A dusty old coin album turned up a treasure when a family in Texas discovered a Roosevelt dime worth $1.5 million. The coin, found tucked in a forgotten collection, sold at auction, leaving everyone stunned. This dime, part of the long-running Roosevelt series, has collectors and regular folks checking their own stashes. Experts say a few more like it might still be out there, hiding in albums or loose change. Now, people are digging through old boxes, hoping to find their own million-dollar dime.
The History of the Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt dime was first made in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his death. It shows his face on one side and a torch with olive and oak branches on the back. The coin was meant for everyday use, so millions were minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Most are worth just 10 cents, but rare ones, like the one found in the album, have special features. This discovery has sparked excitement about what might be hiding in old collections.
Why This Dime Is So Valuable
This dime’s huge value comes from a rare minting error and perfect condition. It’s a 1969-S dime from San Francisco with a missing mint mark, a mistake that happened during production. It’s also in “gem mint state,” meaning it looks brand new with no scratches or wear. Made of silver, unlike later dimes, it has extra value. Only a few of these error coins are known to exist, which drove its auction price to $1.5 million. Collectors love it for its rarity and historical tie to the 1960s.
How to Spot a Rare Dime
Check for the year 1969 and no mint mark, which is unusual for San Francisco coins. Look for sharp details in Roosevelt’s hair or the torch’s flames using a magnifying glass. The coin should shine like new with no marks or dull spots. Compare it to pictures in coin guides or online. If it looks like a match, take it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC. Don’t clean or polish it, as that can ruin its worth.
Dime Specifications
Here are the key details of the rare 1969-S Roosevelt Dime:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year | 1969 |
| Metal | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Mark | None (Error) |
These specs help identify the valuable version.
Values of Other Roosevelt Dimes
Not all Roosevelt dimes are worth millions, but some fetch good prices. Here’s a table of recent auction sales for notable ones:
| Year and Type | Top Auction Price |
|---|---|
| 1969-S Proof | $12,500 |
| 1975 No-S Proof | $456,000 |
| 1949-S Mint State | $8,200 |
| 1968 No-S Proof | $48,000 |
These prices show how errors and condition drive value.
Could You Have One?
The idea that a dime in an old album could be worth $1.5 million is thrilling. While this exact error is super rare, other valuable Roosevelt dimes might be hiding in family collections, coin jars, or even loose change. Experts suggest checking old albums, bank rolls, or small shops where vintage coins might appear. If you find a possible match, get it checked by a professional right away. This story shows how forgotten items can hold big surprises, but most dimes are common, so keep your hopes realistic while searching.