Coin collecting is a hobby wherein history, art, and the thrill of the find mingle. Some coins become special due to their rarity and high market value. The 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime has gained immense value for its rare minting error. The dimes were initially made in honor of Franklin D. Roosevelt. But 1968 saw some proof coins, minted by the San Francisco Mint, not bear the ‘S’ mint mark. This error was surely a golden moment for coin collectors, leading eventually to an auction of up to $45,600. Now let us understand in detail why this coin is so rare and valuable.
What Is the ‘No S’ Minting Error?
In 1965-67, the U.S. Mint did not mint any coins with mintmarks; however, this was a tradition revived in 1968, when proof coins from the San Francisco Mint were issued with an S.´ However, some of those coins were mistakenly struck without an S´ mintmark, hence the rarity of the 1968 no `S´ Roosevelt dime.
To date, the exact quantity made by this minting error is still unknown, but it is considered that only a few dozen exist. For this reason, this coin has achieved high value and desirability among collectors.
Characteristics of a 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime
This coin looks like just any other Roosevelt dime, but the uniqueness lies in the important features that distinguish it from the regular dimes.
Main Design:
- Obverse: Portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, designed by Chief Engraver John R. Kinnock.
- Reverse: A torch in the middle and olive and oak branches on either side, which symbolize freedom, peace, and strength.
Technical Features:
- Composition: 75% copper and 25% nickel layer, with a pure copper core inside.
- Diameter: 17.90 millimeters
- Weight: 2.27 grams
Value and Rarity of 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime
This coin sells at a very high price due to its rarity in the market. Its price depends on the grade and preserved quality of the coin.
Such as:
- In 2005, a coin graded PR68 was auctioned for $32,200.
- In the year 2025, some high-grade coins have been auctioned for $45,600.
Price Estimates by Grade:
Collectibility and Demand
- Rarity: The 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime can be considered a rare coin, and certified examples are very few in the market.
- High Auction Value: This coin comes up for special events in auction; there are generally 1 or 2 pieces available for auction in a year.
- Very Collectible: The rarity and the historical error make this coin extremely valuable among coin collectors.
How to Identify if Your 1968 Dime is a ‘No S’ Edition?
Step 1 : Look at the obverse side of the coin very carefully.
Step 2: Find the mint mark, which is above the year, 1968.
Step 3: If the ‘S’ mint mark is not present, it is likely a ‘No S’ edition.
Step 4: Ensure that it is a Proof Coin because even regular coins struck in Philadelphia that have no mint mark are not valuable.
Conclusion
The 1968 ‘No Mint Mark’ Roosevelt Dime has become a highly sought-after rarity in the numismatic world. Due to a minting error, certain proof dimes from the San Francisco Mint were mistakenly struck without the expected ‘S’ mint mark, making them incredibly valuable to collectors. With only a few known to exist, these error coins have fetched up to $20,000 at auctions, and their value continues to rise as demand increases. For collectors and enthusiasts, finding one of these rare dimes could mean a significant financial reward. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a casual coin collector, carefully inspecting your old coins—especially proof sets from 1968—might just lead you to a hidden treasure worth thousands of dollars!
FAQs
1. How do I know whether my 1968 dime is the ‘No S’ version?
A. You should see a No S mint mark just above the 1968 on the obverse face of the coin. And this coin must be a proof version for it to be valuable, since those struck during the Philadelphia Business Strike are also lacking mint marks but are not valuable.
2. Are all 1968 dimes without a mint mark valuable?
A. No. Only proof coins made by the San Francisco mint that are missing the ‘S’ mark are valuable. The Philadelphia common coins also lack a mint mark but are not rare.
3. How many 1968 ‘No S’ dimes exist?
A. Although the exact figure is unknown, it is estimated that no more than a few dozen coins exist, making it extremely rare.
4. What is the highest auction price for a 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt dime?
A. The highest recorded auction price ever is $45,600, but this depends on grade and market demand.
5. How can I sell my 1968 ‘No S’ dime?
A. You can sell it through coin dealers, online auction platforms (e.g., eBay, Heritage Auctions), or local collectors clubs.