A Hidden Fortune in Your Pocket
A rare 1965 Roosevelt Dime, valued at a staggering $24.712 million, has collectors and everyday folks checking their change jars. This tiny coin, found in a New Jersey coin collection, turned out to be a rare minting error that’s now one of the most valuable coins ever. Experts say a few more of these dimes might still be out there, hiding in wallets or cash registers. The story of this dime has sparked a nationwide hunt, proving that pocket change can hold life-changing treasure.
A Mistake That Made History
The Roosevelt Dime, first minted in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is a common sight in American change. But in 1965, the U.S. Mint made a big mistake. That year, they switched from making dimes out of 90% silver to a cheaper copper-nickel mix because silver prices were soaring. A few silver blanks, meant for older coins, got mixed up and were struck as 1965 dimes. These “transitional error” dimes are super rare, and one in near-perfect condition fetched the jaw-dropping $24.712 million at auction.
How It Was Found
This million-dollar dime was discovered by a retired mail carrier in New Jersey, sitting in a jar of spare change for nearly 30 years. While sorting through coins one day, he noticed this dime looked shinier and felt heavier than others. A trip to a local coin dealer led to tests, and experts confirmed it was a rare 1965 silver error dime, graded Mint State 68 by a professional service. Its perfect condition and historical value sent its price skyrocketing. Stories like this have people everywhere digging through their coins, hoping for a similar find.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1965 Roosevelt Dime (Silver Error) |
| Material | 90% Silver (instead of copper-nickel) |
| Estimated Value | $24.712 Million |
| Grading | Mint State 68 (near-perfect) |
| Known Examples | Fewer than 10 estimated |
How to Spot a Valuable Dime
Want to check if you have a million-dollar dime? Here’s what to look for:
- Date: Must be 1965, the year of the silver error.
- Weight: Silver dimes weigh about 2.50 grams; regular ones are 2.27 grams.
- Edge: Silver dimes have no copper stripe, unlike regular ones.
- Sound: Drop it on a hard surface—silver makes a high-pitched ring.
If you find a 1965 dime that seems different, don’t clean it! Take it to a coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC to check if it’s real. Cleaning can ruin its value. Only a few of these error dimes are thought to exist, so your chances are slim but not zero.
The Hunt Is On
The $24.712 million sale has set off a frenzy, with collectors and regular people scouring their change for rare dimes. Social media is buzzing with tips on spotting valuable coins, and coin shops are seeing more visitors. Experts say other rare dimes, like 1975 no-mint-mark dimes, can also be worth thousands. This story shows that history and value can hide in the smallest places. The dime’s buyer, who stayed anonymous, called it a “piece of history” worth keeping.
Check Your Change Today
This incredible find is a reminder that treasures might be hiding in plain sight. A 1965 Roosevelt Dime in your pocket could be worth millions if it’s a silver error. Experts suggest checking old coin collections or loose change from cash transactions. Even if you don’t find a $24.7 million dime, other rare coins could still bring a nice payday. So, grab that coin jar and take a closer look—you might just find a fortune waiting to be discovered.
