How to identify 1975 no S dime? If you are curious if that old dime in your pocket might be a rare and valuable no-S specimen from 1975? With close examination, you can determine if your coin is one of the sought-after errors minted that year.
If you don’t have time for the full details, here’s the quick way to ID a 1975 no S dime: Examine the reverse of the coin below the torch. If there’s no mint mark—no S indicating it was struck at the San Francisco mint—then use a magnifying glass to inspect the details of the coin and look for signs it’s a proof specimen.
If so, you may have a no-S dime worth over $100.
What Makes the 1975 No S Dime Valuable
Limited Mintage
The 1975 No S dime has gained significant value among coin collectors due to its limited mintage. Around 2,845,450 of these dimes were produced in that year, making it the rarest dime from the mid-1970s.
The “no S” refers to the missing mint mark that should have been stamped below the date on the coin’s obverse side to indicate it was made in San Francisco. This omission was likely due to a worn or damaged mint marking die.
With far fewer no-S specimens available compared to normal dimes, demand from enthusiasts and investors has made prices soar over the years.
Where to Look for the Missing S Mint Mark
When searching for the rare 1975 no S dime missing the mint mark, there are a few key places for coin collectors to focus their efforts. First, check any loose 1975-dated dimes you already have lying around the house.
Carefully inspect both sides of the coin under a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe, paying special attention to the space below the date where the mint mark should be. An absence of any letter indicates it is likely the rare no S variety.
If your stash comes up empty, hit up local coin dealers, shops, or shows in your area. Scan their inventory of raw circulation strike 1975 dimes. You can also inquire if they have any examples certified by third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC.
Be prepared to shell out a premium if you discover this elusive prize.
Online auction sites like eBay provide another avenue to locate this missing S mint error coin. Check the coins and paper money category for certified 1975 no S Roosevelt dimes listings. Study the seller’s feedback rating before bidding to reduce risks.
Reputable companies like APMEX and ModernCoinMart also offer certified specimens for sale on their websites.
Additionally, connect with other passionate numismatists on forums, in Facebook groups, at conventions, or through coin clubs. Networking expands your access to uncirculated rolls and collections where a no S may be uncovered. Check collector-to-collector marketplace platforms as well.
Sometimes everyday people inherit coins but don’t realize they possess valuable rarities!
Here is a comparison of where 1975 no S dimes have traded hands in recent years, including the associated price realized:
| Sale Venue | Grade | Sale Price |
| Heritage Auctions (January 2022) | PCGS MS65 | $7,800 |
| GreatCollections (May 2021) | PCGS MS64 | $3,960 |
| eBay Raw Coin (February 2020) | Uncertified BU | $2,750 |
As you can see, a high uncirculated grade example sold for nearly $8,000 at auction early last year. Even lower-conditioned raw coins command four-figure price tags. The 1975 no-S Roosevelt dime remains an important modern error that garners steep premiums.
While finding one requires some patience and luck, focused searching at coin shops, shows, auctions, and online marketplaces offers the best shot. Checking every 1975-dated dime that crosses your path is also advised!
You never know when that fluke manufacturing glitch missing the S mint mark will turn up.
Other Key Details to Inspect on a Proof 1975 Dime
Mirror-Like Fields
The fields on a proof 1975 dime should have a mirror-like reflective quality, as they are specially prepared with a high-quality die polish. This results in smooth, flawless fields that resemble mirrors.
Examine the fields closely under good lighting, checking for any hairlines, marks, or disturbances that would indicate a circulation strike or impaired proof.
Frosted Devices
While the fields are mirrored, the devices (date, lettering, portrait, etc.) on a proof coin have a distinctive frosted “matte” look. This frosting is intentionally added to create a visual contrast against the reflective fields.
Use a magnifying glass to inspect the frosting and ensure it is intact, even, and consistent across all devices.
The Overall Quality and Condition
As a premium mint product, a proof 1975 dime must meet high standards for quality. Check the rims to confirm they are complete and undisturbed. There should be no signs of contact marks, hairlines, or impairments. Even slight disturbances would be unusual and detract from the value.
The frosting and mirrored finishes should have their full integrity. Essentially, the coin must look as perfect and pristine as the day it was struck in 1975.
According to PCGS, proof coin production dropped in 1975 to around 2 million coins across all denominations. So a fully-struck proof 1975 dime can be considered scarce. This scarcity adds numismatic value over and above the coin’s silver content.
Minting Errors on Other US Coins
While the 1975 no S dime may be one of the more famous minting errors in US coin history, it is far from the only one. Other coins, both old and new, can have fascinating defects that make them unique and potentially valuable to collectors.
1922 No D Peace Dollar
The 1922 No D peace dollar is similar to the 1975 No S Roosevelt dime in that it lacks the mint mark indicating which mint it was produced at. Normally peace dollars from 1922 have either a D (Denver mint) or S (San Francisco mint) mark, but a small number were produced with no mint mark at all.
These rare errors can sell for over $1,000 due to high demand from error coin collectors.
1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent
This famous Lincoln penny from 1955 exhibits a strong doubling of the date and lettering on the reverse side. This prominent doubling occurred early in the minting process and makes the coin easily recognizable.
The 1955 double die cent is avidly collected and prices can range from $1,000 to $15,000+ depending on the coin’s condition.
1937 Buffalo Nickel with Three Legs
The basic design of the Buffalo Nickel features an American bison with all four legs visible. However, a few 1937 specimens were produced where one of the rear legs was weakly defined or completely missing.
These “three-legged” Buffalo nickels are scarce and popular with collectors, often selling for well over $1,000 in nice condition.
Other Errors and Varieties
Many other error coins and interesting varieties have been found in US coinage over the years. These include double-struck coins showing dramatic offsets, major cracks and breaks, off-center strikes, coins struck using the wrong planchet metal, and more.
While the 1975 No S dime may be the most famous, it is just one of many elusive and fascinating mint errors awaited by keen-eyed coin collectors.
How Much is Your Coin Worth?
Auction Sale Records
The 1975 no S dime is a rare and valuable variety that draws significant interest from coin collectors. According to recent auction records, these dimes can sell for impressive premiums:
- In January 2023, an MS-65 example sold for $7,800 at auction.
- In November 2022, an MS-63 coin realized $3,120.
- In June 2022, an MS-60 specimen hammered for $1,150.
As you can see, based on condition, these coins can be worth anywhere from over $1,000 to nearly $10,000 at auction. The no S variety is scarce and demanded by many date and mint mark collectors.
Dealers Paying Premium Prices
Not only are top-grade examples bringing strong money at auction, but coin dealers are also paying handsomely to buy no S dimes for their inventory:
- Most dealers will pay at least $750 for a lower-grade AG-3 no S dime and up to $1,500 for a VG-8 coin.
- For mid-grade examples, dealers may pay $2,000 or more for AU-50 or AU-53 coins.
- MS-63 and MS-64 coins can command anywhere from $3,500 to $6,000 when selling directly to dealers.
So if you are lucky enough to find a 1975 no-S Roosevelt dime, be aware that it is a desirable and lucrative rarity. Both collectors and dealers recognize the value of these coins.
How To Identify 1975 No S Dime – Conclusion
With some close inspection guided by the details above, you can determine if your 1975 dime is the rare and elusive no S variety. These proof specimens missing the S mint mark were an error few noticed when the coins were issued.
Today, collectors prize the mistake that produced a relatively scarce coin with a unique history from the United States Bicentennial era.
