When we think of mistakes, we often assume they’re bad—but in the world of coin collecting, some mistakes are pure gold. Certain minting errors on dimes have transformed ordinary coins into treasures worth thousands. These “error coins” are incredibly rare, making them highly valuable to collectors. Whether it’s a misprint, a missing element, or a double strike, mistakes can turn spare change into a collector’s dream. Let’s take a look at three dimes where errors led to incredible payouts.
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime
One of the most legendary coin errors is the 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime. Proof coins from this year were supposed to include an “S” mintmark, indicating they were struck at the San Francisco Mint. However, a small number were mistakenly struck without this mintmark. Because proof coins are produced in limited quantities for collectors, this error was immediately noticed—and its value skyrocketed. Today, a verified 1968 No-S dime can sell for $20,000 to $40,000 depending on its condition.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is perhaps even rarer. Like the 1968 version, this proof coin was meant to bear the San Francisco “S” mintmark but didn’t. Only two confirmed examples of this coin exist, making it one of the rarest dimes in American history. In 2011, one of these coins sold at auction for an astonishing $350,000. For a coin that looks just like a regular dime to the untrained eye, this is a case where a minting mistake became a major windfall.
1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
In 1982, a significant mint error occurred on some dimes struck at the Philadelphia Mint. For the first time, a “P” mintmark was supposed to appear on all coins struck there. But a few 1982 Roosevelt Dimes were accidentally minted without it. These “No-P” dimes were released into circulation, making them even more fascinating to collectors. While not as rare as the No-S dimes, these coins can fetch $200 to $1,000 or more in uncirculated condition.
Coin mistakes don’t always mean defects—they can mean big money. As the examples above show, minting errors can transform a 10-cent coin into something worth thousands. The key is knowing what to look for: missing mintmarks, unusual features, or striking errors. If you have a habit of ignoring the dimes in your change jar, now might be the perfect time to take a second look. That small mistake might just make you rich.
FAQ’s:
1. What is a mintmark?
A mintmark is a small letter on a coin indicating where it was minted, like “S” for San Francisco or “P” for Philadelphia.
2. Why do missing mintmarks matter?
Missing mintmarks often signal an error in the minting process, making the coin much rarer.
3. How can I tell if my dime is valuable?
Compare it to verified error coins online or consult a reputable coin dealer.
4. Are these dimes still in circulation?
Some may be, especially the 1982 No-P dimes, which were released into general circulation.
5. Should I clean an old coin before selling it?
No—cleaning can damage the coin’s surface and decrease its value significantly.
