In a stunning twist worthy of a treasure hunt, a seemingly ordinary Roosevelt dime has turned out to be an ultra-rare collectible worth an astonishing $1.2 million — and it was found not in a vault, but beneath the dusty floorboards of an old rural farmhouse.
This remarkable discovery has reignited excitement among coin collectors and everyday treasure seekers alike, proving once again that forgotten corners of history can yield extraordinary rewards.
An Accidental Fortune Beneath the Floor
The coin was found by a homeowner in rural Pennsylvania who was renovating a late 19th-century farmhouse that had been in their family for generations. While pulling up warped floorboards in an unused bedroom, the renovator noticed a small, tarnished coin lodged between two beams. Thinking it was just a stray penny or pocket change, they nearly discarded it — until a closer look revealed the face of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Curious, the homeowner took it to a local coin dealer, where a stunned numismatist quickly identified it as one of the rarest dimes in existence — a 1975 Roosevelt Dime with no mint mark, minted in proof and never meant to leave the U.S. Mint.
What Makes This Dime Worth $1.2 Million?
There are only a handful of known examples of the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime, a coin that lacks the identifying “S” mintmark normally found on proof coins struck at the San Francisco Mint. Somehow, a few of these errors were made and accidentally released — likely picked up by a Mint employee and slipped into circulation unnoticed.
Here’s what makes it so valuable:
-
Error Rarity: Only a few confirmed examples exist of the 1975 No-S Dime.
-
Proof Coin: It was intended to be a proof coin, never for general circulation.
-
Historical Significance: This error has baffled experts for decades.
-
Condition: Despite its age and the unlikely storage environment, the coin was found in surprisingly high-grade condition.
Numismatic experts authenticated the dime and graded it as Proof-68, making it one of the highest-quality specimens known. Within days, collectors and private investors were offering six- and seven-figure sums.
The Mystery of the “No S” Mint Mark
The San Francisco Mint typically marks proof coins with an “S” mint mark. However, in 1975, a few dimes were struck using a die that lacked the mint mark altogether. These coins were never intended to circulate — but a few slipped through quality control and made their way out of the Mint.
Prior to this latest find, only two confirmed examples of the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime were known to exist. This newly discovered specimen is believed to be the third — and best-preserved — making it even more desirable.
How Did It End Up Under a Floor?
No one knows for sure, but it’s speculated that the coin was originally obtained by someone working for the Mint or associated with proof sets and was later misplaced, hidden, or stored away in the farmhouse — only to be forgotten for decades.
Given the farmhouse’s proximity to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., some experts believe the original owner may have worked in federal service or had access to rare numismatic items.
Have Rare Coins Like This Been Found Before?
Absolutely — and this story adds to a growing list of million-dollar coins found in everyday locations:
-
A 1943 bronze Lincoln cent found in a lunchbox sold for over $1 million
-
A 1913 Liberty Head nickel once mistaken for a fake sold for $4.5 million
-
And now, a 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime emerges from under a farmhouse floor to join the elite club
Could You Have One?
Although your chances are slim, it’s worth checking your spare change, inherited coin collections, or old coin jars. Look for:
-
1975 Roosevelt Dimes — check for the missing “S” mint mark
-
Proof coins with anomalies
-
Coins with off-center designs, double-strikes, or missing inscriptions
Any of these could signal a valuable error coin — and potentially a life-changing payday.
Final Thoughts
The discovery of the $1.2 million Roosevelt Dime is more than just a headline; it’s a reminder that history is often hidden in plain sight. Whether buried beneath floorboards, tucked into attic boxes, or jingling in your pocket, rare coins continue to surface where least expected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs.)
Q1: What is the rare $1.2 million Roosevelt dime?
A: It’s a 1975 Roosevelt dime that was mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark, which should have been present on proof coins produced at the San Francisco Mint. This error coin is one of only a few known to exist and has sold for as much as $1.2 million due to its rarity and condition.
Q2: Why is the missing “S” mint mark significant?
A: The “S” mint mark indicates a coin was minted in San Francisco as part of a proof set (high-quality coins not meant for circulation). A missing “S” on a proof coin means it was struck in error, making it extremely rare and valuable.
Q3: How many 1975 No-S Roosevelt dimes are known to exist?
A: Prior to the farmhouse discovery, only two confirmed examples were known. The newly discovered dime is believed to be the third known specimen and is in exceptional condition.
Q4: How was this dime discovered?
A: It was found beneath the floorboards of an old farmhouse during a renovation project. The coin was wedged between floor planks and initially mistaken for ordinary change.
So, before you spend that next dime, take a moment — you might just be holding a million-dollar mystery.