Sometimes, small mistakes lead to big paydays—especially in the world of coin collecting. Minting errors can turn an ordinary dime into a highly sought-after collector’s item worth thousands of dollars. Some of these rare error dimes have even sold for over six figures at auctions! Today, we’re uncovering two dimes with hidden errors that have made them incredibly valuable. If you have any old dimes lying around, it might be time to check them carefully—you could be sitting on a small fortune!
1. 1969-S Roosevelt Dime – The Mysterious Doubled Die Error
The 1969-S Roosevelt Dime is a rare gem among error coins, thanks to its doubled die obverse (DDO). This minting error occurs when the coin is struck twice with misalignment, creating a noticeable doubling effect on the lettering and date. While similar errors are more common on pennies, the 1969-S doubled die dime is extremely rare—with only a handful of known examples. In high grades, these dimes have sold for over $35,000 at auctions, making them a dream find for any collector.
2. 1970 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime – The Missing Mint Mark Rarity
Another highly valuable error dime is the 1970 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime. Proof dimes are special coins minted for collectors, and they always carry a mintmark—except in cases of rare mistakes. A small number of 1970 proof dimes were mistakenly struck without the “S” mintmark, which should have been present to indicate they were made at the San Francisco Mint. Because proof coins were never meant for circulation, these missing-mintmark dimes are highly desirable, selling for over $50,000 in pristine condition!
Mint errors may seem like small imperfections, but they can make a huge difference in value. The 1969-S Doubled Die Dime and 1970 No-S Proof Dime are just two examples of how a tiny mistake can turn an ordinary coin into a collector’s dream. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it could mean a life-changing windfall! So next time you come across an old dime, take a closer look—you never know what hidden treasure you might find.
FAQ’s:
1. How do I check if I have a 1969-S Doubled Die Dime?
Examine the coin closely under a magnifying glass. Look for clear doubling in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” as well as the date.
2. How can I tell if my 1970 Roosevelt Dime is a No-S Proof?
Check if your dime is a proof coin (it should have a mirror-like finish) and look for the mintmark under the year. If there’s no “S” and it’s a proof coin, it could be extremely valuable.
3. Where can I sell a valuable error dime?
You can sell rare error dimes through major auction houses, online coin marketplaces, or professional coin dealers specializing in rare U.S. coins.
4. Should I get my dime authenticated before selling it?
Yes! Have your coin graded and authenticated by a trusted service like PCGS or NGC to verify its authenticity and maximize its value.
5. Are there other valuable error dimes I should look for?
Absolutely! Keep an eye out for the 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime, another famous error coin, along with other doubled-die and missing-mintmark errors.
