In a jaw-dropping discovery that’s rocking the numismatic world, a rare Roosevelt dime valued at $1.5 million has been found tucked away in an old coin album by a retired schoolteacher in upstate New York.
The coin, a 1975 Roosevelt dime with no mint mark, is one of only a few known examples of its kind, making it one of the most coveted modern coins in U.S. history. The lucky finder, who wishes to remain anonymous, stumbled upon the treasure while sorting through her late father’s coin collection — a hobby he had quietly enjoyed for decades.
A Million-Dollar Minting Error
The rarity of the coin lies in a minting anomaly. In 1975, dimes were produced at multiple U.S. Mint facilities, including Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Proof coins made in San Francisco were typically stamped with an “S” mint mark. However, due to a die mix-up, a few proof dimes were struck without any mint mark at all.
These so-called “1975 No S Roosevelt Dimes” were never meant to enter circulation and were only included in a very limited number of proof sets. Only two other verified specimens have surfaced — both auctioned for over a million dollars.
Confirmed and Certified
The newly discovered dime was immediately sent to Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), one of the nation’s top coin authentication and grading companies. After extensive testing and microscopic examination, PCGS confirmed the coin’s authenticity, certifying it as one of the extremely rare No-S 1975 proof dimes.
“This is an astonishing find,” said David Hall, co-founder of PCGS. “These coins are like the holy grail for modern U.S. coin collectors. To find one in the wild after all these years is nothing short of miraculous.”
Life-Changing Coin
The lucky owner reportedly had no idea of the coin’s significance until a local coin dealer advised her to seek expert evaluation. “I almost gave it away at a yard sale,” she admitted. “It was just sitting in a plastic sleeve next to pennies and nickels.”
Now, several private collectors and institutions are reportedly vying for the coin, with opening offers exceeding $1.5 million.
A Reminder for Collectors
This incredible discovery serves as a powerful reminder for collectors and families alike: hidden treasures may be sitting unnoticed in attics, basements, and old albums.
Experts recommend having old collections reviewed by reputable dealers or professional grading services — especially when it comes to coins from key transitional years like 1964, 1975, and 1982.
As for the newly minted millionaire? She says she plans to use the windfall to fund her grandchildren’s education — and maybe take that long-delayed trip to Europe.
FAQs: Roosevelt Dime Worth $1.5 Million Found in Old Coin Album
Q1: What is the Roosevelt dime that was found worth $1.5 million?
A: It’s an ultra-rare 1975 Roosevelt dime with no mint mark, specifically a proof coin mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark that should have been used at the San Francisco Mint. Only a few are known to exist.
Q2: Why is the 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime so valuable?
A: This coin is valuable due to an extremely rare minting error. It was part of a limited proof set and wasn’t supposed to be released without a mint mark. Its scarcity and the fact that it’s a modern U.S. coin with a major error make it incredibly desirable to collectors.
Q3: How many of these dimes are known to exist?
A: As of 2025, only three verified examples of the 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime are known to exist, including the newly discovered one.
Q4: How was this rare dime discovered?
A: A retired schoolteacher in New York found it inside her late father’s old coin album while sorting through his collection. She had no idea of its value until a local dealer suggested it could be special.
Q5: How was the authenticity of the coin confirmed?
A: The dime was submitted to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), where experts authenticated and certified it as a genuine 1975 No-S proof Roosevelt dime.
