It’s a story that has stunned coin collectors and casual change-savers alike: a man nearly spent a Roosevelt Dime — just 10 cents — that turned out to be worth a staggering $620,000. Found tucked away in a handful of spare change, this tiny coin carried a colossal value due to a rare minting error that escaped the eyes of the U.S. Mint — and nearly escaped his, too.
If you’re someone who overlooks pocket change, this story might change how you view every dime you touch. Here’s everything you need to know about this once-in-a-lifetime discovery — and how you can spot a valuable coin hiding in plain sight.
The Roosevelt Dime: A Familiar Face With Hidden Value
The Roosevelt dime, first minted in 1946, was created to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his death in 1945. Most of these dimes are common and carry only face value unless they’re in uncirculated or proof condition. However, some rare versions — particularly those with minting errors — can be worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
That’s exactly what happened in this extraordinary case.
The $620,000 Dime: What Made It So Valuable?
The dime in question was a 1975 Roosevelt Dime with no “S” mintmark, which means it was missing the mark that identifies it as coming from the San Francisco Mint. This was not just any 1975 dime — it was supposed to be a proof coin, a special type of coin with extra-sharp details and a polished finish, produced for collectors.
In 1975, all proof dimes made at the San Francisco Mint were stamped with an “S” mintmark. However, a few were mistakenly struck without it, making them one of the rarest modern coin errors in U.S. history. Experts believe only two known examples exist today.
The man who discovered it had no idea what he was holding — he nearly used it in a vending machine. Instead, a curious friend noticed the missing mintmark and suggested he get it checked. After authentication by a professional grading service, the dime was verified as one of the ultra-rare 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dimes — and it later sold for $620,000 at auction.
How to Spot a Valuable Roosevelt Dime
While the odds of finding another 1975 No-S Proof dime are incredibly slim, many valuable Roosevelt dimes are still out there. Here’s what to look for:
1. No Mintmark When There Should Be One
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Proof coins from the San Francisco Mint should always have an “S”.
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Missing mintmarks on proof coins from certain years (like 1968, 1970, 1975, 1983) are highly collectible.
2. Pre-1965 Silver Dimes
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Roosevelt dimes made before 1965 are 90% silver and worth more than face value based on silver content alone.
3. Proof or Error Coins
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Look for dimes with doubled features, off-center strikes, or other unusual characteristics.
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Proof coins are often shinier and have mirror-like surfaces.
4. Key Dates
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Watch for rare dates like the 1982 No P Dime, a circulation strike with a missing “P” mintmark. Some have sold for thousands of dollars.
Why Coin Collecting Is More Relevant Than Ever
Stories like this highlight a simple truth: coin collecting isn’t just a hobby — it’s a hunt. With modern minting errors making headlines and older silver coins vanishing from circulation, now is a perfect time to pay attention to your pocket change.
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is a shining example of how even the smallest coin can carry life-changing value. And it’s proof that treasure hunting doesn’t always require a map — sometimes, it just takes a closer look at what’s already in your hand.
Final Thoughts
The man who nearly spent a $620,000 dime will likely never look at change the same way again — and neither should you. Whether you’re sorting coins from a piggy bank or checking your grocery store change, remember: that next dime could be worth far more than ten cents.
Check your coins. One glance could change your life.