$1.875M Roosevelt Dime Discovered in Circulation at Local Gas Station

In a story that’s captivating collectors and casual coin hunters alike, a Roosevelt Dime, once considered nothing more than everyday change, has been valued at a jaw-dropping $1.875 million — and it was found at a gas station in rural Kentucky. The coin, unknowingly dropped into a tip jar, may still be in general circulation, sparking a fresh wave of nationwide curiosity and a closer look at our pocket change.

The Gas Station Discovery That Shocked the Coin World

This incredible find began when a sharp-eyed gas station clerk noticed something odd about a dime left in the tip jar. The coin had a brilliant shine and a slightly off-center design — not the kind of thing most people would notice, but enough to catch the clerk’s attention.

During a break, the clerk posted a few photos of the coin to a coin-collecting forum. What followed was an avalanche of responses from amateur and professional numismatists, many of whom believed this could be one of the most elusive modern U.S. coins: the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime.

Why the 1975 No-S Dime Is So Rare — and So Valuable

In 1975, the U.S. Mint prepared proof coins for collectors, struck at the San Francisco Mint. These coins typically carry an “S” mintmark — but a very limited number of dimes were mistakenly struck without it. These “No-S” proofs were never meant to circulate and are among the rarest and most valuable Roosevelt Dimes ever created.

Only two authenticated examples of the 1975 No-S Dime are known, both held by private collectors. The gas station dime, if authenticated, would be the third known specimen, instantly making it a multimillion-dollar piece.

Here’s why this dime is so valuable:

Feature	Importance
Date: 1975	Transition year before the 1976 Bicentennial coins
Missing “S” Mark	Indicates an ultra-rare proof error
Proof Strike Quality	Mirror finish and sharp detail, not typical of circulation
Off-Center Strike	Adds uniqueness and collectability
Uncirculated Status	Suggests accidental release from the Mint

Everyday Coin, Extraordinary Value

What makes this story resonate is the setting: a rural gas station, not an auction house or collector’s vault. The coin wasn’t preserved in plastic or passed down through a collection — it was spent like ordinary change, making its survival and eventual recognition even more remarkable.

“Stories like this are why collectors stay hopeful,” said a numismatics expert with over 30 years of experience. “Rare coins are still out there, hiding in plain sight.”

Could You Have a Rare Dime in Your Pocket?

Given that this coin made its way into general use, the odds — however slim — suggest that others like it might still exist. If you’re curious, here’s what to check for in your change:

What to Check	What It Means
No Mintmark on 1975	Should raise immediate interest
Proof Appearance	Mirror-like fields and frosted designs
Die Errors or Doubling	May indicate a rare strike
Off-Center or Misaligned Strike	Valuable due to minting anomaly
Weight and Luster	Can hint at proof origins or alloy differences

Experts urge caution: don’t clean the coin and avoid jumping to conclusions without a professional opinion. Certified grading organizations like PCGS or NGC are your best bet for confirming authenticity and potential value.

A Coin That Sparked a Movement

The buzz surrounding this dime has reignited public interest in coin collecting. Dealers have reported increased walk-ins, and online marketplaces are flooded with people listing their old dimes — many hoping to find the next big error.

This isn’t the first time a small coin has yielded big money. In fact, rare minting errors across various denominations — from Lincoln pennies to Jefferson nickels — have sold for tens of thousands, even millions, depending on their rarity and story.

But what sets this Roosevelt Dime apart is its surprise origin and accidental journey through the economy, making it a true modern treasure.

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