In a surprising twist that has caught the attention of numismatists and casual collectors alike, a forgotten Roosevelt dime from the 1960s has been identified as a rare minting error — now valued at an astonishing $500,000.
What started as an ordinary clean-up effort in an old family attic led to the discovery of one of the rarest known Roosevelt dimes still in existence.
A Routine Task Turns into a Remarkable Find
The discovery took place in Ohio, where a homeowner sorting through inherited belongings stumbled across a small jar of coins tucked away in a shoebox. Among the collection of nickels, pennies, and quarters sat a single dime dated 1965 — a year that at first glance seemed unremarkable. But upon closer inspection, the dime lacked one crucial feature: a copper edge.
That single detail made all the difference.
The 1965 Silver Dime Mystery
In 1965, the U.S. Mint transitioned away from 90% silver coins to a copper-nickel clad composition due to rising silver prices. However, a few 1964 silver dime planchets mistakenly remained in the mint’s production line and were struck with 1965 dies. These transitional errors are among the most sought-after by collectors, as only a few have ever been authenticated.
The dime discovered in Ohio appears to be one of these ultra-rare transitional errors — a 90% silver Roosevelt dime bearing a 1965 date. Professional coin grading services have confirmed its authenticity, verifying that it was indeed struck on a leftover silver planchet from the previous year.
Why It’s Worth Half a Million
While the face value of the coin is just 10 cents, the combination of its transitional error, mint condition, and historical significance has catapulted its market value to approximately $500,000. Experts note that only a small handful of similar dimes have surfaced in the past, with most residing in private collections or museums.
“It’s like finding a ghost in your pocket change,” said Mark Benson, a coin appraiser with over two decades of experience. “Coins like this are born from a one-in-a-million minting oversight — and they’re nearly impossible to spot unless you know what you’re looking for.”
Condition Matters More Than Ever
The coin’s pristine condition played a significant role in its valuation. While minting errors are rare, their worth skyrockets when the coin has minimal wear and tear. This particular dime, having been stored safely in a jar for decades, managed to retain much of its original luster.
Graded as MS-67 (Mint State) by a certified grading authority, the coin falls well within the investment-grade category, making it a prime target for collectors at high-end auctions.
Coin Collecting: A Growing Interest in the U.S.
This story adds to the growing trend of coin discoveries that are making headlines across the country. Whether found in a couch cushion, a thrift store, or, in this case, a forgotten jar, U.S. coins are proving to be more than just spare change. Many Americans are taking a second look at their pocket change and coin jars, hoping to find a rare gem of their own.
Final Thoughts
What was once an overlooked dime collecting dust for over 50 years has now become a six-figure treasure. This remarkable find is a powerful reminder of how history can sometimes hide in plain sight. And for many coin enthusiasts, it reignites the thrill of the hunt — a hunt that could very well be hiding in a coffee can, drawer, or coin jar across the country.
So before tossing out that old change, it might be worth giving it a second look. You never know — one of those coins could be worth a small fortune.
