In one of the most astonishing coin discoveries in recent memory, a seemingly ordinary Roosevelt dime — casually dropped into a café’s tip jar — turned out to be worth an incredible $2.2 million. This rare find has stunned the numismatic world and reminded us all that hidden treasures can sometimes lie in the most unexpected places.
A Normal Day Turns Legendary
The story unfolds in a small coffee shop in Oregon. While cleaning up the tip jar after a typical day, a barista noticed something unusual about one of the dimes. It had a strange surface and bore the date 1975.
Curious, the barista mentioned the odd coin to a local customer — a hobbyist coin collector. He immediately recognized its potential value and suggested getting it professionally evaluated. What followed was a discovery that made headlines.
The Rare “No-S” 1975 Roosevelt Dime
What made this coin worth millions? It turned out to be a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, one of the rarest mint errors in American coinage history. The term “No-S” refers to the absence of the “S” mint mark, which should appear on coins produced at the San Francisco Mint.
These dimes were intended only for proof sets — not circulation. However, a few slipped through quality control and ended up in the wild. Experts confirm that only two authenticated examples of the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime are known to exist.
Why It’s So Valuable
The coin’s extreme rarity, combined with the fact it entered circulation by mistake, makes it an ultra-valuable find. Collectors are willing to pay millions for such historic minting errors. These coins are a once-in-a-lifetime discovery, and demand remains extremely high among elite collectors.
Authentication and Auction
The café owner and barista contacted a professional coin grading service to verify the dime’s authenticity. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) confirmed it was indeed a genuine 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime and graded it among the highest for both condition and rarity.
Soon after, the coin was privately auctioned and sold for an eye-popping $2.2 million.
The Café Reacts
The news stunned the café’s staff and loyal customers. What began as an ordinary day quickly attracted national media attention and coin enthusiasts from all over. The barista who discovered the dime was rewarded with a portion of the sale’s proceeds as a gesture of appreciation for her honesty and attention to detail.
“It still feels like a dream,” she said. “I handle coins all day, every day — and I never thought one would be worth a fortune.”
Why This Story Matters
This incredible discovery has inspired a renewed interest in coin collecting across the country. It also serves as a powerful reminder that rare coins can appear in the most unexpected places — including tip jars, garage sales, thrift shops, and your own pocket change.
Experts say that stories like this aren’t just feel-good tales — they highlight the rich history behind everyday objects. Millions of coins are in circulation, and it only takes one rare find to change everything.
Key Takeaway: Check Your Change
The next time you receive change at a café or count coins from your jar, take a second look. You never know when a rare coin like the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime could fall into your hands. With the proper knowledge and verification, a single dime could be worth more than a luxury car — or even a house.
FAQs About the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
Q1: What is a “No-S” Roosevelt Dime?
A “No-S” Roosevelt Dime is a mint error from 1975 in which the coin was struck without the “S” mint mark, despite being made at the San Francisco Mint. These coins were intended only for proof sets and are among the rarest U.S. dimes ever produced.
Q2: How can I tell if my dime is valuable?
Check for missing mint marks, odd surface features, or unusual dates. If your coin looks suspicious or different, consult a certified coin appraiser or grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Q3: Where are rare coins usually found?
Rare coins can be discovered in everyday settings like tip jars, thrift stores, coin jars at home, garage sales, and even in pocket change. Staying alert and curious is key.
Q4: Why is professional authentication important?
Professional grading and authentication determine the coin’s true rarity and condition, which is critical for establishing its market value. Trusted services include PCGS and NGC.
Final Thoughts
The $2.2 million Roosevelt dime proves that incredible value can be hidden in plain sight. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or someone who rarely checks their change, this story is a powerful reminder: treasure doesn’t always look like treasure — until you know what you’re looking at.