Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby, especially with coins that become valuable due to their rarity or minting errors. Many times, we unknowingly keep such coins with us, which can be worth lakhs.
Today, we will tell you about one such extremely rare coin – the 1975 Roosevelt Dime, which has recently skyrocketed to a price tag of $350,000 (about Rs 3 crore). In addition, we shall disclose five more coins that might well be hidden either in your pocket or your collection and that could be of considerable value.
The 1975 Roosevelt Dime Error Worth $350,000
The San Francisco Mint produced, in the year 1975, over 2.8 million (over 28 lakh) Roosevelt Dimes specifically for proof sets. All of these should have carried the ‘S’ mint mark; however, by error, some of these coins did not carry this mark.
Such an error produced “no mint mark” coins, which became extremely rare. To date, only two such coins have been found. This mistake aside, one of these two coins was sold at auction for $350,000 (about Rs 3 crore). It is, thus, rare and valuable because of the mint error. If you own a collection of rare coins, then surely check this special dime.
Five Other Valuable Coins to Watch For
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
- Rarity: Probably there are about 20 coins available.
- Value: $1 million
During World War II the US government was making ammunition with copper, during which the one-cent coins made in 1943 were all made of steel.
However, there were a few coins that had been mistakenly minted on leftover bronze planchets from 1942. There exist approximately 20 such coins. These coins can be distinguished by their reddish brown color and their non-magnetic properties. One sold for $1 million in 2018 (approximately Rs 8 crore).
2. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
- Rarity: Quite a lot, still valuable
- Price: $1,000 to $25,000 (Rs 83,000 to Rs 21 lakh)
The feature that signifies this coin is the doubling of the numbers and letters. The mistake occurred during the die making stage.
To identify one, look for the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY”; these inscriptions exhibit a slight doubling. This coin is a favorite among collectors and can go for $1,000 up to $25,000.
3. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf
- Rarity: Relatively significant but yet valuable
- Value: $300-$1,500 (Rs 25,000 to Rs 1.2 lakh)
Issued in the US in 2004, this Wisconsin State Quarter coin has, amongst other, a unique mistake-the coin has one extra leaf that is attached to the image of corn.
There are two forms, namely “High Leaf” and “Low Leaf.” This rare quarter is sought by collectors for a price ranging anywhere from $300 to $1,500.
4. 2000 Sacagawea Dollar/Washington Quarter Mule
- Rarity: Only 18 coins exist
- Values: $155,250 (around Rs 1.3 crore)
A mule error occurs when dies of different designs are accidentally used in both sides of a coin. In 2000, a few coins with the Washington Quarter obverse and Sacagawea Dollar reverse were minted. This error is currently known to exist in only 18 coins and has a valuation reaching $155,250 (approximately ₹ 1.3 crores).
5. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
- Rarity: One of the common coins, but nonetheless, it counts
- Value: $50-$300-Rs 4,000 to Rs 25,000
In 1982, some Roosevelt dime coins issued by the Philadelphia Mint were mistakenly without “P” mint marks. This error occurred because a die was accidentally left without a mint mark. The price of this coin can range from $50 to $300, depending on the condition of the coin.
| Coin | Year | Error Type | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | Missing “S” Mint Mark | $350,000 |
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent | 1943 | Wrong Planchet | $1,000,000+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1955 | Doubled Die | $1,000 – $25,000 |
| 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter | 2004 | Extra Leaf | $300 – $1,500 |
| 2000 Sacagawea Dollar/Washington Quarter Mule | 2000 | Mule Error | $155,250 |
| 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime | 1982 | Missing Mint Mark | $50 – $300 |
Coins made with minting error may confer extreme rarities and value to otherwise ordinary coins. The sale of a 1975 Roosevelt dime for $350,000 (about Rs 3 crore) is a good illustration of the fact that even the most ordinary coins may end up having some hidden treasure value.
Read More :- The $2.9 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny – A Rare Coin Still in Circulation!
So whether you are an ardent collector or just plain curious, take a moment and check your wallet, pocket, or old collection. You might just have one priceless coin hiding in your pocket!
Conclusion
If you have your old coins lying in your home or you are a person with fondness in the collection of old coins, make a thorough check. Coins which seem trivial to us may sometimes be worth lakhs and crores.
So next time you find an old coin, give it a fair amount of checking-it might just turn out to be the coin that changes your fortune!
FAQs:-
What is special about the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent?
It was mistakenly struck on a bronze planchet instead of steel, with one selling for over $1 million.
What makes the 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter rare?
Some were minted with an extra leaf on the corn stalk, increasing their value to $300–$1,500.
Why is the 1975 Roosevelt Dime Error so valuable?
This dime lacks the “S” mint mark due to a rare minting error, with only two known to exist, making it extremely valuable.