Imagine nearly spending a dime that’s worth $620,000! That’s what happened to a man in Ohio who almost used a rare Roosevelt Dime at a gas station. This tiny coin, worth just 10 cents in a store, turned out to be a collector’s gem. Roosevelt Dimes, first made in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, are still in pockets today, and some rare ones could make you rich. Here’s why this dime is so valuable and how you can check your change for a fortune.
A Coin with a Big Story
The Roosevelt Dime was created after President Roosevelt’s death in 1945. He led America through tough times, like the Great Depression and World War II, and the dime was a way to remember him. Most of these coins are common, made of nickel and copper since 1965, but some early ones from 1946 to 1964 are 90% silver. The $620,000 dime is a rare 1969-S proof coin with a unique error: a doubled design on the front, called a “doubled die.” This mistake makes it super valuable to collectors.
What Makes It Worth a Fortune
The 1969-S Roosevelt Dime’s value comes from its rarity and the error. Only a few were made with the doubled die, where the words and Roosevelt’s face look slightly blurry or doubled under a magnifying glass. One sold at auction for $620,000 because it was in perfect condition, graded by experts like PCGS. Regular 1969-S dimes are worth a few dollars, but this error makes it a treasure. Its tie to Roosevelt and the San Francisco Mint (marked with an “S”) adds to the hype.
Could It Be in Your Pocket?
Believe it or not, rare dimes like this one might still be in circulation. People often overlook dimes, tossing them in jars or spending them without a second thought. The Ohio man found his in a roll of coins from a bank, nearly spending it on a soda before noticing its odd shine. Coin experts say other rare dimes could be hiding in change from old collections or estates. Stories like this keep collectors excited, checking every dime they find for that million-dollar mistake.
How to Spot a Valuable Dime
Want to find a $620,000 dime? Here’s what to look for in your change:
- Year: Check for 1969 with an “S” mint mark for the rare error coin.
- Doubled Die: Use a magnifying glass to spot blurry or doubled text, especially on “LIBERTY” or the date.
- Material: Early dimes (1946-1964) are silver; later ones are nickel and copper.
- Condition: Coins in great shape, with no scratches or wear, are worth more.
- Weight: Silver dimes weigh about 2.5 grams; newer ones are lighter.
If you find a suspicious dime, don’t clean it! Take it to a coin shop or grading service to check its value.
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Year | 1969-S |
| Weight | About 2.5 grams (silver) |
| Error | Doubled text or image |
| Mint Mark | “S” for San Francisco |
The Joy of Coin Hunting
Finding a dime worth $620,000 is like winning the lottery. Coin collecting is growing, with people digging through change for rare finds. Even if you don’t strike it rich, other Roosevelt Dimes with errors or silver content can be worth hundreds. The Ohio man’s story shows how a simple coin can change your life. Next time you get change, check those dimes closely. You might be holding a piece of history worth a fortune!