A rare 1965 Roosevelt Dime has taken the spotlight with a staggering valuation of $24.712 million, prompting coin collectors and everyday people to revisit their spare change. This unassuming coin was uncovered in a New Jersey coin stash and later confirmed as a rare mint error—now one of the most valuable dimes ever recorded.
According to experts, there may still be more of these coins circulating, quietly hiding in wallets, drawers, or registers. The incredible story behind this dime has launched a nationwide treasure hunt, showing that even the smallest coin can carry life-altering value.
A Mistake That Made History
The Roosevelt Dime was introduced in 1946 as a tribute to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and has remained a familiar part of U.S. currency. However, in 1965, a pivotal change occurred when the U.S. Mint shifted from using 90% silver to a less expensive copper-nickel blend due to rising silver prices.
During this transition, a few leftover silver planchets from earlier production runs mistakenly got used and were stamped with the 1965 date. These transitional error dimes are exceptionally rare. One example in pristine condition was sold for an astonishing $24.712 million, making it a record-breaking find in coin-collecting circles.
How It Was Found
This multimillion-dollar dime was found by a retired postal worker in New Jersey who had unknowingly kept it in a jar of old coins for nearly three decades. While sorting through his change one day, he noticed one dime appeared shinier and felt a bit heavier than the others.
Curious, he brought it to a local coin expert, where further analysis confirmed it was a silver transitional error dime from 1965. Graded as Mint State 68 by a professional service, its nearly flawless preservation and historical importance pushed its value into the millions. This inspiring discovery has led countless others to inspect their loose change more carefully.
Feature Details
- Coin Type: 1965 Roosevelt Dime (Silver Error)
- Material: 90% Silver (instead of copper-nickel)
- Estimated Value: $24.712 Million
- Grading: Mint State 68 (near-perfect)
- Known Examples: Fewer than 10 estimated
How to Spot a Valuable Dime
Wondering if you might have one of these ultra-rare coins? Here are the signs to look for:
- Date: The dime must be dated 1965, the only year this silver error occurred.
- Weight: Authentic silver dimes weigh roughly 2.50 grams, while standard ones are about 2.27 grams.
- Edge: A true silver dime will not have the visible copper-colored edge that modern dimes display.
- Sound: Drop it gently on a solid surface—silver produces a distinct high-pitched ring.
If you think you’ve found one, resist the urge to clean it. Cleaning a coin can diminish its condition and value significantly. Instead, take it to a professional coin dealer or grading service such as PCGS or NGC to authenticate it. These error coins are extremely rare, but not impossible to find, making every coin in your pocket potentially priceless.
The Hunt Is On
The sale of this remarkable 1965 dime has triggered a wave of enthusiasm among collectors and the general public. Online forums and social media platforms are now flooded with advice and videos on identifying valuable coins.
Coin shops across the country report increased traffic, with people hoping to uncover hidden gems in their collections. Additionally, other valuable dimes like the 1975 no-mint-mark variety are fetching thousands at auctions. This resurgence in interest proves that even modest-looking coins can carry fascinating histories and unexpected wealth.
Check Your Change Today
This real-life tale serves as a powerful reminder that hidden riches might be just a pocket away. A simple 1965 Roosevelt Dime, if it happens to be one of the rare silver error versions, could be worth a small fortune. Experts recommend checking older coin collections, inherited stashes, or even everyday change from cash purchases.
While the odds are slim, the potential payoff makes it worth the effort. You might not find a $24.7 million coin, but there’s always a chance you could stumble upon another rare and valuable piece of American history—so start searching today.
Matthew K. Ayers is a seasoned finance writer with a sharp eye for market trends and economic insights. With a background in financial analysis and a passion for simplifying complex topics, he crafts clear, actionable content to help readers make smarter money decisions. From personal finance to global markets, Matthew delivers trustworthy advice with clarity and precision.
