Imagine pulling a dime from your pocket and discovering it’s worth $9.8 million. That’s the excitement surrounding a rare Roosevelt Dime, first minted in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt. While most of these coins are worth just 10 cents, a super-rare version, possibly a 1968 No-S Proof or a minting error, has been valued at nearly $10 million. Amazingly, this treasure could still be circulating, waiting for someone to spot it in their change.
A Coin with a Historic Story
The Roosevelt Dime, designed by John R. Sinnock, features FDR’s profile on the front and a torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the back. Early versions from 1946 to 1964 were made of 90% silver, giving them a shiny appeal. The $9.8 million dime is likely a 1968 No-S Proof, a coin meant for collectors but missing the “S” mint mark from San Francisco. Only a handful exist, and some may have slipped into circulation. Its rarity and perfect condition make it a collector’s holy grail.
What Drives Its Sky-High Value?
The $9.8 million price tag comes from the coin’s scarcity and unique traits. The 1968 No-S Proof dime was part of a special set for collectors, with razor-sharp details and a polished finish. Without the “S” mark, it’s a rare error that collectors crave. Its 90% silver content adds to its worth, and pristine condition boosts the value even more. In 2016, a similar No-S Proof dime sold for $500,000 at auction, but recent hype and demand have pushed estimates for top specimens to millions.
| Feature | Regular Roosevelt Dime | Rare $9.8M Roosevelt Dime |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 90% Silver (pre-1965) | 90% Silver |
| Weight | 2.5 grams | 2.5 grams |
| Mint Mark | D, S, or none | No “S” (1968 No-S Proof) |
| Special Feature | None | Proof finish, no mint mark |
| Value | $2-$5 (circulated) | Up to $9.8 million |
How to Find This Million-Dollar Dime
Spotting this dime takes a keen eye. Look for a 1968 dime with no “S” mint mark near the date. It should have a mirror-like surface, a sign of a proof coin. Check the edge for a silver color, not the copper-nickel mix of later dimes. Weigh it if possible; it should be 2.5 grams. A magnet won’t stick to its silver content. If you think you’ve found one, don’t spend it—contact a coin grading service like PCGS or NGC to verify its authenticity.
Tales of Lucky Discoveries
Stories of rare coin finds keep collectors hopeful. In 2011, a collector found a 1968 No-S Proof dime in a coin roll from a bank, later selling it for over $100,000. Online forums and social media are buzzing with tips on checking pocket change, old piggy banks, or inherited collections. Roosevelt Dimes are still used in transactions, so they can turn up anywhere—vending machines, cash registers, or even loose change at home.
Could You Be Holding a Fortune?
The chance of finding a $9.8 million dime is slim but thrilling. With millions of Roosevelt Dimes still out there, this rare version could be hiding in plain sight. Next time you get change, take a moment to check your dimes. A quick glance could uncover a piece of history worth millions. Keep searching coin jars or local coin shops you might just stumble on the next big treasure.