The 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $500 in circulated proof condition to over $10,000 for high-grade specimens. This elusive error coin is one of the “holy grails” of modern pocket change, and finding one in an old collection can lead to a massive payday for any lucky American.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Proof) | $550 – $750 |
| PR 68 (Proof) | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| PR 69 (Proof) | $3,500 – $15,000+ |
Understanding the Rare 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime Error
If you have just discovered a shiny 1970 dime tucked away in a plastic case or a velvet-lined box, you might be looking at a small fortune. Most people are surprised to learn that the 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime is actually a “Proof” coin mistake.
A Proof coin is specially made for collectors, featuring a mirror-like background and sharp details. In 1970, the San Francisco Mint was responsible for producing these sets. By law and custom, every coin minted in San Francisco should bear a small “S” mint mark just above the date. However, due to a clerical error, a small number of dies were sent from Philadelphia to San Francisco without the mint mark. Workers didn’t notice the omission, and a few thousand dimes were struck without the “S.”
To determine if yours is the real deal, you can use the best coin identifier app to analyze the surface texture and strike quality. These mistakes are rare because they were only included in the official 1970 Proof Sets. If you find a dime without a mint mark in your pocket change, it is likely a common Philadelphia-minted coin meant for circulation. But if it has that distinct, polished shine, you should definitely check it with CoinHix.
How to Identify a Genuine 1970 No S Proof Dime
Identifying this coin requires a keen eye for detail. The most important thing to remember is that a 1970 dime without a mint mark is only valuable if it is a Proof strike. Ordinary 1970 dimes minted in Philadelphia also lack a mint mark, but they were produced by the hundreds of millions and are only worth face value.
To tell the difference, look at the “finish” of the coin. A true Proof dime has a “cameo” effect—the portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt will look frosted or matte, while the background (the field) will be so shiny you can see your reflection in it. The edges of the coin will also be much sharper and more square than a regular dime.
Using CoinHix can help you distinguish between a common circulation coin and a high-value collector’s item. Collectors often look for the current 1970 dime market prices to see how recent auctions have fared. If your coin looks exceptionally “proly,” it is worth getting it professionally graded.
| Feature | Common 1970 Dime | Rare “No S” Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Mark | None (Philadelphia) | Missing (Error) |
| Finish | Dull/Lustrous | Mirror-like Mirror |
| Source | Circulation/Pocket Change | 1970 Proof Sets |
Determining the Market Value of 1970 Dimes
The market for the 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime is incredibly strong because it is part of a “prestige” set of errors that includes the 1968, 1975, and 1983 No S coins. Because only an estimated 2,200 of these dimes exist, demand among serious collectors always outstrips supply.
Condition is the primary driver of price. Most of these coins are found in “Proof 68” or “Proof 69” condition because they were protected in plastic cases from the day they were made. However, even a tiny scratch or a fingerprint can knock hundreds of dollars off the price. A dimed graded as PR69 by a service like PCGS or NGC can fetch upwards of $10,000.
For those looking for a detailed 1970 Roosevelt dime price guide, it is essential to monitor auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections. Prices fluctuate based on the economy and the number of high-grade examples currently on the market. Always use CoinHix to keep an eye on the latest sales trends before you decide to sell your treasure.
Where to Find This Rare Error Coin
You won’t find a 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime in your local laundromat’s coin return. These coins were exclusively distributed within the 1970-S United States Proof Sets. Back in 1970, the government sold these sets for a few dollars each. Many people bought them and put them in drawers, forgetting about them for decades.
If you are hunting for this coin, the best place to look is in “Estate Sales” or through old coin collections passed down by parents or grandparents. Look for the blue-boxed sets marked “1970 SF Mint.” Check the dime inside carefully. If there is no “S” above the date, you have just hit the jackpot.
Because many of these sets have been opened over the years, some “No S” dimes have been placed into individual flips or coin folders. Whenever you browse a coin show or a local shop, keep an eye out for Roosevelt Dimes labeled as “Proof” but lacking the mint mark. It is the ultimate hidden treasure hunt for the average American.
| Sales Venue | Expected Price (PR67) |
|---|---|
| eBay (Raw/Uncertified) | $300 – $500 |
| Professional Auction House | $650 – $900 |
| Private Collector Sale | $700+ |
Grading and Authenticating Your 1970 Dime
Once you believe you have found a 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime, the next step is authentication. Because this coin is so valuable, there are many “fakes” or altered coins on the market. Some unscrupulous people might try to polish a regular 1970 Philadelphia dime to make it look like a Proof, or even worse, remove the mint mark from a San Francisco coin.
Professional grading by agencies like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) is mandatory if you want to sell the coin for its full value. A graded coin comes in a sonically sealed plastic “slab” that guarantees its authenticity and grade.
A graded PR69 Deep Cameo is the ultimate goal. These coins have such a stark contrast between the white frosted design and the black mirror fields that they look like pieces of art. Even if your coin has a few “hairlines” (tiny scratches from cleaning), it is still worth a significant amount of money. Never clean your coins, as this can destroy their numismatic value instantly!
Summary of the 1970 No S Dime’s Legacy
The 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime remains a fascinating chapter in American minting history. It reminds us that even in a highly mechanized and controlled environment like the U.S. Mint, human error can create icons of wealth and rarity. For the everyday collector, it represents the “big win” that could be sitting in a basement or an attic right now.
Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or someone who just inherited a box of old coins, knowing what to look for is half the battle. Use the tools available to you, stay informed on market prices, and always double-check those 1970 Proof Sets. You might just be holding thousands of dollars in the palm of your hand.
| Grade Specifier | Average Value |
|---|---|
| PR65 | $550 |
| PR67 | $850 |
| PR68 | $1,400 |
| PR69 | $12,000+ |
FAQ
Q: Is every 1970 dime without a mint mark rare?
A: No. Most 1970 dimes without a mint mark were made in Philadelphia for regular circulation. They are worth only 10 cents. The rare “No S” version is a Proof coin, which has a mirror-like finish and was only sold in official sets.
Q: How many 1970 No S Roosevelt Dimes are there?
A: Experts estimate that approximately 2,200 of these rare error dimes were produced before the mistake was caught at the San Francisco Mint.
Q: Should I clean my 1970 dime to make it look like a Proof?
A: Absolutely not! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloth creates tiny scratches that professional graders can see. Cleaning a rare coin can reduce its value by 50% to 90%.
Q: Where is the mint mark located on a Roosevelt Dime?
A: On a 1970 dime, the mint mark (either an “S” or nothing) is located just above the date on the obverse (heads) side of the coin.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1970 No S Dime?
A: High-grade specimens in PR69 condition have sold at auction for over $18,000 in recent years, depending on the “Cameo” quality of the strike.