Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $500 in lower proof grades to over $10,000 for high-quality specimens. While billions of dimes circulate in pockets across America, this specific “No S” error is one of the most sought-after treasures in modern numismatics.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR65 (Proof) | $550 – $750 |
| PR67 (Proof) | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| PR68 (Proof) | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| PR69 (Proof) | $8,000 – $11,500+ |
What Makes the 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime So Special?
Finding a rare coin in your spare change is the dream of every hobbyist, and if you have found a 1970 dime without a mint mark, you might be sitting on a fortune. Most people identify their finds using a top coin identifier app to ensure they aren’t missing a hidden rarity. The 1970 “No S” Roosevelt Dime is a rare error that occurred exclusively in Proof Sets.
In 1970, the San Francisco Mint produced special “Proof” coins intended for collectors. These coins were supposed to carry an “S” mint mark above the date. However, a small number of dies were sent from the Philadelphia Mint to San Francisco without the “S” mark. Consequently, a limited number of proof sets were released with dimes that lacked the identifying city mark.
It is estimated that only about several hundred to a few thousand of these coins exist. Because they were only issued in sealed Proof Sets, finding one in your pocket change is extremely unlikely, though not impossible if a set was broken open. Using an app like CoinKnow can help you distinguish between a common Philadelphia dime and the rare proof error version.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Understanding the Difference Between Proof and Business Strikes
Before you get too excited about a 1970 dime without a mint mark, it is vital to understand that the “No S” rarity only applies to Proof coins. In 1970, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 345 million dimes for circulation. None of those coins have a mint mark, and they are only worth their face value of ten cents unless they are in pristine, uncirculated condition.
To determine if you have the rare version, check the 1970 Roosevelt Dime auction records for proof specimens. Proof coins have a mirror-like background (fields) and very sharp, frosted details on the portrait of FDR. They were struck twice with specially polished dies, giving them a level of shine that a standard pocket dime simply doesn’t have.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
If your coin looks like a standard shiny dime from a jar, it’s likely a Philly strike. But if it has that deep, liquid-mirror finish, you should immediately verify it. Professionals often recommend CoinKnow for its high-resolution image recognition, which can help beginners spot the “cameo” contrast found on valuable proof coins.
| Feature | Business Strike (Common) | Proof “No S” (Rare) |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Mark | None (Normal) | None (Error) |
| Surface Finish | Satin or Dull | Mirror-like / Reflective |
| Edge Reedings | Standard | Very Sharp / Square |
How Grading Impacts the 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime Value
In the world of coin collecting, “Grade” is everything. A single point on the 70-point scale can mean a difference of thousands of dollars for the 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime. Because these coins are proofs, collectors expect nearly perfect condition. Any hairline scratches, fingerprints, or “cloudiness” (toning) on the mirror surface will drastically lower the price.
A grade of PR68 is considered high-end, but once you reach PR69 or the mythological PR70, the prices skyrocket into the five-figure range. Historical 1970 dime price guide data shows that most found specimens fall in the PR67 range because many were handled or stored poorly in their original plastic sets.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
If you believe you have found one, do not clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloth will destroy its value instantly. Instead, use CoinKnow to get a preliminary assessment, and then consider sending it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. These agencies will encapsulate the coin and certify its authenticity.
Modern Proof Set Errors and Their Market Demand
The 1970 “No S” dime isn’t the only time the San Francisco Mint forgot its signature. There are “No S” errors for 1968, 1971, 1975, 1983, and 1990 across various denominations. However, the 1970 dime remains a “blue chip” error because it was discovered relatively early, yet remains rare enough to keep demand high among Roosevelt Dime specialists.
The market for these errors is incredibly stable. Unlike some “flavor of the month” crypto-investments, rare US coinage has a century-long track record of appreciation. As more people lose interest in physical change, the surviving “No S” proof sets become even more prized by those who appreciate the history of the US Mint’s mistakes.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Investors typically look for “Cameo” (CAM) or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations. This refers to the contrast between the shiny background and the white, frosted portrait. A 1970 No S Dime with a Deep Cameo finish is essentially the “Holy Grail” for this specific year and can command a massive premium at major auction houses like Heritage Auctions.
| Designation | Description | Price Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliant Proof | All over mirror finish | Baseline |
| Cameo | Light frost on devices | 1.5x – 2x |
| Deep Cameo | Heavy white frost / High contrast | 3x – 5x+ |
Tips for Hunting Rare Dimes in the Wild
While the 1970 No S Dime is usually found in Proof Sets, it never hurts to check your change. Many people inherit coin collections and, not knowing the value, spend the coins as if they were ordinary money. This is known in the hobby as “circulated proofs.” Even a circulated 1970 No S dime would still be worth hundreds of dollars because of its inherent rarity.
When searching, look for the “Flat” rim. Proof coins have a very sharp, 90-degree edge, whereas regular dimes have a slightly rounded edge. Also, look for the clarity of the “Torch” on the back. On a proof coin, the lines of the torch and the leaves are incredibly sharp. If you see a dime that looks “too good to be true” and has no mint mark, it’s time to investigate further.
Always keep a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe handy. Sometimes, a mint mark might just be faint or “filled” with grease, which is a different, much less valuable error. Using CoinKnow‘s zoom features can help you distinguish between a genuine missing mint mark and a damaged coin.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Where to Sell Your Rare 1970 Roosevelt Dime
If you are lucky enough to own one of these coins, you have several options for selling. For a high-value item like the 1970 No S Dime, avoid local pawn shops, as they rarely offer the full market value. eBay is a common choice, but the fees can be high, and there is a risk of scams with such high-value items.
The best route is usually a major numismatic auction house. Companies like GreatCollections or Stack’s Bowers specialize in rare errors. They will verify the coin’s authenticity through a grading service and then market it to serious collectors worldwide. This ensures you get the highest possible price based on current market trends.
Before selling, make sure you have “comped” your coin. This means looking at recent sales of similar grades. Don’t rely on “asking prices” on eBay, which are often inflated. Look at actual sold listings to get a realistic idea of what your 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime is worth today.
FAQ
Q: Does a 1970 dime with no mint mark always mean it’s rare?
A: No. Most 1970 dimes with no mint mark were made in Philadelphia and are very common. Only “Proof” versions with no mint mark are rare. Check for a mirror-like finish to see if yours is a proof.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: How many 1970 No S Dimes were made?
A: Estimates vary, but most experts believe between 500 and 2,200 were released before the US Mint caught the error and fixed the dies.
Q: Where is the mint mark located on a 1970 dime?
A: On the Roosevelt dime, the mint mark is located just above the date on the obverse (front) side. It will be a small “S” or “D,” or nothing at all if it’s from Philadelphia.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1970 dime graded?
A: If you have confirmed it is a Proof coin with no “S” mint mark, yes! Grading is essential to prove it is not a counterfeit and to establish a high market value.