The world’s most valuable modern coin, the 1975 No S Proof Dime, will be auctioned by GreatCollections on Sunday, October 27th. It is the first of only two coins discovered and has been owned by one Ohio family since being acquired over 45 years ago.
The rarity has been authenticated by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and graded PCGS Proof-67. It has also been approved by Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC). The 1975 No S Proof Dime is routinely ranked by numismatic professionals and collectors as the #1 modern issue of the United States, including the 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins book by Scott Schechter and Jeff Garrett.
In 1978, the Ohio collector and his mother purchased the coin from well-known Chicago dealer F.J. Vollmer & Co, Inc. for $18,200. The second coin was also sold by Vollmer a year later, but for $38,550.
"Our client purchased this coin in 1978 and correctly predicted the rarity and future interest in No S Proofs. It was the centerpiece of his collection and we are very excited to bring this coin to auction for the very first time," said Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections.
The U.S. Mint produced 2.84 million proof sets in 1975 with the S mint mark, signifying they were minted at the San Francisco Mint. Only two sets have been discovered containing the dime without the S mint mark. The same person discovered both sets in California, and sold them to Vollmer in 1978 and 1979.
The only other known example has appeared twice in auction, once in 2011 when it realized $349,600 and again in 2019, when it realized $456,000. Within days of the 2019 auction, it was purchased for $516,000 by the owner of the only complete collection of Roosevelt Dimes ever formed.
The 1975 No S Dime will be on display at the Great American Coin & Collectibles Show in Tampa (September 11-14). It is also available to view by appointment at the GreatCollections Irvine office. To view more information and high quality images, please visit www.greatcollections.com or telephone 1-800-442-6467.
About GreatCollections
GreatCollections, the official auction house of the American Numismatic Association, specializes in auctioning certified coins and banknotes, handling transactions from start to finish. Since its founding in 2010, GreatCollections has successfully auctioned over 1.5 million certified coins, making it one of the leading certified coin companies in the United States with annual sales in 2023 exceeding $210 million. Ian Russell, owner/president of GreatCollections, is a member of the prestigious Professional Numismatists Guild, member of the National Auctioneers Association and was named the ANA Harry J. Forman Dealer of the Year. For more information about GreatCollections, visit www.greatcollections.com or call 800-442-6467.
September 11th 2001 “Never Forget” . The first time I held this coin it made my eyes tear up. Yet, when I looked at it closer, I began to gain a profound feeling of survival. A feeling that moved me to believe that we as a nation survived 911 and that our liberty was still afoot. Our liberty still pointing to the West in peace and this great nation of free people still intact. We must never forget those lost, never waver in our battle for our freedom, and never allow such things to happen again. Therefore, we must… Read more »
E 1,
Amen!!
Hear, hear, E 1.
I remember I had an interview in NYC in 1988 at an office building in front of the World Trade Center. In the two years I was in the city, I always intended to go to the top of the towers but never got a chance. I passed through the subway stop many times. Even after all these years, it’s still jarring not seeing the towers on the skyline.
REB,
That was an event like no other, so it’s not surprising it’s still a shock to the senses.
E 1,
Profoundly stated, sir!
I have a 9 coin colorized set of 2001 Silver Eagles depicting significant events of the day proudly displayed in my bookcase. NEVER forget!
E1,
Thank You.
Very well said and I appreciate you talking about that day, your feelings, and how positive you came across.
You nailed it–Never Forget….
A boss and mentor of mine at the time Chris Dowdell, he had lost his brother that day. His brother was one of those Firefighters near his retirement. Devastating.
Your coin and you, even from a distance, are tied to Chris, his hero brother, and everyone else involved with the WTC Ground Zero Recovery Coin Program. Kudos.
Great, meaningful coin you have.
Thanks for sharing E1.
Guys,
Thank you for your kind and positive comments.
Never Forget
E 1, Rick, DAVESWFL and AKBob,
I find it very appropriate and fitting that the above two coins have coincidentally been “connected” with each other in this one thread. I say that because what makes the 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime so very striking is the absence of its mint mark. Correspondingly, the 2001 WTC Ground Zero Recovery American Silver Eagle serves as a reminder of the Twin Trade Towers, an admittedly now missing but nevertheless everlasting monument to all the Americans who perished there.
Kaiser,
Great Photo!
Thank You.
E 1,
It is entirely my pleasure and my honor, but of course you are very welcome.
Interesting that the BRICS 159 nations chose 9/11 to announce they are going live with settling international trade without the US dollar, and a settlement platform other than SWIFT……the symbolism speaks volumes……