A Dime Worth Millions
A small dime, worth just 10 cents, turned out to be a life-changing treasure for one lucky person in Salt Lake City, Utah. A rare 1975 Roosevelt Dime, valued at $3.21 million, was found in everyday pocket change after a grocery store trip. This incredible discovery has collectors and regular folks alike digging through their coins, hoping to find a similar gem. The dime’s value comes from a rare minting error, sparking a nationwide hunt for other valuable coins still hiding in circulation.
What Makes This Dime So Special?
The 1975 Roosevelt Dime is famous for a rare error: some were struck without the “S” mint mark, which shows they were made in San Francisco. Normally, proof coins from 1975 have this mark, but a few slipped out without it. Only a handful of these “No S” dimes are known to exist, making them incredibly rare. One sold for $456,000 in 2019, and experts believe this newly found dime could fetch $3.21 million due to its pristine condition and high demand among collectors. Other errors, like double die strikes or off-center designs, can also make Roosevelt Dimes valuable.
| Rare Roosevelt Dime | Auction Price |
|---|---|
| 1975 No-S Proof | $456,000 |
| 1965 Silver Error | $2.1 million |
Found in Everyday Places
The story of the $3.21 million dime is not alone. A 1965 Roosevelt Dime, struck on a silver planchet by mistake, was found in a coin jar and sold for $2.1 million. Another, a 1968 No-S proof dime, turned up in a vending machine and fetched $40,000 at auction. These finds show that rare coins can still be hiding in places like cash registers, piggy banks, or even car cupholders. With billions of dimes in circulation, the chance of finding a valuable one keeps the excitement alive for collectors and hobbyists.
| Notable Find | Value |
|---|---|
| 1965 Silver (Coin Jar) | $2.1 million |
| 1968 No-S (Vending Machine) | $40,000 |
How to Spot a Valuable Dime
Want to check your change for a million-dollar dime? Look for specific details. For a 1975 No-S dime, check the front for the year and make sure there’s no “S” mint mark near the date. For 1965 dimes, weigh them: silver dimes are heavier, about 2.5 grams, compared to 2.27 grams for regular ones. Check the edge for a solid silver color, not a copper stripe. Use a magnifying glass to spot errors like doubled letters or off-center designs. If you think you have a rare dime, take it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC to confirm its value.
Tips for Selling Your Coin
If you find a valuable Roosevelt Dime, handle it carefully to keep its worth. Use gloves or hold it by the edges to avoid scratches, and store it in a plastic coin holder. Getting it graded by a professional service can increase its auction price. Sell through trusted auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers for the best results. Online platforms like eBay work too, but check recent sales to set a fair price. With collectors eager for rare dimes, now is a great time to cash in on your find.
The Thrill of the Hunt
The Roosevelt Dime, first minted in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is a piece of American history. The discovery of a $3.21 million dime in circulation shows that treasures can hide in the most ordinary places. Whether you’re a coin collector or just curious, checking your pocket change could lead to a big payday. Stories of valuable coins found in everyday settings keep the excitement alive. So, next time you get change or sort through a coin jar, take a closer look. You might just find a dime worth millions.