The 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $500 in circulated condition to over $10,000 for high-grade specimens. This tiny piece of silver-colored copper-nickel is one of the most famous modern rarities, often leaving lucky finders with a massive payday if they know exactly what to look for in their pocket change.

History and Context of the 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime

In 1970, the San Francisco Mint was tasked with producing Proof sets for collectors. These coins are known for their mirror-like finishes and sharp strikes. Traditionally, coins minted in San Francisco bear an “S” mint mark above the date. However, a small batch of dimes was released without this crucial mark, creating the legendary 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime.

If you are sorting through an old collection and feel overwhelmed by the subtle differences in mint marks, using a top coin identifier app can save you hours of manual research. Most people find these coins within plastic-encased Proof sets, but occasionally, a set is broken open, and the dime ends up in a jar of loose change.

The 1970 error wasn’t the first of its kind, as a similar mistake occurred in 1968. However, the 1970 version remains highly coveted because it is estimated that only a few hundred specimens exist. Collectors are constantly scanning their collections with CoinKnow, hoping to find that one coin that the US Mint accidentally let slip through the cracks without its proper identification.

How to Identify a Genuine 1970 No S Proof Dime

Not every 1970 dime without a letter is a rare treasure. In fact, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 345 million dimes in 1970 that naturally carry no mint mark. The key to value lies in the “Proof” finish. A standard Philadelphia dime is meant for circulation and has a dull, matte appearance.

A 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime must be a Proof coin. These coins are struck twice on specially polished blanks, resulting in a surface that looks like a mirror. If you can see a clear reflection of your finger in the background of the coin, you might be holding a Proof. Checking the current 1970 dime value trends will confirm that while a standard dime is worth ten cents, the Proof error is worth thousands.

Look closely at the area just above the date (1970). On a standard Proof dime from that year, there should be a clear “S.” If the area is completely smooth, yet the coin has the deep, reflective shine of a collector’s edition, you should immediately have it authenticated. Using a tool like CoinKnow can help you compare your coin’s luster and strike quality against known genuine examples.

Market Value and Auction Records for the No S Error

The value of this error coin varies significantly based on its “cameo” effect. In the world of coin collecting, a “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” coin has a frosty white portrait of Roosevelt that stands out sharply against the dark, mirror-like background. The more contrast the coin has, the higher the price tag will climb in specialized auctions.

According to reliable 1970 No S Dime price data, most sales for a PF68 (Proof 68) grade fall between $1,500 and $3,000. However, if the coin achieves a PF69 Deep Cameo grade, the price can skyrocket. In recent years, high-end specimens have crossed the auction block for upwards of $15,000, making it one of the most profitable modern dimes to ever exist.

Even if your coin isn’t in perfect condition, the rarity of the “No S” designation ensures it will always carry a premium. Because there are so few of them, demand from “Registry Set” collectors—who want the best possible version of every Roosevelt Dime—keeps the prices stable and high.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Philadelphia Mint)	$0.10 – $0.20
Uncirculated MS65 (Philadelphia)	$2.00 – $5.00
Standard Proof 1970-S	$3.00 – $10.00
1970 No S Proof (Lower Grade)	$500.00 – $1,200.00
1970 No S Proof (PF68)	$2,000.00 – $3,500.00
1970 No S Proof (PF69 Deep Cameo)	$10,000.00+

Why the Philadelphia 1970 Dime is Often Confused

One of the biggest frustrations for new collectors is the “No Mint Mark” confusion. Before 1980, the Philadelphia Mint did not use a “P” mint mark on dimes. Therefore, every single dime made in Philadelphia in 1970 has no mint mark. If you find one in your pocket today, it is almost certainly a common Philadelphia strike worth exactly ten cents.

The difference lies in the manufacturing process. Philadelphia dimes were made for spending; they were tossed into bins and bags, leading to scratches and a dull finish. The rare No S error was a mistake only on the Proof dies at the San Francisco Mint. This means if your 1970 dime looks like a normal coin you’d get from a vending machine, it isn’t the rare error.

To truly understand if you have a winner, you can use CoinKnow to photograph your coin and compare the strike clarity. True Proof coins have very sharp, square edges (rims), whereas business-strike coins from Philadelphia have more rounded edges. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are the final word on these coins, but you should only send yours in if it displays that unmistakable mirror-like surface.

Where to Look for this Rare Dime

The most common place to find a 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime is inside an original 1970 United States Proof Set. These sets come in a blue plastic case and include a penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and half dollar. If you find an old Proof set in a grandparent’s attic, check the dime immediately. Even though thousands of these sets were sold, only a tiny fraction contain the error.

Collectors also find them at estate sales or local coin shops where the owner might have overlooked the missing “S.” It is a “sleeper” rarity that is still being discovered today. Because most people assume a dime without a mint mark is common, they don’t look close enough to see the Proof finish.

Once you have identified a potential candidate, keep it in a protective flip or sleeve. Handling a Proof coin with your bare fingers can leave oils that permanently damage the mirror finish, significantly lowering the value. A quick scan with a dedicated coin app can help you determine if it’s worth the cost of professional grading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If my 1970 dime has no letter, is it definitely worth money?

A: No. Millions of dimes were made in Philadelphia in 1970 without a mint mark. These are regular “business strike” coins worth face value. Only the “Proof” version (with a mirror-like finish) that is missing the “S” is valuable.

Q: How many 1970 No S Dimes are known to exist?

A: Experts estimate that only about 500 to 1,000 specimens were produced before the mint caught the error. This makes it much rarer than almost any other modern dime.

Q: Can I find a 1970 No S Dime in my pocket change?

A: While highly unlikely, it is possible. Sometimes Proof sets are broken open and spent by people who don’t know their value. However, the coin would likely be scratched and “circulated,” which reduces the value, though it would still be worth hundreds of dollars.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1970 No S Dime?

A: High-grade specimens in PF69 Deep Cameo condition have sold at major auctions for over $15,000. Prices fluctuate based on the current market and the specific quality of the coin’s surfaces.