Imagine coming across a dime that has the potential to change your life. This sounds a little hard to believe. In fact it is. But here is the thing, if by any chance you come across a 1975 ‘No-S’ proof dime, you can cash out a whopping $456,000. Yes, this is true, a small coin could make you an instant millionaire. This is not a fantasy dream of any collector so relax, and let’s understand what is so unique about this coin and what could happen if you have it in your pocket, drawer or attic right now.
What is the 1975 “No-S” proof dime?
To understand why this particular dime is worth so much, you need to know a bit of history. Most 1975 dimes were minted in San Francisco and should carry an “S” mint mark to indicate this. However, in a rare mistake, a few proof dimes (which are higher-quality collector coins, sealed in plastic proof sets) were minted without the “S.” These dimes are called “No-S Proof Dimes” and are not supposed to exist. This mistake makes the coin incredibly rare and valuable.
If you want to dive deeper into the story of this dime, you can watch the full explanation on this YouTube video.
What makes the 1975 “No-S” proof dime so valuable?
The value of the 1975 No-S proof dime lies in its rarity and mistake in production. Back in 1975, the San Francisco Mint mistakenly polished a Philadelphia business strike die with the proof dies meant for San Francisco. The result? A few dimes were minted without the “S” mint mark. As a result, two of these “No-S” proof dimes slipped through the cracks and made their way into the hands of collectors.
One collector in California realized the error and brought it to the attention of the world. Only two of these dimes are known to exist today, making them highly desirable to numismatists (coin collectors) worldwide. One of these rare dimes was sold at auction for a staggering $456,000. If you want to learn more about how these coins were minted by mistake, you can check out this video.
How do you know if you have a 1975 “No-S” proof dime?
If you are wondering whether you might have this mythical dime sitting at home, there are a few things you need to check:
- Was your dime part of a proof set?
The 1975 No-S dime was issued in proof sets, not circulated in everyday change. So, you will not find this in your loose change or from your pocket after grocery shopping. Look for proof sets that come in plastic cases. - Does your proof dime have an “S” mint mark?
Proof dimes minted in San Francisco should have an “S” mint mark, visible just above the date. If your proof dime does not have this mark, then you may be sitting on a fortune. - Condition matters.
Like most rare coins, condition matters when determining value. A well-preserved 1975 No-S dime can fetch top dollar, especially if it is graded high by professionals like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). The one that sold for $456,000 was graded Proof 68.
Why should you check your drawers and pockets?
You might be wondering, “Why should I even bother looking?” The simple answer: this could be life-changing money for you. Most people who have old proof sets sitting around likely do not realize the potential treasure they are holding. Even if you think your coin collection is not worth much, it is worth checking those old proof sets. You never know if you have that rare “No-S” proof dime hiding in plain sight.
Could you become a millionaire from one dime?
While it sounds like a wild claim, selling a 1975 No-S proof dime for $456,000 is a reality that has already happened. One lucky collector made a huge profit by finding this rare gem. If you find a second “No-S” proof dime in mint condition, you could be looking at a similar payday – or even more, given the increasing interest in rare coins. While it may not make you an instant millionaire, it is certainly a step toward financial freedom.
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