If you own any U.S. dimes, it might be time to check your pockets and piggy banks. A rare 1975 dime is expected to sell for more than $500,000 at auction this October. You can even see this remarkable coin in person at the Great American Coin and Collectibles Show in Tampa, Florida, this week!
What Makes the 1975 No S Proof Dime Special?
The special feature of this dime is that it lacks the letter “S,” which shows it was minted in San Francisco. It was discovered by a California coin collector named Fred Vollmer, who bought five proof sets from the U.S. Mint in 1977. Since then, the 1975 No S Proof Dime has become one of the most sought-after coins in the collecting community.
Since 1968, there have only been six known instances of “No S” Proof dimes being mistakenly released by the U.S. Mint. The years these mistakes happened include 1968, 1970, 1971, 1975, 1983, and 1990. While there are many of the dimes from the later years, there are only two known examples of the 1975 No S Proof Dime.
History of the 1975 No S Proof Dime
One of the two known 1975 No S Proof Dimes was discovered by Fred Vollmer in 1977. He quickly gained attention when CoinWorld published an article about these rare coins in 1978, leading many collectors to search their collections for this unique dime.
The second coin is owned by Ruth E, who was one of Vollmer’s previous customers. She became interested in the dime after reading about it and eventually purchased it, holding onto it for decades. Now, this coin is being auctioned by GreatCollections for the first time since 1978.
The Auction Details
The auction will take place at GreatCollections, a well-known auction house for coins and paper money. Ian Russell, the president of GreatCollections, emphasized the rarity of the 1975 No S Proof Dime, stating that all 2.8 million dimes produced in 1975 should have the “S” mint mark. The two discovered without it are incredibly valuable.
According to Russell, the dime’s bid was already at $266,000 with 47 days left until the auction ends. He expects it to exceed $500,000 due to the strong interest in the coin market.
Viewing the Rare Dime
If you’re interested in seeing the rare 1975 No S Proof Dime, you can visit the Great American Coin and Collectibles Show at the Tampa Convention Center this Wednesday through Friday.
The Importance of Checking Your Coins
Russell advises collectors to look for this dime in their old proof sets, especially if they belong to family members who may have ordered them decades ago. Many of these sets are still unopened and waiting to be discovered.
Table: Key Information About the 1975 No S Proof Dime
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1975 |
| Mint Mark | No “S” |
| Rarity | Only 2 known examples |
| Auction Estimate | Over $500,000 |
| Current Bid | $266,000 (as of publication) |
| Auction House | GreatCollections |
| Coin Collector Discovered | Fred Vollmer |
| Total Proof Sets Minted | 2.8 million |
Conclusion
The 1975 No S Proof Dime is not just a rare coin; it represents a significant moment in U.S. minting history. With only two known examples, this dime is a treasure for collectors. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just starting, now is the time to check your collections for this elusive coin. The upcoming auction will be a significant event in the coin-collecting world, and it’s a great opportunity to witness a piece of history.
FAQ’s
Why is the 1975 No S Proof Dime so valuable?
It is extremely rare, with only two known examples in existence. All other dimes from that year were supposed to have an “S” mint mark.
Where can I see the 1975 No S Proof Dime?
You can view it at the Great American Coin and Collectibles Show in Tampa, Florida
How much is the 1975 No S Proof Dime expected to sell for?
It is expected to fetch over $500,000 during the auction.