1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime: Rare Coin – Possibly Worth Thousands For American coin collectors, the 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt dime is considered as one of the really out there in terms of rarity and value. It is a regular ten-cent coin displaying on the obverse a bust of Franklin D. Roosevelt-the 32nd president of the United States-and on the reverse a torch with olive and oak branches. However, several coins made in 1968 became incredibly rare due to an error. The error is the missing “s” mint mark. Proof coins struck at the San Francisco Mint usually have this mint mark; however, some of the coins from 1968 are marked without it. Thus, these exceptional coins become extremely rare and could even fetch prices reaching as high as $45,600.
Understanding the “No S” Mint Mark Error
From 1965 to 1967, all US coins should be minted without a mint mark, and in 1968 it was restored. The coins minted for proof at the San Francisco Mint were to bear the “S” mint mark. However, error coins stamped in this time period were put up without this mark.
There is no official report on how many were minted in this series, but experts estimate that only a few dozen are known to exist. The extreme rarity of these coins has made them extremely attractive and very valuable to coin collectors.
Key Features of the 1968 ‘No S’ Dime
- Obverse Design: Front displays an image of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt designed by a well-known engraver, John R. Sin nock.
- Reverse Design: This shows a torch-symbolizing liberty.
The olive branch indicates peace. The oak branch indicates strength and determination. - Composition: This coin is composed of copper-nickel clad metal. It has a layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel, with a solid copper core inside.
- Technical Specifications: Diameter: 17.90 mm Weight: 2.27 grams
Value and rarity of this coin: The price of the 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime is determined by its grade and market demand. In fact, some coins of high-grade can fetch thousands of dollars. For example:
A PR68 grade coin sold for $32,200 in 2005. In 2025, similar coins could be auctioned for up to $45,600.
The high demand for collectibles makes it a valuable asset.
(Note: These values are approximate and may change according to market demand.)
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR65 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| PR66 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| PR67 | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| PR68 | $35,000 – $50,000 |
Collectability and Demand
- Due to the limited availability and historical significance of the ‘No S’ dime, this coin remains in high demand among collectors and is considered a valuable asset.
- These coins rarely appear at auctions.
- Sometimes only one or two coins come up for sale in an entire year.
- The extreme rarity and high demand makes it extremely valuable.
How to Identify a 1968 ‘No S’ Dime?
If you have a 1968 dime and are curious about its authenticity, you can identify it in the following ways:
- Look at the obverse of the coin.
- Check the area above the year (1968) carefully.
- If the ‘S’ mint mark is missing, it may be a ‘No S’ dime.
- Keep in mind that coins made by the Philadelphia Mint also have no mint mark, but they are common and have no additional value.
Conclusion
The dimes struck in 1968 without an ‘S’ mint mark are among the most exciting minting errors in the history of U.S. coinage. The ‘No S’ error’s extreme rarity is due to the mint’s accidental omission of the ‘S’ mint mark from proof coins struck at its San Francisco Mint. With only a few dozen known examples remaining, these dimes have enjoyed strong demand at auction, often selling for nearly $50,000 if they were in pristine condition.
For coin collectors and numismatists, possessing a 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dime is truly remarkable with respect to both its price tag and the historical weight behind such a coin. If you think you have one of those pieces, consult a respected grading house: you may be sitting on a small fortune. For veteran collectors and neophytes alike, these dimes stand as proof of the thrill and reward found in the hobby of coin collecting.
FAQs
Q.1 What is the 1968 ‘No Mint Mark’ Roosevelt Dime?
A. The 1968 ‘No Mint Mark’ Roosevelt Dime is a rare coin that was mistakenly struck without the ‘S’ mint mark, which was supposed to indicate its production at the San Francisco Mint.
Q.2 Why is the 1968 ‘No Mint Mark’ Roosevelt Dime valuable?
A. This dime is valuable because it is a rare minting error. Only a few of these coins exist, making them highly desirable among collectors.
Q.3 How much is the 1968 ‘No Mint Mark’ Roosevelt Dime worth?
A. Depending on the coin’s condition, it can be worth anywhere from $5,000 to over $45,000 at auctions. High-grade proofs (PR68) have sold for nearly $50,000.
Q.4 How many of these error dimes exist?
A. The exact number is unknown, but experts estimate that only a few dozen 1968 ‘No S’ Roosevelt Dimes exist, making them extremely rare.
Q.5 What is the highest price ever paid for a 1968 ‘No Mint Mark’ Roosevelt Dime?
A. The highest recorded sale price for this coin was around $45,600 at an auction.