Most 1972 Roosevelt dimes are only worth 10 cents… but one rare minting mistake has shocked collectors by selling for over $45,000 at auction! 🤑
This ultra-rare variety is known as the 1972 ‘No S’ Proof Dime—and if you know what to look for, you might just discover one in an old coin set or family collection.
🏛 Why the 1972 Dime Error Is So Special
In 1972, Roosevelt dimes were minted in three locations:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (“D” mint mark)
- San Francisco (“S” mint mark – proofs only)
Here’s where the mistake happened: San Francisco produced special mirror-like proof coins for collectors… but a few were struck without the “S” mint mark. That tiny oversight created one of the most valuable modern U.S. coin errors.
👉 Today, certified examples in high grades (PR67+) have sold for $45,000+.
💎 The 1972 ‘No S’ Proof Dime at a Glance
✅ Must be a proof coin (shiny, mirror-like background + frosted details)
✅ Must have NO “S” mint mark above the date
✅ Top-graded examples = $30,000 – $45,000+
⚠️ Important: This error only exists on proof coins. Circulation (regular pocket change) dimes from 1972 will never have this error.
🔍 Step-by-Step: How to Spot the ‘No S’ Error
1️⃣ Check if it’s a Proof Coin
- Proof coins: Shiny, mirror-like background with frosted designs ✨
- Circulation coins: Dull, flat, and often worn
2️⃣ Inspect the Mint Mark
- Location: Just above the “72” in the date
- Error: Missing “S” mint mark (all San Francisco proofs should have it!)
3️⃣ Look for Doubling (Bonus Variety)
- Inspect the words “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Some minor doubled-die proofs exist (not $45K, but still collectible)
🔬 Tip: Use a 10x magnifier to spot small differences.
📈 Value Chart – 1972 Proof Dime vs. ‘No S’ Error
| Coin Type | Typical Value | ‘No S’ Error Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 Proof w/ “S” | $2 – $10 | – |
| 1972 Circulation | Face value (10¢) | – |
| 1972 ‘No S’ Proof | N/A | $20,000 – $45,000+ |
💰 What to Do If You Find One
✔ Get It Graded – Only PCGS or NGC certification will unlock full value
✔ Never Clean It – Even fingerprints can drop the grade (and thousands in value)
✔ Sell at Auction – Major houses like Heritage Auctions bring top-dollar results
🚨 Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t confuse regular 1972 circulation dimes with the proof error
❌ Don’t buy “uncertified” claims online—fakes are common
❌ Don’t worry about weight or metal content—this error is about the missing mint mark only
📊 Why Collectors Love This Error
- Extremely Rare – Only a handful are known
- Always in Demand – Blue-chip error coin, values remain strong
- Certification is Key – Ungraded “raw” examples sell for far less
🎯 Final Verdict
The 1972 ‘No S’ Proof Dime is one of the most exciting modern U.S. coin errors. With values climbing to $45,000+, it’s a true treasure for lucky finders.
👉 So, check your proof sets, inherited collections, and old coin boxes—you could be sitting on a life-changing discovery. 💎💰
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