Owned by the same family since 1978; one of two known examples
One of the most famous modern U.S. coin rarities, over 200 bids were received for a 1975 No S Proof Dime at GreatCollections last night. Released without the “S” mintmark, this fabled Proof error realized $506,250, setting a new all-time auction record almost 30 times what the consignor’s family paid for the coin 46 years ago.
The rarity was authenticated by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and graded PCGS Proof-67. It has also been approved by Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC).
The 1975 No S Proof Dime is routinely ranked by numismatic professionals and collectors as the #1 modern issue of the United States, including the 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins book by Scott Schechter and Jeff Garrett.
In 1978, an Ohio collector and his mother purchased the coin from well-known Chicago dealer F.J. Vollmer and Co, Inc. for $18,200 and held it for almost 50 years before consigning it to GreatCollections two months ago.
“We received interest in this modern rarity from all over the world – serious collectors from Germany, Japan, and the U.K., as well as collectors from the U.S. – over 400 unique bidders were actively tracking the auction,” said Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections. “This is the Grail of modern coins, one that is missing from the Smithsonian, ANS, and ANA institutional collections. After spirited bidding, it was ultimately won by a long-time client of ours who appreciates rarities that infrequently appear on the market. His goal is for his family to own it for the next 46 years, similar to the seller’s family who consigned it to GreatCollections,” continued Russell.
The GreatCollections auction last night included over 4,000 certified coins and banknotes resulting in sales of $3.13 million. Other highlights included a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, selections from a Liberty Seated Dime variety collection, a serial number one Red Seal National Banknote from Kelso, Washington, and an impressive 104-pound Yap Stone.
The U.S. Mint produced 2.84 million proof sets in 1975 with the “S” mintmark, signifying they were minted at the San Francisco Mint. Only two sets have been discovered containing the dime without the “S” mintmark. The same person discovered both sets in California, and sold them to Vollmer in 1978 and 1979.
The only other known example has appeared twice in auction, once in 2011 when it realized $349,600 and again in 2019, when it realized $456,000.
After the 1975 No S Proof Dime and other sales in October, GreatCollections auctions in November include more highlights from the Coronado Collection of Red Seal Serial #1 National Banknotes, rare gold coins from the Soaring Eagle Collection, the Norwalk Collection of Half Dollars by Overton varieties, and the Fanger Collection of Morgan Dollars in Rattlers (Old Holders).
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How do you know if your 1975 proof set with the no “s” Roosevelt dime is worth money?
D. Szemenyei They’re all worth something, the question is How Much? As the article notes, only a handful of “no S” dimes are known to have been struck so you have to be _very_ careful about misidentifications, fakes, etc.
The best thing to do would be to have the coin examined by an expert, perhaps a certified dealer but better one of the major numismatic agencies such as PCGS or ANA. A couple of things to keep in mind:
– If the coin is in its original US Mint proof-set packaging along with the other 5 denominations struck that year, there’s at least a chance it’s a true error … but again, you’d need professional help to make sure the packaging hadn’t been tampered with.
– If the coin isn’t in a proof-set package it’s far more likely to be an ordinary dime made by the Philadelphia mint. Many non-collectors aren’t familiar with the multiple changes to mint-mark policies over the years. With only one exception during WWII, Philly coins minted before 1979/80 were “plain”. That is, they didn’t carry the now-familiarl “P” mint mark used on all denominations from nickels to dollars. The vast majority of supposed “no S” 1975 dimes reported are actually ordinary Philadelphia issues instead, which is why professional evaluation’s needed.
I have one of those coins where I can tell if it’s worth anything
How can I get in contact with you please call me at this nomber I have the penny the the 5 cent the 25 end the half dollar is proof end I will like to get more information thenks
I would like to submit a cple pics of this 1973 penny it has a backward Roosevelt 1973 dime d mint stamped on it. Its also flat with a very pronounced lip. Ridges on the inside like a dime. The back of the coin is a penny. Both sides of coin pretty smooth other than the lip I mentioned on the head side. It could be altered or just nothing even. Please can someone who knows coins email me am take a look at this weird coin.