A retired teacher from Virginia recently made numismatic history by discovering a $1.5 million Roosevelt dime hidden in her father’s old coin album.
This spectacular find—a rare 1969‑S error dime—has reignited interest in minting mistakes and what may lie forgotten in personal collections.
The Discovery: A Dusty Attic Surprise
In March, Jane Carter, age 64, was sorting through her late father’s coin album in a Richmond attic when she noticed a shiny 1969 dime that looked off—it lacked the polished proof finish typically seen on San Francisco mint issues.
A local coin shop confirmed her suspicion: it was a 1969‑S Roosevelt dime with a rare non‑proof (clad) finish, one of fewer than 10 known specimens.
What Makes It So Valuable
This dime stands out due to:
- Mint mark & year: “S” for San Francisco, minted in 1969
- Minting error: Clad dime struck using proof dies
- Rarity: Less than 10 known, with this piece near‑perfect in condition
- Grading: Professional grading confirmed its authenticity and near‑mint grade
- Auction result: Sold for $1.5 million at an auction in Philadelphia
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | Roosevelt Dime |
| Year & Mint | 1969‑S |
| Error | Clad struck on proof planchets (non‑proof finish) |
| Known Specimens | Fewer than 10 |
| Condition | Near‑mint (graded) |
| Auction Price | $1,500,000 |
| Finder | Jane Carter, retired teacher, Richmond, VA |
| Auction Location | Philadelphia coin show |
Auction Buzz & Collector Frenzy
The find caused a immediate stir in coin circles. Auction houses branded it a “once‑in‑a‑lifetime” coin—bidders from across the globe competed fiercely.
Carter’s decision to sell followed the grading confirmation. She plans to use her windfall for her grandchildren’s education, local charities, and a dream trip to Italy.
Comparable High‑Value Roosevelt Dimes
This discovery has inspired collectors to inspect their Roosevelt dimes, especially from the late 1960s and 1970s. Here are other valuable variants:
- 1975 No‑S Proof Dime: Only two known, sold for around $456 K (potential up to $2 M)
- 1982 No‑P Clad Dime: Philadelphia mint error without “P”, valued between $50–75
- 1969‑S Doubled‑Die Dime: Known for its doubled design, fetched around $350 K, pristine examples could approach $1 M
How to Spot a Million‑Dollar Dime
If you’re eager to hunt for rare coins, here’s what to look for:
- Check 1969 dimes: Particularly those with an “S” mint mark. Non‑proof finish is key.
- Observe 1975 proof dimes: Spot the missing “S” mark.
- Look for doubling: Especially on dates or lettering.
- Avoid cleaning: Cleaning can wipe away a coin’s value.
- Seek professional grading: Authenticate suspected finds through trusted services.
The $1.5 million 1969‑S Roosevelt dime found in a forgotten album is a testament to the potential fortunes hidden in ordinary collections.
If you own old coins, especially from the 1960s and 70s, take a close look—a valuable surprise might be sitting unnoticed in your drawer.
FAQs
What is a clad error dime?
A normal circulation (clad) coin struck using proof coin dies—resulting in an unusual matte finish versus the mirror proof look.
Are there more million‑dollar dimes out there?
Rare but possible—especially among 1969‑S error dimes and the elusive 1975 No‑S proof issues.
Should I clean an old coin I find?
Never clean. Cleaning significantly reduces value. Let a numismatic expert handle it.