The Rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime: A ten-cent coin, typically dismissed as loose change, shattered expectations when a Rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime fetched an incredible $506,250 at an auction in October 2024. This modest dime, minted nearly five decades ago, has become a sensation in the coin-collecting world, not for its design but for its unique minting error. Missing the “S” mint mark from the San Francisco Mint, the coin is now hailed as one of the rarest U.S. coins in existence.
The story of this coin is a fascinating mix of chance, history, and a meticulous minting anomaly that has captivated collectors. As one of only two known examples of its kind, the Rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime is a true “Holy Grail” for numismatists and a powerful testament to how a simple error can create immense value.
Overview of the Rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime
| Feature | Details |
| Year of Minting | 1975 |
| Mint | San Francisco Mint (intended) |
| Unique Feature | Missing the “S” mint mark |
| Design | Portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse |
| Initial Distribution | Part of over 2.8 million proof sets created for collectors |
| Known Examples | Only two confirmed worldwide |
| Original Purchase | Acquired in 1978 for $18,200 |
| Sale Price (2024) | Sold for $506,250 at an auction |
| Previous Record | The other example sold in 2019 for $456,000 |
What Makes the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime So Special?
The defining characteristic of the Rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime is its missing mint mark, which would typically identify the San Francisco Mint as its origin. In the United States, mint marks serve as an important identifier. Most proof coins are meticulously crafted for collectors and include distinguishing details to indicate their minting facility—San Francisco (“S”), Denver (“D”), or Philadelphia (“P”).
For reasons unknown, two dimes in the 1975 proof set were struck without the “S” mint mark. This was an oversight that slipped through the quality controls of the San Francisco Mint, turning an otherwise ordinary coin into a modern rarity.
From Vault to Record-Breaking Auction
The story of the Rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime sold in 2024 is steeped in intrigue and patience. Purchased in 1978 by a collector and his family for $18,200, the coin was stored in a bank vault for more than 40 years. The family considered the coin both a prized possession and a financial safeguard.
After the collector’s passing, the dime was inherited by his three sisters, who recognized its exceptional value and consigned it to GreatCollections, a leading auction house. When it went up for auction in October 2024, it garnered intense interest from numismatists worldwide. Ultimately, it sold for a record-breaking $506,250.
Not Its First Moment of Fame
While the recent sale broke records, the Rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime has a history of commanding impressive prices. Its counterpart, the only other known example, has twice set auction records—first in 2011, when it sold for $349,600, and again in 2019, when it reached $456,000. Each sale reflects the growing fascination and demand for such rare coins.
What Drives the Value of This Coin?
Several factors contribute to the staggering value of the Rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime:
- Rarity: With only two examples ever confirmed, it is among the rarest modern U.S. coins.
- Minting Error: The missing “S” mint mark is a striking anomaly, especially for proof coins meant for collectors.
- Condition: Graded as Proof-67 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the coin’s impeccable preservation enhances its value.
- Historical Interest: As a symbol of minting precision gone awry, it has become a coveted piece of numismatic history.
- Collector Demand: Coins with unique errors or rare features always attract significant attention in the marketplace.
Minting Errors: The Collector’s Goldmine
Coins with minting errors hold a special allure for collectors because they represent deviations from the norm. Proof coins, in particular, are expected to be flawless, as they are crafted with extra care for collectors. The Rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime defied these expectations and became a true standout.
Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections, noted that the likelihood of discovering another example is exceedingly slim. Most 1975 proof sets have already been examined by collectors, leaving little hope of finding a third specimen.
What This Sale Means for Coin Collectors
The sale of the Rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement inherent in coin collecting. It also underscores the importance of preserving and examining older coins, as treasures like this dime could be hidden in forgotten collections.
This event has reinvigorated interest in modern numismatics, proving that even relatively recent coins can hold immense historical and financial value.
FAQs About the Rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime
1. What makes the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime unique?
The missing “S” mint mark, a critical error on a proof coin, makes it exceptionally rare and valuable.
2. How many of these dimes exist?
Only two examples of the 1975 “No S” Proof Dime are confirmed to exist.
3. How much was it originally purchased for?
It was bought in 1978 for $18,200, which is equivalent to roughly $90,000 today.
4. Why are mint marks important?
Mint marks identify the production facility of a coin. Missing a mint mark is an unusual and significant error, especially on proof coins.
5. Can another example of this coin be found?
While theoretically possible, experts believe it is highly unlikely, as most 1975 proof sets have already been inspected.
Final Thoughts
The Rare 1975 “No S” Proof Dime exemplifies the magic of numismatics: a tiny object imbued with history, rarity, and incredible value. Its journey from an accidental minting error to a record-breaking auction sale is a testament to the enduring appeal of coin collecting.
Who knows what treasures might be hiding in your own collection? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and if this story has inspired you, dive deeper into the fascinating world of numismatics!
