A Rare 1965 Roosevelt Dime Worth $24.712 Million? Yes, Really
A rare 1965 Roosevelt Dime has shocked coin collectors and experts after being valued at an incredible $24.712 million. What’s even more surprising? Experts believe more of these special dimes might still be out there—hiding in regular pocket change all across the country.
A Coin Made by Mistake
This dime’s story goes back to a major change in U.S. coin production. In 1965, the U.S. Mint stopped using silver in dimes because silver prices had gone up. From then on, they made dimes using a copper-nickel mix.
But during this change, some silver coin blanks (called planchets) meant for earlier coins were accidentally used in the minting machines. That small mistake created a few 1965 dimes made of 90% silver instead of the usual copper-nickel. These coins are now extremely rare and very valuable to collectors.
What Makes This Dime So Unique?
- It was made with a 90% silver planchet, not the normal copper-nickel.
- It weighs a little more than regular 1965 dimes.
- Some of the letters and numbers on it show tiny signs of doubling.
- It has a unique crack in the die used to strike it—kind of like a fingerprint for experts.
One of these silver dimes was recently verified and graded Mint State 68, making it one of the most valuable dimes ever in U.S. history.
How This $24.712 Million Coin Was Found
This valuable coin didn’t turn up at an auction or in a museum. A retired mail carrier from New Jersey found it—sitting in his coin jar for nearly 30 years.
He noticed that the coin looked shinier and felt heavier than others. Curious, he showed it to a local coin dealer. That started a chain of professional checks and tests that confirmed it was one of the rare silver 1965 dimes. Its value was later set at $24.712 million.
Today, the dime is still in the retired man’s private collection.
Could More of These Dimes Still Exist?
Experts say yes. Because this error wasn’t officially recorded by the Mint, there’s no exact number of how many exist. That means some could still be sitting unnoticed in jars, drawers, or piggy banks.
“It’s not just the silver that makes it valuable,” says coin expert Daniel Hargrove. “It’s the fact that this coin wasn’t supposed to happen at all. It’s a piece of minting history.”
Many believe a few more silver 1965 Roosevelt Dimes could still be out there, waiting to be found.
How to Check for a Rare 1965 Silver Dime
Think you might have one? Here are some easy steps to check:
- Look at the Date
The date should be 1965. That’s the year when the silver mistake happened. - Weigh the Coin
Use a digital scale. A silver dime weighs about 2.50 grams. A regular copper-nickel dime weighs closer to 2.27 grams. - Drop Test
Drop the coin gently on a hard surface. Silver coins give off a high-pitched ring. Clad coins sound duller. - Check the Edge
Regular modern dimes show a copper-colored line around the edge. Silver ones do not.
If your coin matches these traits, don’t guess—take it to a certified coin expert or send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Why This Find Is So Important
This rare dime is more than just a valuable coin—it’s a symbol of how history and chance can come together. It connects U.S. coin history, a simple mistake, and today’s collectors all in one tiny object.
For experienced collectors, it’s an exciting reward for years of searching. For beginners, it’s proof that even pocket change can hold hidden treasures. Who knows? The next multimillion-dollar coin could be hiding in your home right now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is this 1965 Roosevelt Dime worth $24.712 million?
Because it’s an extremely rare mistake coin made during a big change in U.S. coin production. Its silver content, perfect condition, and unusual history make it very valuable.
Q: Are all 1965 dimes valuable?
No. Most are common and made from copper-nickel. Only the rare ones made from leftover silver planchets are worth a lot.
Q: How can I get my dime checked?
Visit a trusted coin dealer or send your coin to a grading company like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).
Q: Are there other valuable coins like this?
Yes. Coins like the 1943 copper Lincoln cent and some early Morgan silver dollars have sold for millions due to their rarity and oddities.
Final Thoughts
The story of this $24.712 million Roosevelt Dime is both exciting and inspiring. It proves that even the most ordinary-looking coins might hold hidden value.
So next time you’re sorting through your change, take a closer look. You just might be holding a piece of American history—worth millions.