depending on condition.
- How to Spot It: Look for a 1982 dime with no “P” on the front.
6. 1950 Proof Roosevelt Dime
The 1950 Proof Roosevelt dime is rare because very few proof coins were made that year. These coins were struck with extra care for collectors, and their shiny, flawless surfaces make them stand out.
- Why It’s Valuable: Low mintage of proof coins.
- Estimated Value: $5,000–$20,000 in pristine condition.
- How to Spot It: Look for a shiny, mirror-like 1950 dime.
7. 1949-S Roosevelt Dime with Full Bands
The 1949-S Roosevelt dime with Full Bands is another coin with sharp, clear details on the torch. These coins were minted in San Francisco, and the ones with perfect strikes are hard to find.
- Why It’s Valuable: Rare, high-quality strike.
- Estimated Value: $1,500–$10,000.
- How to Spot It: Check for an “S” mint mark and clear torch bands.
How to Check If You Have a Rare Roosevelt Dime
Think you might have one of these valuable coins? Here’s how to check:
- Look at the Date and Mint Mark: Check the front of the coin for the year and mint mark (“S” for San Francisco, “D” for Denver, or “P” for Philadelphia). Missing mint marks or specific years (like 1968, 1970, or 1975) are key.
- Inspect the Torch: For Full Bands dimes, use a magnifying glass to check if the lines on the torch are sharp and fully separated.
- Check Coin Condition: Coins in great condition (no scratches or wear) are worth more. Look for shiny, proof-like surfaces.
- Get It Appraised: Take your coin to a professional coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC for an expert opinion.
Rare Roosevelt Dimes Value Table
| Year | Type/Error | Estimated Value | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | No-S Proof | $20,000–$25,000 | Missing “S” mint mark |
| 1975 | No-S Proof | Up to $2 million | Only two known, no “S” mark |
| 1970 | No-S Proof | $500,000–$800,000 | Missing “S” mint mark |
| 1969-D | Full Bands | $1,000–$5,000 | Sharp torch bands |
| 1982 | No-P | $300–$2,000 | Missing “P” mint mark |
| 1950 | Proof | $5,000–$20,000 | Mirror-like surface |
| 1949-S | Full Bands | $1,500–$10,000 | Clear torch bands, “S” mint mark |
Tips to Sell Your Rare Roosevelt Dime
If you think you’ve found one of these rare Roosevelt dimes, here’s how to cash in:
- Get It Graded: Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can certify your coin’s authenticity and condition, boosting its value.
- Find a Reputable Dealer: Work with trusted coin dealers or auction houses to get the best price.
- Check Recent Sales: Look up recent auction results for similar coins to know what yours might be worth.
- Store It Safely: Keep your coin in a protective holder to avoid damage.
Could You Be Holding a Million-Dollar Roosevelt Dime?
The next time you’re sorting through your change, take a closer look at those Roosevelt dimes. A tiny minting error or a rare year could mean you’re holding a coin worth thousands or even millions! By knowing what to look for—like missing mint marks or Full Bands—you could uncover a hidden gem. Start checking your coins today, and you might just discover a life-changing fortune!