An extremely rare dime, whose location had eluded collectors since the late 1970s, was recently sold for more than $500,000. This interesting piece, struck by the United States Mint in San Francisco in 1975, depicts President Franklin D. Roosevelt and is one of just two such pieces known to exist without the standard “S” mint mark.
The story behind this coin is as intriguing as its rarity. It was passed down to three sisters from Ohio when their brother died. He’d kept this treasure in a bank vault for over four decades, oblivious of its coming fame.
How much was this rare dime worth?
The coin intrigued bidders and eventually sold for an astonishing $506,250 during an online auction that ended on Sunday. Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections, an auction firm situated in Irvine, California, claimed that the coin received 212 bids, demonstrating its popularity among collectors.
- Rare New England threepence anticipated to reach $1 million.
- Coin minted in 1975 in San Francisco.
- Features President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- One of only two without the “S” mint mark.
- Inherited by three sisters from Ohio.
- Stored in a bank vault for over 40 years.
- Sold for $506,250 at an online auction.
- 212 bids placed, showcasing its rarity.
The Fascinating Story of the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime
The mysterious 1975 “No S” proof dime is one of coin collecting’s most intriguing pieces. This unusual gem piqued the interest of collectors when it was auctioned in 2019 for an incredible $456,000.
Not long after, it sold again for a staggering $516,000, becoming the joy of a dedicated Roosevelt Dime collector who now owns the sole entire collection of the series, according to the auction house.
The Origin of the Rare Dime
In 1975, the San Francisco Mint created over 2.8 million special uncirculated “proof” sets, each containing six pieces and initially priced at $7. However, a few years later, collectors made an unexpected discovery: two of these dimes lacked the distinctive mint stamp.
This unusual event has piqued the interest and fascination of coin collectors, with GreatCollections providing an undated photograph of this exceptional 1975 proof set dime, which was erroneously created without the San Francisco Mint’s “S” mintmark.
A Coin with a Personal Connection
Russell shared an unusual story of a pair of sisters in Ohio who preferred to stay nameless. They disclosed that they had inherited one of the rare dimes.
Their family’s story is extremely remarkable: their brother and mother paid $18,200 for the first mistake coin discovered in 1978, which is equivalent to almost $90,000 now. For their parents, who managed a dairy farm, this coin was more than just a collectible; it was also a financial safety net.
This story about the 1975 “No S” proof dime not only emphasizes its rarity and financial significance, but it also discusses the personal connections and stories that make coin collecting such a popular hobby.