The 1990 No S Roosevelt Dime: How One Missing Letter Created a $50,000 Coin

In the world of coin collecting, certain errors can transform an ordinary coin into a rare and valuable treasure. One such example is the 1990 No S Roosevelt Dime.

This coin, which lacks the mintmark “S” typically found on dimes produced at the San Francisco Mint, has become a sought-after item among collectors, with some specimens fetching prices up to $50,000.

Overview of the Roosevelt Dime

The Roosevelt Dime was introduced in 1946, designed by John R. Sinnock to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt following his death. 

The coin features a portrait of Roosevelt on the obverse and a torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the reverse, symbolizing liberty, peace, and strength. 

Since its inception, the dime has been minted in various locations across the United States, including Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).

The 1990 No S Error Explained

In 1990, the U.S. Mint produced a limited number of dimes without the “S” mintmark, which was supposed to indicate coins minted in San Francisco. 

This omission was not intentional but resulted from a production error, making these coins exceedingly rare and highly valuable to collectors.

How the Error Occurred

The 1990 No S Roosevelt Dime error occurred due to a mix-up during the minting process. San Francisco typically produces proof coins, which are specially made for collectors and bear the “S” mintmark. 

However, in 1990, some proof dies were inadvertently used to strike regular circulation dimes, resulting in coins that lacked the mintmark entirely. This mistake went unnoticed initially, and the coins were released into circulation, where they were eventually discovered by observant collectors.

Identifying the 1990 No S Dime

To identify a genuine 1990 No S Roosevelt Dime, collectors should look for the following characteristics:

• Obverse Design: The coin should feature the standard Roosevelt portrait without any mintmark.
• Reverse Design: The reverse should display the torch, olive branch, and oak branch, with no mintmark present.
• Weight and Dimensions: The coin should weigh 2.27 grams and have a diameter of 17.91 mm, consistent with other dimes of the same era.
• Surface Details: Examine the coin under magnification to ensure there are no signs of tampering or artificial alteration.

Value and Rarity

The 1990 No S Roosevelt Dime is considered one of the most significant errors in modern U.S. coinage. Due to its rarity—only a few examples are known to exist—this coin commands high prices in the numismatic market. 

In 2019, a specimen graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) as PR70 Deep Cameo sold for over $50,000 at auction. Even coins with lower grades can fetch substantial amounts, making this error coin a prized addition to any collection.

Collecting and Investing

For those interested in collecting or investing in the 1990 No S Roosevelt Dime, consider the following tips:

• Authentication: Ensure the coin is authenticated by reputable grading services like NGC or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
• Condition: Coins in higher grades (such as PR69 or PR70) are more valuable.
• Documentation: Maintain records of the coin’s provenance and any certificates of authenticity.
• Market Trends: Stay informed about the numismatic market, as values can fluctuate based on demand and availability.

The 1990 No S Roosevelt Dime stands as a testament to the intricacies of coin production and the value that collectors place on rarity and historical significance. 

Its unexpected omission of the mintmark transformed an ordinary dime into a highly coveted piece of numismatic history. 

For collectors and investors alike, this coin represents an opportunity to own a rare artifact from the U.S. Mint’s storied past.

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