It’s hard to imagine that a coin as small and ordinary as the Roosevelt dime could carry a price tag of $12.7 million, yet rumors swirl among numismatics circles about such a coin being “still in circulation.” While this claim might sound too incredible to be true, there are grains of truth behind the myth—and several rare dimes that could, in the right circumstances, command staggering values.
Let’s break down the facts, the legends, and the genuine Roosevelt dimes that could make you a millionaire.
The History of the Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt dime was first minted in 1946, following the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The U.S. Mint introduced it to honor his leadership and connection to the March of Dimes, a campaign to combat polio.
Here are the basics:
- Obverse: Portrait of FDR
- Reverse: Torch, olive branch, and oak branch (symbolizing liberty, peace, and strength)
- Composition:
- 1946–1964: 90% silver
- 1965–present: clad copper-nickel (no silver)
Most Roosevelt dimes are worth only face value—but a few rare versions are worth a fortune.
Where Does the $12.7 Million Figure Come From?
So, what’s behind the claim of a $12.7 million Roosevelt dime?
Much like tales of a $2.5 billion Bicentennial Quarter, this staggering value is not an officially recorded sale. It’s likely the result of:
- A misinterpretation of coin collector hype
- Online misinformation
- Or hypothetical scenarios involving one-of-a-kind mint errors or experimental strikes
That said, several authentic Roosevelt dimes have sold for five and six figures—and certain unique varieties could fetch millions under the right conditions.
Real Roosevelt Dimes Worth Big Money
Let’s look at Roosevelt dimes that have actually sold for significant amounts or are known to be ultra-rare:
1. 1969-S Roosevelt Dime – No S Proof
- A proof coin mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark
- Extremely rare—fewer than 3 known
Value: Over $40,000 to $100,000+
Key Tip: Only found in proof sets, not circulation
2. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime – Proof Error
- One of the most famous and valuable dimes ever
- Missing the “S” mint mark on a proof coin from San Francisco
- Only 2 confirmed examples
Value: $456,000 sold at auction
Why It Matters: Considered the “holy grail” of modern dimes
31951-S Roosevelt Dime – Full Bands in High Grade
- Has full horizontal lines (or “bands”) on the torch on the reverse
- High-grade examples are rare and sought-after
Value: Up to $10,000–$15,000 in MS-68 Full Bands condition
Check Torch Detail: Look for sharply struck, fully separated horizontal bands
4. 1949 Dime – Error Strike on Wrong Planchet
- If struck on a cent, nickel, or foreign coin blank
- Extremely rare and valuable due to minting mistake
Value: Varies – could reach tens of thousands depending on type
Could a $12.7 Million Roosevelt Dime Exist?
In theory—yes, but here’s what it would need to be worth that:
- A unique prototype or pattern coin (e.g., struck in gold, platinum, or with a canceled design)
- A never-before-seen minting error so bizarre it’s one of a kind
- Ties to a historic figure or moment, like being in FDR’s personal collection
- A major collector bidding war between wealthy buyers
These scenarios are extraordinarily rare, but not impossible. The 1933 Double Eagle gold coin, for example, sold for $18.9 million, and it too was once considered nearly worthless scrap.
So while no Roosevelt dime has yet fetched $12.7 million, a unique discovery or mint error could become a multi-million-dollar prize in the right market.
How to Check If You Have a Valuable Dime
Before you toss that change into a Coinstar, look for the following:
- Date & Mint Mark:
- Look below the date on the obverse (front)
- Key years: 1949, 1950, 1964, 1968–1975
- No Mint Mark on Proof Dimes:
- If it’s a mirror-like proof coin from the 1970s without a mint mark, it could be a no-S error
- Silver Dimes (1946–1964):
- Worth at least $1.50–$3 in melt value
- Can be worth more in mint condition or with rare traits
- Full Bands:
- Check the torch on the reverse—sharply struck lines are more valuable
- Odd Weight or Color:
- If it feels too light or heavy, or looks off-colored, it may be a wrong planchet strike
Final Thoughts
The claim of a $12.7 million Roosevelt Dime is likely an exaggerated rumor, but it serves as a reminder: rare coins do exist, and sometimes they slip through the cracks and into circulation.
If you’re lucky enough to find a true error or ultra-rare dime, it may not be worth $12.7 million—but it could still change your financial life.
