1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime : In the fascinating world of numismatics, where history, art, and economics intersect, certain coins achieve legendary status not because of their age or beauty, but because of simple mistakes.
The 1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime stands as one of the most celebrated mint errors in American coinage history—a tiny silver-colored disc whose value has skyrocketed into the stratosphere due to its extreme rarity and the peculiar circumstances of its creation.
While standard 1968 dimes might be worth merely their face value, these elusive error coins have created a million-dollar market that continues to captivate collectors worldwide.
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime The Birth of a Numismatic Legend
The story begins in the San Francisco Mint in early 1968. The facility was busy producing proof coins—special, high-quality strikes made specifically for collectors rather than for circulation.
These premium coins receive extra attention during minting, with polished dies and multiple strikes creating mirror-like fields and frosty, detailed devices that distinguish them from regular business strikes.
All proof coins minted in San Francisco during this period should have carried the distinctive “S” mintmark below the date on the obverse (front) of the coin.
However, through what coin experts believe was human error, a small batch of Roosevelt dimes was struck with dies lacking this crucial identifier.
“The most likely explanation is that a mint worker used an unfinished die,” explains Martin Silverman, who has spent four decades studying mint errors.
“The process for creating proof dies at that time involved several steps, with the mintmark being one of the last elements added. Somehow, dies without the ‘S’ made it to the production floor and were used before the error was caught.”
When the mistake was discovered, production was immediately halted. However, an unknown number of these error coins had already been sealed into proof sets—the annual collector products containing one example of each denomination produced that year.
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime Extreme Rarity: The Key to Value
What makes the 1968 No-S dime particularly valuable is its incredible scarcity. While exact figures remain disputed, numismatic researchers believe that fewer than 20 authentic examples exist, with some estimates suggesting the number could be as low as 12.
Elizabeth Morgan, whose family has operated a coin shop in Philadelphia since 1946, puts this rarity into perspective: “Think about it—the mint produced roughly three million proof sets in 1968. Of those, perhaps only a dozen contained this error. Finding one is quite literally a one-in-a-million proposition.”
This extreme rarity translates directly into extraordinary value. While a standard 1968-S proof dime might be worth $3-5, authenticated examples of the No-S variety have routinely commanded prices between $15,000 and $80,000 depending on condition.
In recent years, as the coin’s legendary status has grown, exceptional specimens have reportedly changed hands privately for figures approaching or exceeding $200,000.
James Wilson, who inherited his father’s coin collection containing a 1968 No-S dime, recalls his astonishment upon learning its value: “I almost threw away the whole collection after Dad passed. These old coins just looked like pocket change to me.
When the appraiser pointed out this particular dime and explained what it was worth, I nearly fell out of my chair. My father had purchased the proof set for $5 back in 1968, having no idea it contained a rare error.”
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime Authentication: Separating Truth from Fiction
With such tremendous value at stake, authentication becomes paramount. Several deceptive techniques have emerged over the years to create counterfeit No-S dimes, including:
Removing or polishing away the S mintmark from genuine 1968-S proof dimes
Creating false dies to strike convincing reproductions
Altering the dates on 1980-S proof dimes (another year with known No-S errors)
“The authentication process for these coins is rigorous,” notes Carol Benson, a certified numismatic authenticator. “We examine multiple factors beyond just the missing mintmark.
The coin’s surface must show proper proof characteristics, including mirror-like fields and frosted devices. Die markers—tiny imperfections unique to genuine dies—must match known examples. Even the packaging of the original proof set provides authentication clues.”
Major authentication services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) maintain detailed records of verified specimens, including high-resolution photographs documenting die markers and other identifying characteristics.
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime The Million-Dollar Market
While individual 1968 No-S dimes might not quite reach the million-dollar threshold (the current auction record stands at approximately $84,000 for a perfect specimen), the collective market for these coins certainly exceeds that figure.
When accounting for all known examples and their current values, plus the premiums paid for the complete proof sets containing them, the total market valuation easily surpasses several million dollars.
Thomas Brownell, who tracks rare coin sales for a major auction house, notes the dramatic appreciation: “In the late 1970s, these coins sold for around $400-500. By the 1990s, they were bringing $10,000-15,000.
The most recent public sales have all exceeded $50,000, with private transactions reportedly going much higher. Few investments have shown this kind of consistent growth.”
The market has expanded beyond just dedicated numismatists. As alternative investments have gained popularity, high-net-worth individuals and investment funds have entered the rare coin market, seeking tangible assets with proven track records of appreciation.
“We’re seeing more diversified buyers than ever before,” explains investment advisor Patricia Langford. “When traditional markets show volatility, tangible collectibles with established scarcity often attract new interest.
The 1968 No-S dime has a compelling story, indisputable rarity, and solid documentation of value growth—making it attractive even to buyers who aren’t traditional coin collectors.”
Other Notable No-S Proof Coins
The 1968 dime isn’t the only No-S proof coin to emerge from the San Francisco Mint. Similar errors occurred in other years:
1970 No-S Roosevelt Dime
1971 No-S Jefferson Nickel
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
1983 No-S Roosevelt Dime
1990 No-S Lincoln Cent
Of these, the 1975 No-S dime is considered the rarest, with only two confirmed examples known to exist. One of these sold for $349,600 in 2019, setting a record for any dime produced after 1900.
However, the 1968 No-S dime retains special status as the first discovered of this error type, giving it particular historical significance in the numismatic community.
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime The Hunt for Undiscovered Specimens
Perhaps the most tantalizing aspect of the 1968 No-S dime story is the possibility that undiscovered examples still exist. Many proof sets from this era remain unopened in their original government packaging, passed down through families who never realized their potential value.
“I get calls weekly from people who think they’ve found one,” says Robert Greenfield, who specializes in error coins. “Most turn out to be standard 1968-S proofs where the mintmark is small or partially obscured. But the possibility of finding an authentic example keeps the hunt exciting.”
This treasure hunt aspect has spawned a cottage industry of collectors who purchase bulk lots of unopened 1968 proof sets, carefully examining each dime before resealing or selling the sets. While the odds of success are incredibly slim, the potential payoff makes the effort worthwhile for dedicated searchers.
Frank Johnson, who discovered a genuine No-S dime in an estate sale purchase in 2012, describes the moment: “I’d looked through thousands of proof sets over the years without success.
When I finally found one, my hands were shaking so badly I could barely hold the coin. It’s the numismatic equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack—except this needle was worth enough to pay off my mortgage.”
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime Market Outlook and Investment Potential
As with any investment market, opinions vary on the future value trajectory of the 1968 No-S dime. Most experts, however, remain bullish on its long-term prospects.
“The fundamental elements driving value remain unchanged,” observes economic historian Dr. Helena Wright. “We have confirmed extreme rarity, strong collector demand across multiple generations, and a fascinating story that continues to captivate new entrants to the hobby.
Additionally, these coins aren’t being produced anymore—the supply is fixed while demand continues to grow.”
Some market analysts suggest that top-quality examples could reach half-million-dollar values within the next decade, particularly if one comes to market with exceptional provenance or historical significance.
Investment advisor Michael Chen offers a measured perspective: “While these coins have shown impressive appreciation, potential investors should understand that numismatic investments require specialist knowledge, secure storage, insurance, and patience. They’re best viewed as a small part of a diversified portfolio rather than a primary investment vehicle.”
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime Beyond Monetary Value: Historical Significance
For many collectors, the appeal of the 1968 No-S dime transcends its monetary value. These coins represent a tangible connection to mint history and the human element behind our nation’s coinage.
“What fascinates me is that this tiny error—something as simple as forgetting to add a single letter to a die—created such an enduring legacy,” reflects museum curator Eleanor Williams. “It reminds us that despite all our technological advances, human oversight remains critical, and human mistakes sometimes create unexpected treasures.”
The 1968 No-S dime has been featured in museum exhibitions, educational programs, and even popular culture references. Its story continues to introduce new generations to the hobby of coin collecting.
1968 No-S Roosevelt Dime Conclusion: A Tiny Coin with Enormous Impact
The 1968 No-S Roosevelt dime stands as a testament to the sometimes unpredictable factors that create numismatic treasures. What began as a simple mint error has evolved into a million-dollar market and a permanent chapter in American numismatic history.
For the fortunate few who own authentic examples, these dimes represent not just financial windfalls but pieces of history—tangible evidence of a moment when the normally precise U.S. Mint production process briefly faltered, creating enduring rarities.
And for the millions of collectors who dream of finding their own numismatic lottery ticket, the 1968 No-S dime offers something perhaps even more valuable: hope that extraordinary discoveries still await those with sharp eyes, patient research, and a bit of luck.
Whether viewed as an investment opportunity, a historical artifact, or simply a fascinating story, this tiny coin with its missing letter continues to command attention—and serious money—in the rarified world of elite numismatics.
Also Read This-
These are $5 Millions Bicentennial Quarters in market
$3000 Stimulus Payments – Who is eligible for this ?, Check now
$2700 Loan easily approved without Collateral – How?, check process