The 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from a few cents for common circulation pieces to over $40,000 for the incredibly rare “No S” proof error. Most dimes from this year found in your pocket change are only worth their face value, but knowing how to spot the rare variety can turn a simple coin into a small fortune.
Understanding the Basics of 1968 Roosevelt Dimes
In 1968, the United States Mint underwent a significant change in how it marked its coins. After a three-year hiatus where mint marks were removed to discourage hoarding, the “S” for San Francisco and “D” for Denver returned. Most dimes you find today from 1968 will either have no mint mark (meaning they were made in Philadelphia) or a small “D” above the date. These are very common and were minted by the hundreds of millions.
However, a mistake occurred at the San Francisco Mint. San Francisco was responsible for producing “Proof” coins—specially polished coins intended for collectors, not for circulation. While all proof coins should have featured an “S” mint mark starting in 1968, a tiny handful of proof dies were shipped without the “S.” If you want to identify your finds quickly, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a rare proof. Using a tool like CoinHix makes this process even easier for beginners.
How to Identify the Rare No S Proof Variant
The key to the massive value of some 1968 dimes lies in the “Proof” finish. A standard 1968 dime from Philadelphia also has no mint mark, but it looks like regular pocket change. A Proof coin, however, features a mirror-like background and sharp, frosted details. If you find a dime that looks exceptionally shiny, like a mirror, and it lacks a mint mark, you might have found the rare 1968 No S Proof.
Experts estimate that only about 12 to 20 of these coins are known to exist today. Because they were accidentally included in proof sets, many might still be sitting in attics or basements across America. When checking the 1968 dime value in uncirculated and proof grades, it is clear that the lack of an “S” on a high-shined coin is the “holy grail” for Roosevelt dime collectors.
Values for Common 1968 Dimes
Most 1968 dimes you find in your spare change are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. Since they contain no silver, their value is generally the face value of ten cents unless they are in pristine, uncirculated condition. Even then, a typical uncirculated 1968 dime from Philadelphia or Denver usually sells for only a few dollars.
Collectors look for “Full Band” (FB) designations on these dimes, which refers to the details on the torch on the reverse side. If the horizontal bands are fully separated and clear, the price increases significantly. You can track current market trends and 1968 Roosevelt dime worth information to see how much collectors are paying for high-grade specimens. The CoinHix app is an excellent resource for real-time price updates on these common variations.
| Condition / Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1968 (Philadelphia) Circulated | $0.10 |
| 1968-D (Denver) Uncirculated | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| 1968-S Proof (Standard) | $2.00 – $10.00 |
| 1968 No S Proof (Ultra Rare) | $15,000 – $45,000+ |
What Makes the No S Error So Famous
The 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime holds a special place in numismatic history because it was the first time the U.S. Mint omitted a mint mark on a proof coin. This error was repeated later with the 1970, 1975, and 1983 dimes, but the 1968 version remains one of the most prestigious. It is often the missing piece in a complete Roosevelt Dime collection.
Because the Philadelphia Mint (which used no mint mark) was the primary production facility for circulating coins, the error went unnoticed for a short time. By the time the Mint realized that some proof dies were missing the “S” mark, several thousand proof sets had already been shipped to customers. Despite thousands being shipped, only a literal handful have been authenticated, leading to intense bidding wars at major auction houses.
Tips for Hunting Rare Dimes in Pocket Change
While the chances of finding a No S Proof in a jar of coins are slim, it is not impossible. Sometimes, specialized proof sets are broken open, and the coins are spent as regular money. When searching through dimes, always look for an unusually sharp strike and a reflective surface. If the coin looks “too good” to be regular change, it deserves a second look.
To stay organized during your search, you can use CoinHix to catalog your finds and compare them against known error photos. Always handle potentially valuable coins by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints on the delicate surfaces, as oils from your skin can degrade the metal over time and lower the final appraisal value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if my 1968 dime is a No S Proof or just a regular Philadelphia dime?
A: A regular Philadelphia dime is a “business strike” with a duller finish and was made for circulation. A No S Proof is extremely shiny, with a mirror-like field and very sharp details. Proof coins also have a squared-off rim compared to the rounded rim of a standard dime.
Q: Does a 1968 dime have any silver in it?
A: No. The U.S. Mint stopped using 90% silver for Roosevelt dimes in 1964. All 1968 dimes are made of a “clad” composition consisting of a pure copper core and an outer layer of copper-nickel.
Q: Where is the mint mark located on a 1968 dime?
A: The mint mark is located just above the date on the obverse (front) side of the coin. It will be a small “D” for Denver, an “S” for San Francisco, or blank if it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1968 No S Dime?
A: High-grade examples of the 1968 No S Proof dime have sold at auction for over $48,000. The price depends heavily on the coin’s condition and the presence of “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” contrast between the design and the background.
