$2.8 Million: A seemingly ordinary Roosevelt dime has stunned collectors and casual coin hunters alike after being discovered in everyday circulation — and later selling for a jaw-dropping $2.8 million. The discovery has sparked a wave of excitement across the country, with coin experts urging the public to take a closer look at their spare change.
A Tiny Coin with a Huge Price Tag
The record-breaking dime was found by 31-year-old Jordan Lewis, a cashier in Pennsylvania, who noticed something unusual about the coin while sorting a cash drawer at the end of his shift.
“It looked just a little different — the edges, the shine, the way it felt,” Lewis recalled. “I almost tossed it in with the rest, but something told me to hang onto it.”
That decision changed his life.
What Makes This Dime So Special?
The dime in question turned out to be an error coin, specifically a 1975 Roosevelt dime with no mint mark, produced at the San Francisco Mint. While most 1975-S proof dimes were struck with an “S” mintmark, a few accidentally left the facility without it — a mistake so rare that only two are known to exist.
These dimes were never meant to enter circulation and are considered some of the rarest U.S. coins. Until Lewis’s discovery, the last known example sold at auction for $456,000 in 2019. But due to intense bidding and growing interest in high-grade error coins, this newly discovered specimen fetched $2.8 million, setting a new record.
A Wake-Up Call for Change-Checkers
The find has reignited interest in pocket change across the country. Coin experts are encouraging people to inspect their dimes — especially those dated 1975 — for signs of this extremely rare error.
“Millions of coins are handled every day without a second glance,” said numismatic historian Ellen Parker. “But this proves treasure can still be hiding in plain sight.”
What to Look For
If you’re hoping to spot one of these rare Roosevelt dimes, here are a few key tips:
- Check the date: Look for 1975 Roosevelt dimes.
- Look closely at the area just above the date: If there’s no mint mark, you may have something special.
- Condition matters: High-quality coins command higher prices.
- Get it authenticated: Always have a professional evaluate your find before making decisions.
Could the Next Million-Dollar Coin Be in Your Pocket?
While most pocket change won’t buy you more than a soda, the incredible $2.8 million Roosevelt dime shows that rare errors do make it into circulation. With millions of coins being used and recycled daily, the next life-changing discovery could be just one transaction away. Bottom line: check your change — you might be holding a fortune.
FAQ: $2.8 Million Roosevelt Dime Found in Circulation
Q1: Why is the 1975 Roosevelt dime worth $2.8 million?
It’s an ultra-rare 1975 proof dime with no mint mark, mistakenly struck at the San Francisco Mint. Only two are known to exist.
Q2: How can I tell if I have one of these rare dimes?
Check for a 1975 date and no mint mark (above the date on the coin’s front). If it’s missing the “S,” it could be incredibly valuable.
Q3: What should I do if I think I found one?
Don’t spend it — get it professionally authenticated by a trusted coin grading service like PCGS or NGC right away.