Imagine inheriting something as small as a dime and finding out it could be worth over $500,000! That’s exactly what happened to three sisters from Ohio. They inherited a rare 1975 dime without a special mint mark, making it one of the rarest coins in the world. In this article, we’ll explore the story behind this valuable coin and why it’s worth so much.
The Story Behind the Rare 1975 “No S” Dime
In 1975, the U.S. Mint in San Francisco made over 2.8 million special “proof” sets. These sets included six coins, and they were sold for just $7. But something unusual happened—two of the dimes were made without the “S” mint mark, which is supposed to show they were made in San Francisco. This missing mint mark turned these dimes into extremely rare collector’s items.
The Hidden Treasure
The dime that the Ohio sisters inherited was one of the two missing the “S” mint mark. The coin had been kept in a bank vault for over 40 years, and they had no idea how valuable it really was. It wasn’t until Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections, told them the coin could be worth over $500,000 that they realized their hidden treasure.
This dime is so rare that most collectors have never seen one. In fact, the whereabouts of these coins were a mystery for decades until one of them was sold at auction in 2019 for $456,000. That same dime was sold again a few months later to a private collector.
A Family Heirloom
The sisters’ brother originally bought the rare coin in 1978 for $18,200, which is around $90,000 today. He saw it as a financial safety net, and he kept it a secret for years. The sisters, who want to remain anonymous, only discovered its true value after their brother passed away. One of the sisters shared how her brother often talked about the coin, but she didn’t see it for herself until last year.
Now, this extraordinary dime will be displayed at a coin show in Tampa, Florida, before being auctioned in October 2024. Collectors around the world are expected to show great interest, and the final sale price could be record-breaking.
Why Is the 1975 “No S” Dime So Valuable?
The 1975 “No S” dime is valuable because of its rarity. There are only two known dimes without the “S” mint mark. Since they were part of special proof sets, you won’t find one in your everyday pocket change. The chance of finding another dime like this is slim, which makes it even more special to collectors.
Could There Be More Out There?
While it’s unlikely, there’s always a chance that more “No S” dimes are hidden out there. If they exist, they would only be found in the 1975 proof sets, not in circulation. This discovery might inspire collectors and everyday people to start searching through their old coin collections, hoping to find another rare dime like this one.
The story of the 1975 “No S” dime is a reminder that even the smallest things can hold incredible value. For the Ohio sisters, inheriting this rare coin has been a life-changing experience. With only two known examples, the value of this coin is expected to soar even higher at auction. Whether you’re a coin collector or just someone curious about rare finds, this dime’s story is a fascinating look into the world of rare coins.
