In the world of coin collecting, some coins are special because of their historical significance and rarity. The 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime is one such coin, whose value today can reach from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. It is not an ordinary ten-cent coin, but its specialty is the lack of a mint mark, which makes it extremely rare. Proof dimes made by the San Francisco Mint in 1968 usually have an ‘S’ mint mark, but it was mistakenly not printed on some coins. This mistake makes these coins one in a million.
Today these coins are very popular among collectors and their price has reached $45,600 at auction. If you are also fond of collecting coins or want to know about this special dime, then this article is for you.
1968 ‘No S’ Mint Mark Error: How did this mistake happen?
Between 1965 and 1967, the practice of minting coins in the US was temporarily discontinued. But in 1968, when proof coins were again minted at the San Francisco Mint, they were required to bear the ‘S’ mint mark.
However, a technical error resulted in some coins not bearing this mint mark. These coins were made just like normal proof dimes, but the absence of the ‘S’ mark made them an extraordinary mistake.
The exact number of coins with this error in existence is unknown, but experts say only a few dozen such coins exist. This is why these coins are no less than a treasure for collectors.
Key features of the 1968 ‘No S’ dime
If you want to identify this rare coin, you need to know about its design and structure:
Obverse:
- Portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt, sculpted by John R. Designed by John R. Sinnock.
- “1968” is imprinted at the bottom of the coin.
- If the mint mark is missing, it may be the ‘No S’ version.
Reverse:
- A torch is flanked by olive and oak branches, symbolizing freedom, peace, and strength.
Metal Composition:
- Copper-nickel clad coin, containing 75% copper and 25% nickel.
- The inner core is made entirely of copper.
Size and Weight:
- Diameter: 17.90 millimeters
- Weight: 2.27 grams
1968 ‘No S’ Dime Price and Rarity
The price of this coin depends on its condition and grading. A coin with a PR68 grade was auctioned for $32,200 in 2005, while its price reached $45,600 in 2025. This shows the ever-increasing demand.
Coin Grading and Estimated Value
| Grade | Estimated Value ($) |
|---|---|
| PR65 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| PR66 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| PR67 | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| PR68 | $35,000 – $50,000 |
Why are these coins so special?
The 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime is not only a historical mistake but also a rare asset. Some of the reasons that make it special are:
- Extremely limited availability:
- Only 35-40 coins are estimated to exist to date.
- Significance of minting error:
- This type of error is very rare in proof coins, which makes it unique.
- High demand from collectors:
- Collectors are ready to spend millions of dollars for this coin at auctions.
- Continuous increase in price:
- Its price has been increasing over the years, making it attractive as an investment as well.
How to Identify a 1968 ‘No S’ Dime?
If you have a 1968 dime, look for the San Francisco Mint’s ‘S’ mark on its obverse. If it is missing, it may be a rare ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime.
Be careful! Normal dimes issued from the Philadelphia Mint also have no mint mark, but they are not valuable. This error is valuable only on proof coins.
Should You Invest in This Coin?
If you are a coin collector or want to invest in historical coins, the 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime could be a great choice. However, before you make a purchase:
- ✅ Verify authenticity: Always have the coin authenticated by trusted organizations like PCGS or NGC.
- ✅ Check current market trends: Keep an eye on auction results and analyze the demand for the coin.
- ✅ Store it properly: Keep the coin in a temperature-controlled space and in a certified holder.
Conclusion
The 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime coin is not just a printing error but a historical treasure. Its rarity and high demand make it a valuable asset for coin collectors and investors. If you find this coin somewhere, it could be a great opportunity for you!
Do you have this coin? If so, get it identified and find out its true value—because it could net you thousands of dollars in profit!
FAQs
Q. What makes the 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime rare?
A. It is a proof coin mistakenly struck without the ‘S’ mint mark, making it extremely rare.
Q. How many 1968 ‘No S’ dimes exist?
A. The exact number is unknown, but estimates suggest only a few dozen exist.
Q. What is the highest recorded price for a 1968 ‘No S’ dime?
A. Some have sold for up to $45,600 at auctions.
Q. How can I identify a 1968 ‘No S’ dime?
A. Check the obverse (front) of the coin; if there is no ‘S’ mint mark above the date, it may be a rare proof version.
Q. Are all 1968 dimes without an ‘S’ mint mark valuable?
A. No, only the proof coins without the ‘S’ mint mark are rare; regular Philadelphia-minted dimes without a mint mark are common.