$1.5 Million Roosevelt Dime & 5 Other Valuable Coins – How to Spot Them

Did you ever imagine that an ordinary coin stored in your wallet can be valued at millions of dollars? Some coins are being sold at stunning prices in auction because they are rare, historic or mint errors. The best known among these are 1975 Roosevelt Dime, without “S” Mintmark, which sold in $1.5 million. It is considered one of the most valuable modern coins discovered so far.

In this article, we will learn about this record-breaking coins and other five rare coins that can cost from thousands to millions of dollars. Also, we will tell you how to identify these rare coins and take precautions to avoid fake coins.

$1.5 Million Roosevelt Dime

The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime was one of a proof set minted at the San Francisco Mint, which normally features an “S” mintmark. A mintmark-less coin was struck in error and put into circulation, resulting in a very rare find. One sold for a record $1.5 million.

How to Spot it:

• Date: 1975
• Mintmark: Should be lacking the “S” mintmark on proof dimes.
• Appearance: Proof coins have a mirror finish.
• Where to Find: Frequently included in 1975 proof coin sets.

5 Other Valuable Coins

1913 Liberty Head Nickel

1913 Liberty Head Nickel is probably the most famous coin in the world. There are only five examples, and that is the item of a famous collector. One of the coins sold fantastic $3.7 million at the auction.

How to Spot it:

• Date: 1913
• Obverse: Lady Liberty facing left with “LIBERTY” inscribed.
• Reverse: A Roman numeral “V” representing five cents.
• Weight: About 5 grams.

1943 Copper Penny

The U.S. Mint began using steel instead of copper for pennies in 1943 to save metal for war purposes. Still, a minor run of pennies was mistakenly produced in copper, which has them extremely valuable.

How to Spot it:

• Date: 1943
• Material: Copper (test with a magnet; copper pennies will not stick).
• Weight: 3.11 grams (normal copper penny weight).
• Color: Brownish as opposed to normal silvery 1943 steel pennies.

1955 Doubled Die Penny

The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny is the most famous mint error in American history, and it’s identified by its severely doubled obverse inscriptions.

How to Spot it:

• Date: 1955
• Doubling Effect: Distinct doubling on the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
• Mintmark: No mintmark (Philadelphia struck).

2004 Wisconsin Quarter

In 2004, there were some Wisconsin state quarters that were minted with an additional leaf on the corn stalk design on the back. This mint error makes them collector’s pieces.

How to Spot it:

• Date: 2004
• Design Error: Check for an additional high or low leaf on the left of the corn stalk.
• Mintmark: “D” for Denver.

1969-S Doubled Die Penny

The 1969-S Doubled Die Penny is another extremely valuable coin because of its visible doubling error.

How to Spot it:

• Date: 1969
• Mintmark: “S” below the date.
• Doubling: The inscriptions and date are visibly doubled.

How to Spot a Fake Coin?

With the high price of rare coins, counterfeits are prevalent. Here’s how you can guard yourself:

• Look for Authenticity Certifications: Always purchase coins graded by reputable organizations like PCGS or NGC.
• Verify Weight and Composition: Weigh exact weight using a digital scale.
• Inspect Details Thoroughly: Real coins exhibit sharp, uniform details, while counterfeits can exhibit anomalies.
• Obtain Expert Advice: If unsure, have a professional numismatist inspect the coin.

Conclusion

The $1.5 million Roosevelt Dime and these other high-value coins demonstrate that to check your change might mean that you discover an amazing treasure. Whether it’s a rare Bicentennial Quarter of 1976, a 1943 Copper Penny, or a 1916-D Mercury Dime, such coins remain highly prized in the world of numismatics. Begin searching—you never know what treasure you’ll discover!

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