This $2.2 Million Roosevelt Dime: It’s the kind of story that feels almost too wild to be true — a dime left casually in a café’s tip jar turned out to be worth an astonishing $2.2 million. What looked like just another piece of loose change became a headline-making discovery, stunning not only the café staff but also coin collectors across the country. This rare find is a reminder that valuable treasures sometimes appear in the most unexpected places.
The coin in question? A rare Roosevelt Dime, specifically a 1975 “No-S” version — one of the rarest minting errors in American history. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes this dime so valuable, how it ended up in a tip jar, and what this means for collectors and casual observers alike. You’ll also learn how to spot rare coins and understand the significance of these minting errors that can turn spare change into small fortunes.
Roosevelt Dime: Why This Coin Is Worth $2.2 Million
The Roosevelt Dime found in the Oregon café tip jar is not just any coin — it’s a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, one of only two confirmed examples known to exist. The “No-S” refers to the missing mint mark that should have identified it as being struck in San Francisco. These dimes were intended for proof sets and not meant for general circulation, which makes their appearance in public usage extraordinarily rare.
This kind of minting error happens when a coin is accidentally struck without its mint mark due to a production oversight. In the case of the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, a few pieces slipped past the quality control process and made it into public hands. Today, these coins are highly coveted, and their rarity drives up the value to millions. The café’s discovery has sparked interest among collectors and inspired many to revisit their spare change, hoping to find a similar hidden gem.
Roosevelt Dime Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
| Coin Type | Roosevelt Dime |
| Year | 1975 |
| Error | No-S (Missing San Francisco mint mark) |
| Value | $2.2 million |
| Total Known Examples | 2 confirmed |
| Coin Use | Meant for proof sets only |
| Where Found | Café tip jar in Oregon |
| Authentication Service | PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) |
| Auction Type | Private auction |
| Buyer Interest | High due to rarity and error classification |
A Routine Day, an Extraordinary Find
The extraordinary story began at a small café in Oregon. During end-of-day cleanup, a barista noticed something strange about a dime in the tip jar. The coin’s surface and shine looked different, and the 1975 date stood out. Instead of brushing it off, the barista showed the coin to a regular customer who was a casual coin collector. The customer recognized the possibility that it could be a rare mint error and suggested having it appraised.
This simple moment of curiosity quickly turned into a major discovery. The coin was taken to a professional numismatics expert for evaluation. That one glance from a hobbyist collector changed everything — from an ordinary café tip to a million-dollar marvel.
What Makes This Dime Worth Millions?
What sets this Roosevelt Dime apart is its No-S error — a minting mistake that left out the mint mark. Normally, dimes struck at the San Francisco Mint bear an “S” to indicate their origin. The 1975 No-S dimes were part of a small batch intended exclusively for proof sets. Somehow, a few of these dimes bypassed the mint’s control systems and entered public circulation.
Since only two of these coins have ever been verified, they are considered extremely rare. Collectors place a premium on such rare errors, especially when they are tied to a specific historical moment or minting process. The scarcity, combined with the mystery of how these coins escaped the mint, gives them immense collector appeal.
Authentication and Value
After the coin was shown to a local expert, it was quickly sent for authentication. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) handled the process and gave the dime top marks for condition and authenticity. Its flawless preservation added to its already impressive value.
Following certification, the coin was offered in a private auction, where bidding skyrocketed. Eventually, it sold for $2.2 million, placing it among the most valuable dimes ever sold. This case shows that proper appraisal and authentication are essential when dealing with potential rare coins.
Café Community Reacts
The news of the dime’s true value spread quickly, turning the quiet café into a media hotspot. Reporters, curious customers, and collectors flocked to see where the rare coin was found. The café owner, appreciating the honesty and sharp eye of the barista, generously shared part of the auction earnings with them.
“It’s absolutely surreal,” the barista shared in a local interview. “You never think that something so small could be worth so much. I’ll never look at spare change the same way again.”
Why Stories Like This Matter
Stories like the discovery of this Roosevelt Dime do more than grab headlines — they inspire everyday people to pay closer attention to the coins in their wallets and jars. In recent years, more people have stumbled upon rare coins in places like thrift shops, flea markets, and old family collections.
Coin experts say that while these discoveries are rare, they’re not impossible. Millions of coins are in circulation, and a few rare ones are bound to slip through the cracks. Such stories not only revive public interest in coin collecting but also remind us of the fascinating history and value hidden in seemingly ordinary objects.
Final Thoughts
The discovery of the $2.2 million Roosevelt Dime is a modern-day treasure tale. Found in a place as simple as a café tip jar, this tiny coin has transformed lives and reignited passion in coin collecting across the nation. It proves that sometimes, incredible things are hidden in plain sight — all it takes is a little curiosity and a sharp eye.
Whether you’re an experienced collector or just someone checking change at the store, it’s always worth taking a second look. Because that next dime in your hand? It could be worth far more than ten cents.
