1968 No S Roosevelt Dime Value: Is Your Coin Worth Thousands?
The 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $1 to over $40,000 depending on its rarity and condition. While billions of dimes were minted in 1968, a tiny handful of “proof” coins missing their mint mark have become legendary treasures for everyday Americans lucky enough to find them.
| Condition / Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated 1968 Dime | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| Uncirculated Mint State (P or D) | $1.00 – $50.00 |
| 1968-S Proof Dime | $3.00 – $15.00 |
| 1968 “No S” Proof Error | $15,000 – $45,000+ |
What is the 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime Error?
Identifying a rare coin often starts with a simple glance at your pocket change. If you have found a shiny dime from the late 60s, you might be holding a generic coin or a winning lottery ticket. Using a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common business strike and the rare proof error.
The “No S” error occurred when the San Francisco Mint produced a small number of proof sets using a die that was missing the “S” mint mark. Under normal circumstances, all proof coins (specially struck for collectors with a mirror-like finish) should feature the “S.” However, in 1968, history was made when a few escaped the mint without it.
If you suspect your coin is one of these rarities, the CoinKnow app can provide high-resolution image comparisons to help you verify the strike quality. Remember, a regular 1968 dime minted in Philadelphia also has no mint mark, but it is not a “No S” error. The error only exists on the “Proof” version of the coin, which was never intended for circulation.
The Difference Between Philadelphia and San Francisco Strikes
To understand the 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime value, you must first know where your coin was born. In 1968, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 400 million dimes for general use. These coins do not have a mint mark. Consequently, a “No S” dime looks identical to a Philadelphia dime to the untrained eye.
The key is the “Proof” finish. Proof coins were sold in plastic cases to collectors. They feature extremely sharp details, frosted portraits of FDR, and a background (field) so shiny it acts like a mirror. If you find a dime in a jar of old coins that looks exceptionally shiny and lacks a mint mark, you may want to check a price guide for 1968 dime values in high grades.
| Mint Mark | Location | Finish Type |
|---|---|---|
| None (Normal) | Philadelphia | Business Strike (Circulation) |
| D | Denver | Business Strike (Circulation) |
| S | San Francisco | Proof Strike (Collector) |
| None (Error) | San Francisco | Proof Strike (The Rarity) |
How Much is a 1968 No S Dime Worth Today?
The market for the 1968 No S proof dime is incredibly exclusive. Because only about a dozen or so examples are currently known to exist, they rarely appear at public auctions. When they do, the 1968 dime value for error coins usually reaches the mid five-figures.
In recent years, specimens graded PR68 by services like PCGS or NGC have sold for upwards of $30,000. If you are browsing through estate sales or inherited collections, keep a sharp eye out. Most of these were discovered inside 1968 Proof Sets. Even if the coin isn’t the “No S” variety, a perfect proof 1968-S dime is still worth more than its face value.
The CoinKnow app is an excellent resource for tracking auction histories of these rare gems. It allows you to see what collectors are currently paying and keeps you updated on price fluctuations in the numismatic market.
Grading and Condition: Why Small Scratches Matter
When dealing with a coin that could be worth $40,000, the “grade” is everything. Grading is the process of measuring the wear and tear on a coin. For the 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime, the difference between a PR67 and a PR68 grade can mean thousands of dollars.
Proof coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A PR70 is a perfect coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification. Because the 1968 strikes were some of the first made at the San Francisco facility after a hiatus, the dies were fresh, often creating beautiful “Cameo” effects where the portrait is white and the fields are black.
| Grade (Proof) | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| PR65 | $12,000 – $15,000 |
| PR67 | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| PR68 | $35,000 – $48,000+ |
Where to Look for the 1968 No S Dime
You aren’t likely to find a 1968 No S dime in your local laundromat’s change machine. Since these were proof coins, they were packaged in stiff plastic lenses at the mint. Most remain in these sets today. Many people own 1968 Proof Sets and have never checked the mint mark on the dime.
Before you sell a collection or give away “worthless” old sets, download CoinKnow to scan your coins. It can help you identify whether your dime has the “Proof” characteristics—like the squared edges and mirrored surfaces—that signify it could be the rare error.
If you do find one, do not clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloth creates tiny scratches that ruin its “eye appeal” and significantly lower its value. Handle it only by the edges and place it in a protective flip immediately.
Future Value Trends for Roosevelt Dime Errors
The 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime remains one of the “Holy Grails” of modern American coinage. As more baby boomers pass down their collections to younger generations, there is a chance more of these errors will be discovered in attics and basements.
Rare errors tend to hold their value well during economic shifts because they are “trophy coins.” Collectors who want a complete run of Roosevelt Dimes must have this error to truly finish the set. This constant demand ensures that the 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime value remains high for the foreseeable future.
| Year Group | Historical Price Trend |
|---|---|
| 1990s | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| 2010s | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| 2024+ | $40,000+ (Record Highs) |
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1968 dime is a proof or a regular coin?
A: Proof coins have a mirror-like background and very sharp, detailed edges. Regular “business strike” dimes from Philadelphia also have no mint mark, but they have a dull or satiny finish. If it looks like it came out of a collector’s box, it’s likely a proof.
Q: Is a 1968-D dime worth anything?
A: Generally, a 1968-D dime (from the Denver mint) is common and worth only about 10 to 25 cents in circulated condition. Only those in “Mint State” (MS67 or higher) are worth significant money to collectors.
Q: Why did the “No S” error happen?
A: It was a human error at the Philadelphia Mint (where dies were prepared). A set of dies intended for San Francisco was shipped without the “S” mint mark being punched into the die.
Q: Is the 1968 No S dime the rarest dime?
A: It is one of the rarest, but there are other “No S” years like 1970, 1975, and 1983. The 1975 No S dime is actually even rarer, with only two known examples in existence!
Q: Should I get my 1968 dime graded?
A: Only if you are certain it is a “Proof” strike. Sending a regular 1968 Philadelphia dime for grading will likely cost more than the coin is worth. Use a digital identifier first to confirm the strike type.
