Why 1972 Dimes Are Special
Most 1972 Roosevelt dimes are worth face value—but one ultra-rare error has sold for $45,000+! Here’s why collectors are obsessed:
- Three Mints, One Mistake: In 1972, dimes were struck in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”).
- Proof vs. Circulation: San Francisco made special mirror-finish “proof” coins for collectors—but a critical error slipped through!
- The Million-Dollar Flaw: A few proof dimes were struck without the “S” mint mark—creating one of the most valuable modern U.S. errors!
💎 The $45,000 Coin: 1972 ‘No S’ Proof Dime
Your image shows a regular 1972 dime, but the real treasure is the 1972 ‘No S’ Proof:
✅ Must Be a Proof Coin (mirror-like background, frosted details)
✅ Must Have NO “S” Mint Mark above the date
✅ Top-Graded Examples (PR67+) have sold for $45,000+
🚨 Warning: This error ONLY exists on proof coins—not regular circulation dimes!
🔍 How to Spot the ‘No S’ Error (Step-by-Step)
1. CHECK IF IT’S A PROOF COIN
- Proofs have:
- A mirror-like shine on the flat surfaces
- Frosted details (Roosevelt’s portrait, lettering)
- Circulation coins (like your photo):
- Dull or worn surfaces
- No extreme contrast between fields and design
2. INSPECT THE MINT MARK AREA
- Where to look: Directly above the “72” in the date
- Error: NO “S” mint mark (should be there on all proofs!)
3. BONUS: Check for Doubling (Less Valuable but Still Cool!)
- Area: The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Look for: Slight doubling in the letters (minor DDO variety)
🔬 Use a 10x magnifier! The differences are tiny but critical.
📈 How to Cash In If You Find One
- Get It Graded: 📜 Only PCGS or NGC certification will maximize value.
- Never Clean It! 🚫 Even fingerprints can hurt its grade.
- Sell Smart: 💰 Auction houses like Heritage Auctions get top dollar for rare errors.
🚨 Key Tips to Avoid Mistakes
✔ Proof or Bust! The ‘No S’ error does NOT exist on regular dimes.
✔ No “S” = Potential Fortune (but only if it’s a proof!)
✔ Weight Doesn’t Matter – This error is about the missing mint mark, not metal content.
📊 Why This Error Is a Collector’s Dream
- Extremely Rare: Only a handful confirmed by PCGS/NGC.
- Blue-Chip Error: Stable value, always in demand.
- Certification is a Must: Raw (ungraded) coins sell for far less.
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📸 Think you found one? Submit photos for a free expert check!
Grab your 1972 dimes and start checking—you might be sitting on a life-changing find! 💰✨
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