1975 No S Roosevelt Dime: Why This Six-Figure Proof Still Confuses Collectors
Few modern U.S. coins generate as many questions, or as much confusion, as the 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime. Only two confirmed examples exist. As a result, this Proof-only error ranks among the rarest and most valuable modern coins ever struck by the United States Mint.
Because of that rarity, the coin inspires persistent speculation. Many collectors believe they may have found one in circulation. However, the facts tell a very different story.
Understanding why this coin matters, and why nearly every claimed discovery falls short, requires a clear look at how the U.S. Mint produced dimes in 1975.
What Makes the 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime So Rare?
The 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime exists only as a Proof coin. The error occurred when a small number of Proof dimes left the San Francisco Mint without the required “S” mintmark.
That detail matters. Every Proof coin struck at San Francisco during this era should carry an S mintmark. When it does not, the omission represents a genuine Mint error.
To date, researchers have confirmed only two authentic examples.
One sold for $456,000 at auction in 2019, establishing the coin as a modern rarity with life-changing value. More recently, another example realized $506,250 in October 2024, reflecting continued strength in the top tier of the modern U.S. market.
Any suggestion that additional confirmed examples exist remains speculative.
Proof Coins vs. Business Strikes: The Critical Difference
To identify a genuine 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime, collectors must first understand the difference between Proof coins and business strikes.
Business-Strike Roosevelt Dimes
The U.S. Mint produces business-strike coins for everyday commerce. These coins enter circulation through the Federal Reserve banking system and eventually show wear from handling and use.
In 1975, the Philadelphia Mint struck 585,673,900 Roosevelt dimes for circulation. None carry a mintmark.
That absence causes confusion. However, a missing mintmark on a business strike is normal for this period and carries no premium.
Even uncirculated examples typically retain little numismatic value today. Circulation wear and post-Mint damage further reduce desirability. As a result, most circulated 1975 dimes remain worth face value.
Proof Roosevelt Dimes
Proof coins serve an entirely different purpose.
The United States Mint strikes Proofs using specially prepared dies and polished planchets. This process produces sharply defined details, deeply mirrored fields, and frosted design elements. Collectors purchase these coins at a premium.
After 1968, the Mint sold Proof coins exclusively in Proof Sets, each housed in rigid plastic cases. Every Proof dime struck in San Francisco should display an S mintmark.
That expectation creates the foundation for the 1975 No S error.
A Proof dime from 1975 that lacks an S mintmark did not leave the Mint intentionally. It represents a production mistake, and a potentially valuable one.
Why Side-by-Side Comparisons Matter
When viewed together, the difference between a Proof dime and a business strike becomes unmistakable.
A circulation-strike 1975 dime, even in Mint State, shows standard luster and softer visual contrast. A Proof dime, by contrast, displays mirror-like fields and frosted devices.
Collectors should rely on these visual cues first. A missing mintmark alone does not indicate rarity.
“I Found a 1975 No S Dime”, Now What?
This is where fact must replace fantasy.
Finding a genuine 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime outside of a Proof Set would require extraordinary luck. Collectors and dealers have actively searched for this error for more than four decades.
Statistically, discovering a third example remains possible, but the odds remain exceptionally low.
Because of that reality, authentication becomes essential.
Authentication: The Only Path Forward
Any coin believed to be a 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime must receive third-party certification.
The industry recognizes two primary grading authorities:
- Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
Both firms possess the expertise and infrastructure required to authenticate and safely handle coins of extreme value.
Certification involves fees, which reflect both the coin’s potential worth and the grading company’s liability. For that reason, CoinWeek strongly recommends working with a reputable, authorized numismatic dealer when submitting a coin.
Collectors should always verify references and insist on written agreements before proceeding.
Selling a Confirmed Example
If a third genuine example emerges, selling through a major auction house offers the most transparent path to market.
A qualified dealer can assist with consignment negotiations and provide informed guidance on timing and expectations. However, any estimate of future value remains an opinion, not a guarantee.
Why So Many Claims Fall Apart
CoinWeek regularly fields calls from collectors convinced they have found this rarity. Most lose interest once they understand the authentication process.
That outcome reflects a hard truth. There is no shortcut. A business-strike 1975 dime, no matter how nice, remains worth about ten cents.
Online videos and incomplete articles often blur the distinction between Proof coins and circulation strikes. That misinformation fuels unrealistic expectations.
We hope this guide brings clarity, even if it proves disappointing.
Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens
Only two confirmed 1975 No S Roosevelt Dimes are known:
- PCGS PR68 #20519253
Provenance includes Fred Vollmer and Ken Goldman
Sold at Stack’s Bowers (August 13, 2011) for $349,600
Later sold by Heritage Auctions (September 6, 2019) for $456,000
- PCGS PR67 #32803312
Known as the “Ruth E.” discovery coin
Lightly toned; approved by Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC)
Sold by GreatCollections #1655587 on October 27, 2024, for $506,250
No additional authenticated examples have appeared as of this writing.
Coin Specifications
- Country: United States of America
- Year: 1975
- Denomination: 10 Cents
- Mintmark: None (San Francisco Proof error)
- Confirmed Mintage: 2
- Composition: Copper-nickel clad
- Weight: 2.27 grams
- Diameter: 17.90 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Designer: John R. Sinnock
- Strike: Proof
Final Thoughts
Coin collecting rewards patience, knowledge, and realism. While the 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime represents one of the hobby’s greatest modern prizes, its rarity demands caution.
If this article saves even one collector from false hope, or points another toward proper authentication, it has done its job.
I have one with no S mint, if want proof i can send it with pictures and proof of date of picture taken!
The article very clearly states what you should do. And that thing you should do does not involve contacting us about it.
The article clearly says the Philadelphia mint struck 585,673,900 no-S dimes. I even have a few. Is yours from a Proof Set?
I found that a great thing to explain about 1975 no S. I got one if you are interesting about email me and i will send you the picture.
Is it still available
I have one and it has the mark on it
@Joseph Mathurin As the article explains in detail, the ONLY valuable 1975 “no S” dimes are those struck by the San Francisco Mint and included in proof sets. The story further shows how to distinguish these rarities from the common business strikes made by the Philadelphia Mint.
How can you tell if they are from San Francisco?
S above date. The JS under the bust are the designer”s initials.
This information was very helpful ,Im interested in contacting a appraiser to view my 1975 no mint Mark coin
If you got in in change it’s almost certainly worth only 10¢. As the article states, only a tiny handful of 1975 PROOF dimes were struck without mint marks. At the same time massive numbers were made for circulation without mint marks because (again as noted in the story) Philadelphia didn’t use a “P” on dimes until 1980
very helpful! I just found 2 dimes with no mint marks on them both of them 1975 I just need to authenticate them.
Please re-read the article. Only two PROOF 1975 “no-S” dimes are known to exist, while nearly *600 million* were struck for circulation. You almost certainly have one of the latter which the article clearly states are only worth face value.
It appears as though not everyone is blessed with strong reading comprehension.
Lol .. Was just thinking the same thing .. Thats 5 new examples price will drop by the time i find my 3 examples hehe .. Keep hunting everyone its fun .
I have to dime not s
For those commenting about their finds: if it’s not in a sealed US Mint proof set, you have found an ordinary Philadelphia mint dime, which in this year did not have a mint mark. It is worth 10 cents
Im curious on the picture with coins side by side .. The right example which is a proof has a dbl edge on parts of the outer rim and the dimes diameter seems slightly larger .. May i ask if these are signs of a proif ..the dbl strike on edge .. And its just a bit flatter so its pancaked a little .?? I too have a 1975 i am wondering about … Greatful fan thanks for article
I have to dime not s
I’m thoroughly amazed at even after reading this article people are still confused or in belief they have found one of the Holy Grail’s in mere pocket change or the old jar on the Shelf full of coins and don’t seem to grasp where have the understanding of how rare of a coin this actually is that my frustration actually is with people trying to sell this coin or other coins online that have no mint mark and trying to sell them as something rare when millions of them were produced by the Philadelphia mint with no mint mark I’m new to coin collecting and when I first started and I looked on eBay and all kinds of coins we’re being presented as something rare and error coins and trying to get a sense of what was what as far as value or worth of a coin but just now I noticed the selling price I’d like 20,000 or $40,000 that’s when I realized I needed to do a lot of homework a lot of reading and thank you for this article it was very helpful not just for me but hopefully for all these other yahoos out there trying to Peddle these coins off as something rare that’s what angers me I’m all for people selling stuff online I’m trying to make a living but they’re not trying to make a living there trying to rip people off and all it takes is one person to buy one of these coins thinking that they have purchase something of great value or potentially down the road when it’s just an ordinary coin but the comments from people who supposedly read the article still did not can any new knowledge and still thought that their coin was one of the rare ones even though 500 million of them were produced without mint marks just shows that are public education system it’s failing a lot of people because reading and comprehending go hand-in-hand you may be able to read but if you don’t comprehend what you just read then these are the people that these places online hope come along cuz they don’t have an understanding so how any of this works and it’s not hard stuff understand I’ve been doing this for about 6 months now and I would say that articles like this are great at explaining what the facts are & easy to read and come away with hopefully new knowledge but judging from a few of the comments there still people out there that just don’t come over here with any new wisdom and that’s the sad sad thing not the brightest bulb in the pack but I’m not the most dim one either but but if you can’t understand after reading this article then I think understanding is pretty much out the window you’re not going to get it and for the people who are selling these coins online at ridiculous prices either there ignorant don’t know what they’re selling or they do know with the intent to rip someone off which is probably their main objective they’re just stupid and don’t want to take the time to learn and they see a headline here or there and don’t do the research and don’t gain any kind of understanding of the Rarity of a coin and all the key factors that make a coin rare if 500 million coins were made that have no mint mark and it’s known in the coin collecting world that Philadelphia mint did not use a mint mark until 1980 so all those coins that are up for sale unless it has a grade from the Grading Company buyer beware cuz you’re more likely going to get ripped off and sold a piece of ordinary coinage
I have this dime in fact I have two of them there is a big difference in the shine the dime I have has know mint mark and has a dark deep shine like it was just printed yesterday I have never seen a dime with a dark shine like this one I had it since 1976 it was my good luck charm I really want to keep it but I would sell it if I get what I want for it
It’s very obvious to me that I’m just wasting my time telling anyone about this 1975 no mint mark dime when there is so many others out there I’m placing it in the bank vault along with my 1965 dime until I can do more research about maybe the bank manager might could help me on his spare time
Unless the bank manager is also a coin collector it’s very doubtful they’ll be able to help you. Banks do not appraise coins or paper money.
In any case there is NO grain from putting either of your coins in a bank vault. As the article clearly states, only two PROOF 1975 no-S dimes are known while nearly 600 million business strikes were made. In addition ALL 1965 dimes lack a mint mark because the Mint halted their use during the first three years of clad coin production.
Squirrel I’m in Florida with this proof set. Where can I find an honest and trustworthy coin appraiser. If you know of any..
Most of the rare coins have been found and brought million of dollars it’s seem people are interested in what you have you have like its a fake or they only made one in the world I’m not wasting my time telling anyone else about my coins because they believe in only in what they already have
Sounds good Izeah. With your new found wealth, maybe you should invest in Reading Comprehension 101. Everyone has a 1975 no S courtesy of the Philadelphia mint. Maybe look into other specs to see if you can differentiate between a proof and business strike. Perhaps weight or thickness? Something other than it’s so shiny. You sound like the crab on Moana.
Hahahahahaha
I have three 1975 dime and no mint mark and two 1968 dime and no mint mark. Can you tell me how much is the value for all of those….Thanks.
Please re-read the article. Your coins are worth a total of 50¢. Philadelphia didn’t place P mint marks on dimes until _1980_ so the lack of a mint mark on earlier circulation strikes is completely normal. The only rare 1975 “plain” dimes are a tiny handful that were released in proof sets.
Talk about rare, what I didn’t notice is this the regular proof set or the silver. Pretty interesting, I wonder how the mint was able to determine that only 2 escaped.
I have 1975 dime with no mint mark how can i authenticate the value of my dime
You can authenticate it by re-reading the article. Only a tiny handful of no-S dimes were released in specially-packaged proof sets. Philadelphia struck over half a billion for circulation. If you found such a coin in change it, like all Philadelphia dimes made before 1980, doesn’t have a mint mark and is not an error coin.
The “No S” piece shown in the PCGS slab that sold for half a million dollars looks more like the uncirculated example than the proof example you show in the comparison above. Furthermore, if you’re going to have a side-by-side comparison of an uncirculated example with that of a typical proof to distinguish the differences, why would you use a proof with the S mintmark intact in your comparison rather than a “No S” piece which you show anyway later in your article?
People will obviously leave comments as they’re doing and submit numerous duds with no chance of getting any result, while only those companies you mention will reap all the reward.
It would be a lot more helpful to these people if you posted side-by-side pictures of the three mentioned above: an uncirculated example (possibly even potential “prooflike” specimen found in a mint set or even souvenir mint set), followed by a common proof dime with the “S” mintmark, and then one without it.
I have a 1983 “no S” proof set myself, and the PCGS example shown in this article doesn’t do justice of what a proof should look like at all.
God bless you guys!
The article was very helpful. But apparently not everyone understood it. Maybe you should dumb it down for some.
Your dimes have to be super shiny, people! Shiny coins come in sets bought straight from the Mint. Not in pocket change. Sorry.
Well, it saddens me to read most of these posts made my people who are hoping they have a treasure. In awful times like these, where we find ourselves grasping for a miracle. I have about 8 dimes from various years with no mint mark, including some silver from 1964. I haven’t been able to get a straight answer from any of the “so-called” professionals I’ve spoken to, as they are also just wanting to make money. Therefore, I trust no one. I wonder how that helps you? I will continue my search for the truth, and until then my items remain in a safe place until I do find someone who will appreciate them.
If you trust no one you’ll never get a pleasing answer. You CAN trust sources like the famous “Red Book” Guide Book to United States Coins that shows images and approximate values for nearly every US coin ever struck.
In any case the straight fact is that until 1980 NO dimes made in Philadelphia carried a mint mark, nor did any dimes from any mint struck during 1965-1967. Late-date silver dimes are generally worth only their value as scrap silver, while circulation-strike clad dimes are rarely worth more than face value unless they’re in uncirculated or proof condition.
Mate, give up there will always be people like this.
Comprehension and straight forward basic facts of this market at all levels let alone at this higher level are just a “Conspiracy” to rip off the deparate fly by nighters who want to think so so badly that they are special and will be saved.
I have been collecting 25 years I have a few nice coins but 13,000 poor to average at best if I did go for certification I still wouldn’t sell.
Respect to you for trying
I got one to
@Darby: Please re-read the article. It explains in great detail that only TWO rare 1975 proof “No S” dimes are known. It also shows how to distinguish these great rarities from the ~600 million ordinary dimes struck at Philadelphia that year, none of which have mint marks as was the practice at that time.
I just found a no mint mark today but I knew it was a regular dime but I still had to look it up anyway I love coins I didn’t realize just how beautiful a coin really is until I started collecting 3 years ago I’ve learned slit since then and need to learn so much more thanks to everyone
Love it. Humanity is always consistent.
Thank you for the understanding of coin collection and a difference PS squirrel good luck
Has anyone explained how the dimes were produced without the mint mark? I thought the mint marks were part of the die, so all dimes produced in San Francisco using the die would have it. Was the wrong die used in San Francisco? Or, did two Philadelphia-produced dimes make their way to San Francisco?
The Mint doesn’t like to talk about it so all we have is speculation. San Francisco was helping with business-strike production that year and so they were minting 1975 “Philly” dimes, as well. The San Franciso Mint received dies without mintmarks, and some of these were accidentally polished to strike Proofs. Management must’ve caught the mistake quickly since only two are known today.
I re-read the article about 5 times and still can not get the answer.
I think what some people are asking is very simple:
“If I had both the rare no “S” dime, and the mass produced no “S” dime, what would physically be different if I were to inspect these 2 dimes side by side?”
Google images of a proof Roosevelt dime and business strike ones.
I have 2 sets 1976 p different 1 set has a dime 1975 no s and other has 1976 no s
The comments here are mind blowing
If the two found rare 1975 no S uncirculated dimes were only found in sealed proof sets polished with a very specific formula only used for uncirculated proof sets, I’m wondering why does the image you published in your article with one of two found to date look like a discolored, non mirrored, not frosted or shiney, worn out old circulated dime? To all of you smarter than the rest of us humans, I ask you how is that possible?
Proofs are difficult to photograph. The available photograph of the coin shows its mirrors and surfaces, but not as clearly as the other example.
I totally agree with Silver Fox Also very funny are the folk’s who began talking about the 1965 dime forgetting what year dime the article was about.
there is no mention of a US 1975 coin with the following mint Marks
This one has the “JS” left of the date of 1975and a “D” above the date.
@M Miron The coin you’re describing is an ordinary circulating dime. To clear things up:
> The letters “JS” are not a mint mark, they’re the initials of the coin’s designer John Sinnock. If you compare your dime to any other Roosevelt dime in your change (you did do that, I assume) you’ll find they all carry his monogram.
> The “D” is of course the mint mark letter for the Denver mint. Denver doesn’t make proof coins so your coin is an ordinary circulation strike, part of a mintage of over 313 million.
Great example of a rare error.
This is an interesting article. You learn something everyday. Thanks.
This is a very interesting article. I noticed the provenance of the first example includes Ken Goldman who has that show on Netflix. He certainly is a reliable source.
I love the history of the coins like this that you get on this site.
Great article
Great looking coin
Great article. Vary informative
Proof Set…? professional photos
To rare to find.
I had no idea! Thank you!
My goodness, so many people seem to have questions about things that are specifically addressed in the article. Why do people ask questions and comment about articles that they don’t bother to read?
THE NO S MINT WAS ONLY IN PROOF SETS. They look MUCH different from normal circulation 1975 dimes. Unless someone broke up a proof set and spent the coins, you’ll NEVER FIND ONE IN CIRCULATION.
Very cool information! Thanks for sharing!
Definitely something to keep an eye out for when looking at proof sets for sale. The comments section is pretty entertaining though with how many people think they’ve struck it rich!
Errors are always great finds and I enjoy them as a subset of collevting.
I really like the Roosevelt dime design I guess this is something that I’m going to have to be on the lookout for!
Great article with great info on what to do if you have one of these. However, the comments reveal that people’s reading comprehension is VERY low.
Quite interesting
Very interesting article.
Amazing how rare this coin is.
Very good article. I need to search my dad’s sets.
Fascinating – incredible to think about a pop of 2. How is that even possible?
Interesting indeed!
Interesting read
Curious enough that this piece includes a toned example; should lead right back to the front page article about the aesthetics of toned coins in general
WOW! Incredible
Yeah I would not even think to look for this unless I read the article.
Good article. At those prices, I suppose I’ll never own one.
What an interesting read, I learned a lot about the dime!
i have a 75 dime, no mint mark. for 2 seconds i thought i was rich. lol
not that lucky.
So rare!!! AHH but to dream!!!
Very good and interesting article.
How do you tell the difference between a Philadelphia no mint mark strike and a San Francisco no mint mark strike? That also explains why they only exist in proof sets.
Great article! I wish I had some proof sets to go through!
Hope to find one someday.
A very interesting article.
A lot of people must have “flunked” at reading comprehension
The interesting part is not so much the coin but the comments that follow. It’s obviously a very difficult concept for some people to grasp.
Why so hard, its not