How a Missing Mintmark Turned a 10¢ Coin into a $45,000 Treasure
📜 Historical Background: How the Error Happened
In 1968, the San Francisco Mint struck over 3.2 million proof sets, each expected to carry the “S” mintmark above the date. But:
- One proof die accidentally omitted the mintmark.
- Quality control failed to detect the mistake.
- A handful of these coins were shipped out in proof sets — and the rest is numismatic legend.
🔍 Why It’s So Rare
- Proof coins are normally individually inspected.
- Defective proofs are destroyed before release.
- Only 10–15 examples are confirmed to exist.
🪙 Identification Guide: Spotting a Genuine 1968 No-S
Key Characteristics
- Missing Mintmark: Smooth surface where “S” should be (above date)
- Proof Finish: Mirror-like fields with frosted design elements
- Edge: Reeded, exactly 120 reeds
- Weight: 2.27 grams (copper-nickel clad)
Diagnostic Features
Obverse (Front):
- No sign of mintmark tooling or removal
- Sharp frosted portrait of Roosevelt
- Crisp hair and jawline details
Reverse (Back):
- Frosted torch, olive branch, and oak branch
- Clear separation between letters in inscriptions
📏 Grading Standards & Values
| Grade | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 | Light hairlines | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| PR67 | Nearly flawless | $30,000 – $35,000 |
| PR69 | Perfect condition | $40,000 – $45,000 |
🛡 Authentication Checklist
- Magnification (10x+)
- No trace of removed mintmark
- Genuine proof surfaces — razor-sharp strike
- Weight & Composition Test
- 2.27g, copper-nickel clad
- Visible copper-silver sandwich on edge
- Professional Certification
- PCGS/NGC grading mandatory for top-dollar sales
🚫 Common Counterfeit Red Flags
- Weak strike or soft details
- Visible tool marks in mintmark area
- Incorrect weight or reed count
📈 Market Analysis
Recent Auction Records:
- $44,063 — PCGS PR69 (Heritage, 2021)
- $35,250 — NGC PR68 (Stack’s Bowers, 2019)
- $28,200 — PCGS PR67 (Legend Rare Coin Auctions, 2020)
Investment Outlook:
- Average 12% annual appreciation (past 5 years)
- Only one new specimen found since 2015
🔍 Where to Search
- Original 1968 Proof Sets — especially unbroken mint packaging
- Estate Sales — older collections from the late 60s/early 70s
- Coin Dealer Stock — unsearched proof sets may still hide gems
💡 Collector Tip: In 2017, a garage sale proof set costing $10 contained a 1968 No-S dime that later sold for $32,000.
💼 Selling Strategies for Maximum Value
Best Selling Venues:
- Heritage Auctions — ideal for PR67+ coins
- PCGS CoinFacts Forum — direct sales to specialists
- Major Coin Shows — face-to-face with top buyers
Presentation Tips:
- Keep the coin in its original proof set holder if found there
- Use professional photography in listings
- Include PCGS/NGC population report data
📧 Free Professional Evaluation
Think you’ve found a 1968 No-S dime?
Email clear, close-up photos to:
dimes@pennyverse.info
Subject: 1968 NO-S DIME CHECK
We’ll provide:
✔ Preliminary authentication
✔ Current market valuation
✔ Selling recommendations
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