7 Rare Roosevelt Dimes Worth Millions – Could One Be In Your Pocket?
Have coins been jingling in your pocket or lying loose in a jar—possibly worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands? Among the seemingly ordinary Roosevelt dimes, a handful of ultra-rare error varieties are prized by collectors for their minting anomalies, missing mint marks, and dramatic auction results.
Why Some Dimes Are So Valuable
Most Roosevelt dimes are worth just a dime—but coin collectors chase error and proof versions due to their:
- Mintmark Errors (missing “S” or “P” where it shouldn’t be),
- Proof Status (mirrorlike finishes),
- Extremely Limited Survivors,
- Proven Auction Records of extraordinary prices.
7 Ultra-Rare Roosevelt Dimes and Their Estimated Values
| Coin Variety | Year / Mint Mark Error | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 No-S Proof | 1975 (proof, missing “S”) | ~$506,000 (one sold at auction) |
| 1968 No-S Proof | 1968 (proof, missing “S”) | Up to ~$45,600 in pristine grade |
| 1982 No-P Circulated | 1982 (missing “P”) | Up to ~$1,000 each in top condition |
| 1996-W Commemorative | 1996 (West Point “W”) | Lower collectible value (not millions) |
| 1969 No-S Proof | 1969 (proof, missing “S”) | Rare and valuable, but less than 1968/75 |
| Standard Circulating | Philadelphia, older era | A few dollars in mint condition |
| Classic Non-Roosevelt | (e.g., 1894-S Barber dime) | — Not applicable to Roosevelt series |
Auction Highlights & Record-Breaking Sales
- A 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime sold at auction for about $506,000. This proof coin was one of only two known missing its “S” mint mark—one of the most elite error coins among collectors.
- A 1968 No-S proof dime also commanded a high price: auctions fetched up to $45,600 for specimens in near-perfect condition. Only around two dozen are believed to exist, making them exceptionally rare.
- Collectors in Pennsylvania discovered over 1,500 1982 dimes with missing “P” mintmarks, potentially worth up to $1,000 each—especially if in gem uncirculated condition.
How to Identify a Potential Million-Dollar Dime
- Check the Mint Mark
- Look above the date (on most coins from 1968 onward). Missing “S” or “P” where they should be is a strong red flag for rarity.
- Assess Coin Type & Condition
- Proof coins have mirror finishes and frosted design elements. The rarer the mintmark error plus pristine condition, the higher the value.
- Rarity Matters
- 1975 No-S proof dimes are among the rarest (only two known); 1968 No-S are also extremely scarce (around two dozen estimated).
- Market Trends Affect Value
- As more error coins are found (like with the 1982 No-P), prices may be diluted—but top-quality specimens hold strong value.
Your old Roosevelt dimes might just be tiny treasure chests in disguise. Among the seven ultra-rare varieties, the 1975 No-S proof dime stands out with reported sales over half-a-million dollars.
Meanwhile, the 1968 No-S proof dime can still fetch tens of thousands. Even more common errors, such as the 1982 No-P, can reach four figures in outstanding condition. Pear your spare coins with a keen eye and a magnifier—you could be sitting on a fortune.
FAQs
A 1975 proof Roosevelt dime missing its “S” mintmark was auctioned for around $506,000—one of only two known examples.
Because it lacks the “S” mintmark despite being from the San Francisco Mint, and only about two dozen exist—some in circulation. One sold for $45,600 in a high grade.
Yes—1982 No-P dimes found in pockets or jars, in gem uncirculated condition, can be worth up to $1,000 each, although more have surfaced now.