If you are fond of coins or want to invest in rare coins, then the 1968 ‘No Mint Mark’ Roosevelt Dime may be special for you. This small ten-cent coin, which is usually a part of the US currency system, is being sold for thousands of dollars for some special reasons. The rarity and historical significance of this coin has made it highly popular among collectors. Let’s know why this coin is so priceless.
How is the 1968 Roosevelt Dime?
The 1968 Roosevelt Dime is a common American ten-cent coin, which has a picture of the 32nd President of America, Franklin D. Roosevelt, on its obverse. It was designed by John R. Sinnock. The reverse of the coin has a torch, which symbolizes freedom, and branches of olive (peace) and oak (strength) are depicted on both sides of it.
This coin is made of copper-nickel alloy (copper-nickel clad), which contains 75% copper and 25% nickel. It has a diameter of 17.90 mm and weighs 2.27 grams.
What is the ‘No S’ Mint Mark Error?
In 1968, the US Mint started marking mint marks on coins again after a period between 1965 and 1967. Usually, proof coins made at the San Francisco Mint should have had an ‘S’ mint mark. But by mistake, this ‘S’ mark was missed on some coins, making these coins rare.
The exact number of coins in which this mistake occurred is not available, but it is estimated that only a few dozen such coins are in existence. This is why these coins have become extremely important for coin collectors (numismatists).
How to Identify a 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime?
If you have a 1968 Roosevelt dime and want to know if it is the rare ‘No S’ type, you need to look above the date on the obverse. If there is no ‘S’ mark, it is likely a ‘No S’ error coin.
However, it is important to note that normal circulation (business strike) coins made at the Philadelphia Mint also do not have a mint mark, but they are not rare and have no additional value. Therefore, it is only necessary to look for ‘No S’ errors in Proof Coins.
How Much Can This Coin Be Worth?
The price of a 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt dime depends on its condition (grade). Coins in better condition are more valuable. The table below gives the estimated prices of this coin according to its grades:
| Grade | Estimated Value ($) |
|---|---|
| PR65 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| PR66 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| PR67 | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| PR68 | $35,000 – $50,000 |
The highest grade of these coins (PR68) is expected to fetch around $45,600 in 2025. A PR68 grade coin sold for $32,200 in 2005, indicating that its value has been steadily increasing over time.
Why is the demand for this coin increasing?
The rarity and historical significance of the 1968 ‘No S’ dime make it highly desirable among collectors. Since such coins exist in very limited quantities, their auction prices are constantly rising.
Each year, very few such coins are seen in the market. Sometimes only one or two come up at auction in the entire year. Because of this, collectors who already own these coins do not want to sell them easily, which further limits their supply.
Conclusion
The 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt dime is an exceptionally rare coin, which can go up in value to thousands of dollars. If you have a 1968 Roosevelt dime, check its condition and mint mark. If it is of the ‘No S’ variety, it could be a priceless treasure.
This coin offers a golden opportunity for coin collectors and investors, as its value has been increasing over time. If you are interested in rare coins, this coin is definitely worth adding to your collection list.
FAQs
Q1. Why is the 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime so valuable?
The coin is rare due to a minting error where the ‘S’ mint mark was accidentally omitted on proof dimes struck at the San Francisco Mint. Its scarcity makes it highly valuable to collectors.
Q2. How can I identify a 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime?
Check the obverse side of the coin above the date. If there is no ‘S’ mint mark and it is a proof coin, it could be the rare ‘No S’ variety.
Q3. How much is a 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime worth?
Depending on its condition, the coin can sell for anywhere between $5,000 and $50,000, with top-grade specimens reaching even higher prices at auctions.
Q4. How many of these error coins exist?
The exact number is unknown, but experts estimate that only a few dozen were mistakenly struck, making them extremely rare.
Q5. Are regular 1968 dimes without a mint mark valuable?
No, standard business-strike dimes from Philadelphia also lack a mint mark but are common and do not carry additional value.