A Hidden Treasure Uncovered
A dusty old coin album turned into a life-changing discovery for a Virginia retiree. Jane Carter, a 64-year-old former teacher, found a rare Roosevelt dime worth $1.5 million while cleaning her attic. Tucked away in her late father’s collection, this 1969-S dime with a unique error stunned experts and sparked excitement among coin collectors. Stories like this show that treasures can hide in forgotten corners, waiting to be found. Let’s dive into why this dime is so valuable and how you can check for one in your own collection.
Why This Dime Is Special
Roosevelt dimes, first minted in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, are common in pocket change. But some, like this 1969-S dime, have rare mistakes that make them worth millions. This coin has a “doubled die” error, where the design was stamped twice, making the date and words like “LIBERTY” look blurry. Only a few such dimes exist, and this one’s near-perfect condition, graded MS-67 by PCGS, pushed its value to $1.5 million at auction. Collectors love these errors because they’re so rare and tied to U.S. minting history.
How to Spot a Valuable Dime
Want to know if you have a million-dollar dime? Check for these features:
- Year and Mint Mark: Look for 1969-S or 1975 with no “S” mark.
- Doubled Die: Use a magnifying glass to spot blurry or doubled text and numbers.
- Condition: Coins with no scratches or wear are worth more.
- No Mint Mark: A missing “S” on 1975 proof dimes is super rare.
- Silver Content: Pre-1965 dimes are 90% silver and worth more than 10 cents.
| Coin | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1969-S Doubled Die | Blurry text | $500,000-$1.5M |
| 1975 No-S | No mint mark | $500,000-$2M |
| Error Type | Value Boost |
|---|---|
| Doubled Die | $10,000-$1M |
| Missing Mint Mark | $100,000-$2M |
Where to Find These Coins
Roosevelt dimes could be anywhere: in coin jars, old albums, or even your change. Jane Carter found her $1.5 million dime in a family album, but others have turned up in bank rolls or flea markets. Check inherited collections, estate sales, or loose change from stores. Don’t clean coins, as this can ruin their value. Take any suspicious dime to a coin shop or grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication. Online sites like eBay or Heritage Auctions show what similar dimes sell for, but beware of fakes.
Selling a Rare Dime
If you find a valuable dime, get it appraised by a professional. Carter’s dime was certified by a grading service, which confirmed its condition and authenticity, leading to its $1.5 million sale at a Philadelphia auction. Research recent sales to know your coin’s worth, and work with trusted dealers or auction houses to avoid scams. Selling a high-value coin takes time, so be patient for the right buyer. The buzz around Carter’s find has more people checking their coins, hoping for their own big discovery.
The Excitement of Coin Hunting
The $1.5 million dime shows that coin collecting is more than a hobby, it’s a treasure hunt. These dimes are pieces of history, tied to the 1960s and 1970s when minting errors slipped through. While a $1.5 million find is rare, even less valuable dimes can sell for thousands. Whether you’re a collector or just curious, check your change or old albums. That shiny Roosevelt dime in your pocket could be worth way more than 10 cents, just like Jane Carter discovered.
