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The 1975-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2 in standard proof condition to over $500,000 for the ultra-rare “No S” variety. While most 1975 dimes found in your pocket change are only worth their face value, those with the “S” mint mark have a unique story that every collector should know.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $400.00 – $600.00 |
| 1975 “No S” Proof Variety | $450,000+ |
Understanding the Basics of the 1975-S Proof Dime
If you have discovered a 1975 dime with a small “S” located just above the date, you have found a proof coin. Unlike the billions of dimes struck in Philadelphia or Denver for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint produced proof coins specifically for collectors. These coins were struck using polished dies and specially treated blanks to create a mirror-like finish. Because they were sold in plastic-sealed sets, finding one in your spare change is rare, but it does happen.
When evaluating your find, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a heavily circulated proof and a standard business strike. Most 1975-S dimes comprise a copper-nickel clad composition, weighing 2.27 grams. While they are beautiful, their high mintage of nearly 2.9 million sets means that most common examples aren’t “get rich quick” items.
However, the CoinKnow app can help you spot the finer details, such as “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” effects. A Deep Cameo (DCAM) coin has a sharp, frosty contrast between the portrait of FDR and the shiny background. These are the versions that collectors pay a premium for, especially if they are in pristine, scratch-free condition.
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The Legendary 1975 “No S” Proof Variety Value
The 1975-S Roosevelt Dime is famous in the numismatic world not just for what is on the coin, but for what is missing. In 1975, the San Francisco Mint accidentally released a tiny number of proof dimes without the “S” mint mark. To date, only two specimens are known to exist. This makes it one of the rarest modern US coins in history.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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If you suspect you have found this holy grail, you should check the 1975 dime auction records and pricing to see how these rarities perform on the market. The last time one of these “No S” dimes went to auction, it fetched nearly half a million dollars.
It is important to note that a 1975 dime without an “S” is usually just a common Philadelphia-minted coin. The rare variety must be a “Proof” strike—meaning it has that distinct, mirror-like finish and sharp detail. If your dime looks like a normal, dull coin from your pocket and has no mint mark, it is worth exactly ten cents. CoinKnow is a great tool for comparing the surface textures to see if yours truly has the “proof” quality required for the rarity.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Identifying Grades and Modern Market Prices
Coin value is almost entirely dependent on the “grade,” or the physical condition of the coin. For the 1975-S Roosevelt Dime, the difference between a PR 63 (decent) and a PR 70 (perfect) is hundreds of dollars. Most proof sets were handled by owners over the years, leading to tiny hairline scratches or “toning” (discoloration).
| Grade (PCGS/NGC) | Market Value | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| PR 67 Deep Cameo | $12.00 | Very Common |
| PR 68 Deep Cameo | $18.00 | Common |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $30.00 | Scarce in high grade |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo | $550.00+ | Extremely Rare |
As you can see, the jump to a perfect PR 70 is massive. This is because very few coins survive the minting and packaging process without a single microscopic fingerprint or speck of dust. If you find a proof dime in a collection, viewing the comprehensive 1975 dime value guide can provide updated sales data from major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections.
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Common Errors Found on 1975 Roosevelt Dimes
Beyond the “No S” miracle, collectors look for other minting errors on 1975 dimes. While proof coins are usually inspected heavily, business strikes (the ones from Philly and Denver) often have mistakes. These include “Clipped Planchets,” where a bite is taken out of the coin, or “Off-Center Strikes,” where the design isn’t centered.
Another popular error is the “Broadstruck” dime, which happens when the coin is struck without its protective collar, making it look slightly flattened and wider than a normal dime. These errors can turn a 10-cent coin into a $20 to $50 treasure. Using CoinKnow can help you determine if a weird-looking coin is a genuine mint error or just “post-mint damage” (PMD) caused by a parking lot or a washing machine.
Because the 1975-S was a proof issue, “doubled die” errors are extremely rare but highly sought after. Check the lettering “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date with a magnifying glass. If you see clear doubling of the letters, you might have a rare variety worth a significant premium.
How to Store and Protect Your 1975-S Dime
If you find a 1975-S dime in beautiful condition, you must protect it immediately. Because these are copper-nickel clad, they are susceptible to “haze” and fingerprint oils. Human skin contains acids that can permanently etch the surface of a proof coin, destroying its value in seconds.
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Always handle your coins by the edges, or better yet, wear lint-free cotton gloves. To keep the value high, store your dime in a PVC-free plastic flip or a specialized coin capsule. Storing a proof coin in a loose jar with other coins will cause scratches (hairlines) that lower the grade from a PR 69 to a PR 60 almost instantly.
Collecting these mid-70s dimes is a great way for beginners to enter the hobby. They are affordable, historically interesting, and offer the excitement of a “lottery ticket” hunt for the elusive No-S variety. Whether you are building a full set of Roosevelt Dimes or just cataloging a family heirloom, keeping them in top shape is the best way to ensure they appreciate in value over the coming decades.
FAQ
Q: Why is my 1975 dime missing a mint mark?
A: Most 1975 dimes without a mint mark were made in Philadelphia for general circulation. They were produced by the hundreds of millions and are typically only worth ten cents. Only the “Proof” strike version without an “S”—which has a mirror-like finish and was sold in a collector set—is the ultra-rare variety.
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Q: Where is the mint mark located on a 1975 dime?
A: On a 1975 Roosevelt Dime, the mint mark (D for Denver or S for San Francisco) is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above the date. If there is no letter there, the coin was struck in Philadelphia.
Q: How can I tell if my 1975-S dime is a “Deep Cameo”?
A: A Deep Cameo (DCAM) 1975-S dime will have a very strong contrast between the design and the background. The portrait of Roosevelt and the lettering will look frosty and white, while the flat fields of the coin will look like a dark, polished black mirror.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1975-S Roosevelt Dime graded?
A: It is only worth grading if you believe the coin is a perfect PR 70 or if it is the rare “No S” variety. Because the cost of professional grading (PCGS or NGC) is usually $30-$50 per coin, grading a standard $5 proof dime would result in a financial loss.