Three sisters from Ohio have uncovered a rare gem in their family’s inheritance—a U.S. dime that had been tucked away in a bank vault for more than 40 years. While they always knew the coin had value, they never imagined just how much. This 1975 San Francisco-minted dime, missing a crucial mint mark, could sell for over $500,000 at an auction scheduled for October.
The Story Behind the Rare Dime
What Makes This Coin So Special?
This dime, featuring President Franklin D. Roosevelt, stands out because it is missing the “S” mint mark, which indicates it was made in San Francisco. Only two such dimes are known to exist. The other sold for $456,000 in 2019, and it was later acquired by a private collector. Now, the sisters’ coin is poised to fetch even more.
How Did It Stay Hidden for So Long?
Although coin collectors have been aware of these rare dimes since the late 1970s, their whereabouts were a mystery—until now. The sisters’ brother and mother purchased one of the coins in 1978 for $18,200, which would be worth approximately $90,000 today. The family viewed the coin as a financial safety net and kept it locked away in a bank vault for decades.
The Coin’s Journey to Auction
A Well-Kept Secret
One of the sisters revealed that their brother often spoke about the coin, but she didn’t see it until last year. Around seven years ago, the brother contacted Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections, to discuss the coin, though he kept its existence a secret until recently.
The Auction
Now, the coin is set to be displayed at a coin show in Tampa, Florida, before it goes up for auction. While it’s possible that more dimes like this could exist, they would only be found in 1975 “proof” coin sets, not in regular circulation. Experts believe this discovery could ignite a surge of searches by collectors looking for similar treasures.
Summary of Key Information
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1975 Roosevelt Dime |
| Mint Location | San Francisco |
| Missing Feature | “S” Mint Mark |
| Estimated Auction Value | Over $500,000 |
| Number of Known Coins | 2 |
| Original Purchase Price | $18,200 in 1978 (around $90,000 today) |
| Auction Date | October 2024 |
| Display Location | Coin show in Tampa, Florida |
Conclusion
This rare dime, which was hidden away by an Ohio family for decades, is now expected to fetch a substantial payout. As one of only two known 1975 dimes missing the “S” mint mark, this coin’s upcoming auction is sure to attract serious collectors. The discovery highlights how even long-forgotten coins can turn out to be incredibly valuable treasures.
FAQs
What makes this dime so valuable?
This dime is unique because it is missing the “S” mint mark from the San Francisco Mint. Only two such dimes are known to exist.
How much could the coin sell for?
The coin is expected to fetch over $500,000 at auction.
Where was the coin kept all these years?
The Ohio family stored the coin in a bank vault for over 40 years.
Are there more coins like this one?
It’s possible, but if any more exist, they would only be found in 1975 “proof” coin sets, not in regular circulation.
When will the auction take place?
The auction is set for October, following the coin’s display at a coin show in Tampa, Florida.
This incredible find shows just how valuable hidden treasures can be—even decades later. Could you have a rare coin waiting to be discovered?
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