The 1975 No S Proof Type 2 Clad Roosevelt Dime is the specific coin that achieved a remarkable sale price of $456,000. This coin is highly sought after by collectors due to its extreme rarity and unique characteristics.
The Rarity of the 1975 No S Proof Dime
This particular Roosevelt dime stands out because it lacks the "S" mint mark, which is typically found on proof coins struck at the San Francisco Mint. Proof coins are specially produced for collectors with higher quality strikes and finishes than regular circulating coinage. The absence of the "S" mint mark on a 1975 proof dime is a significant error, making it exceptionally rare. Only two examples of the 1975 No S Proof Type 2 Clad Roosevelt Dime are currently known to exist, contributing to its extraordinary value. One of these rare specimens was sold in 2019 for $456,000.
Understanding "No S" and "Type 2 Clad"
- No S: This signifies that the coin was struck without the "S" mint mark. For proof coins from San Francisco, this is an error that drastically increases their rarity and value.
- Proof: These are coins struck using specially prepared dies and planchets (blank coin discs) to achieve a sharp, mirror-like finish. They are generally not intended for circulation.
- Type 2 Clad: Refers to a specific die variety used in 1975 for clad (copper-nickel outer layers over a copper core) Roosevelt dimes, distinguishable by subtle design differences.
Why Certain Dimes Command High Prices
The value of rare dimes, or any coin, is primarily driven by a combination of factors:
Minting Errors and Varieties
Coins with errors, such as missing mint marks, double dies, or off-center strikes, are often highly prized by collectors because they represent deviations from standard production and are typically very limited in number.
Extreme Rarity
When only a handful of a specific coin type are known to exist, their scarcity creates immense demand among collectors, leading to competitive bidding and high sale prices.
Condition and Historical Significance
While not the primary factor for the 1975 No S dime's value (its rarity is paramount), the coin's preserved condition (often graded as "Proof" or "Deep Cameo") also plays a crucial role in determining its market worth.
Other Highly Valuable Roosevelt Dimes
While the 1975 No S Proof Type 2 Clad Roosevelt Dime holds the record for one of the most expensive dimes, several other Roosevelt dimes have also fetched substantial prices at auction, highlighting their appeal to numismatists. These examples underscore the dynamic market for rare coinage.
| Dime Type | Sale Price | Year Sold | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 No S Proof Type 2 Clad Roosevelt Dime | $456,000 | 2019 | Extremely rare error; lacks 'S' mint mark. |
| 1968 No S Proof Deep Cameo Type 2 Clad Roosevelt Dime | $47,000 | 2020 | Rare error; lacks 'S' mint mark; deep cameo finish. |
| 1951 Proof Deep Cameo Type 1 Silver Roosevelt Dime | $23,500 | 2014 | Early proof issue in silver; deep cameo finish. |
These figures illustrate the significant value that unique errors and high-quality proof strikes can add to certain coins, making them coveted treasures for collectors worldwide.
