A rare Franklin D. Roosevelt dime from 1975, stored in a bank vault in Ohio for over four decades, has been sold at auction for a staggering price. The coin, known for a special minting error, fetched over $500,000, making it one of the most valuable dimes ever sold.
A coin preserved for 46 years
The 1975 Proof dime was minted at the San Francisco Mint and features the familiar profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Unlike standard coins, proof coins are specially struck for collectors with sharp details and a mirror-like finish.
What makes this dime unique is not just its age or condition, but the fact that it remained in secure storage for 46 years. The collector who acquired it in 1978 stored it in a bank vault, recognising its rarity and potential long-term value.
The key detail that made this dime so valuable
The primary reason this dime commanded such a high price is an unusual minting error: it lacks the “S” mintmark, which typically indicates that a coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint.
Numismatics expert Ian Russell of GreatCollections explained that errors like this have been known to occur. Similar mistakes were found in the 1968 and 1970 Proof dimes, as well as the 1971 Jefferson Proof nickel. Because of these past errors, collectors closely examined proof sets each year, hoping to find another mintmark omission.
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The collector’s bet on rarity
The collector who purchased the dime in 1978 was confident that it would remain a significant rarity. He took a calculated risk that no other similar coins would be discovered, and his patience paid off. By holding onto it for nearly five decades, he was able to sell it for a life-changing sum.
According to Russell, the collector always believed in the coin’s uniqueness. “He bought it just three years after it was minted, which gave him confidence that there would be no others,” he told USA TODAY.
Other valuable dimes and rare coins
This sale highlights the incredible value that certain rare coins can hold. Dimes with unique minting errors, historical significance, or limited production runs are highly sought after by collectors.
For example, Kennedy half dollars and 1976 Bicentennial quarters have also been known to fetch high prices under the right conditions. Similarly, the 1976 25-cent coin has gained value due to its distinctive design.
A growing interest in coin collecting
Coin collecting has long been a popular hobby, but rare finds like this continue to fuel interest in numismatics. Whether for historical significance, investment purposes, or simply the thrill of discovery, collectors remain on the lookout for unique and valuable coins.
For those who might have old coin collections sitting in storage, now could be the perfect time to take a closer look. Who knows? You might have a fortune hidden in plain sight.
