💡 1972 Dimes: A Year for Hidden Rarity
- A Tale of Three Mints: In 1972, dimes were produced at three locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark, like your coin), Denver (“D” mint mark), and San Francisco (“S” mint mark).
- Business Strikes vs. Proofs: Philadelphia and Denver made regular “business strike” coins for circulation. The San Francisco mint produced special “proof” coins for collectors, which have a stunning, mirror-like finish and sharp details. The error is only found on these special proof coins.
- Error Potential: 💥 A critical mistake at the San Francisco Mint in 1972 created one of the most sought-after errors of the 20th century.
💲 The “$45,000” 1972 ‘No S’ Dime: A Genuine Treasure!
While most 1972 dimes are only worth 10 cents, the grand prize is the 1972 ‘No S’ Proof Roosevelt Dime. This is not a hypothetical coin; it is a real, authenticated, and highly valuable error.
- Key Error Type: 💥 The “No S” Proof All proof coins from 1972 were supposed to be struck at the San Francisco mint and carry an “S” mint mark above the date. However, one of the dies used to make these special collector coins was accidentally made without the “S.” Dimes struck from this die are the legendary “No S” errors.
- It MUST Be a Proof Coin: This error is only found on coins with a mirror-like finish, not on standard circulating dimes like the one pictured in your photo.
- Pristine Condition is Key: The highest values, reaching up to $45,000, are for pristine, professionally graded examples.
🔍 Quick Spotting Guide: Find the Flaws!
Use a strong light and a magnifying glass. The coin in your photo is the perfect starting point for comparison.
Look Here! Your image shows a standard 1972 Philadelphia Dime. The arrows point to (1) The Motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” where doubling can occur, and (2) The area above the date where a mint mark would (or would not) be. This is the most critical area for identifying the ‘No S’ error.
Ready? Grab your 1972 dimes and a loupe!
- FIRST STEP: Is it a Proof Coin? 🤔 This is the most important question.
- Look For: A brilliant, mirror-like background. The portrait of Roosevelt and the lettering will have a frosted, almost powdered look that stands out against the mirror. A regular dime like your photo will be dull or have circulation scratches.
- Check the Mint Mark Area (If it’s a Proof): 🎯
- Area: Look directly above the last two digits of the date “72” (as indicated by the bottom arrow in your image).
- Look For: If your coin is a proof and has NO MINT MARK in this spot, you have found the rare and valuable ‘No S’ error!
- Scan “IN GOD WE TRUST” for Doubling: 🧐
- Area: The motto in front of Roosevelt’s neck (as indicated by the top arrow in your image).
- Look For: On some 1972 dimes (both proof and business strike), you can find minor Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) errors. Look for clear, separated double lines on the letters. These are much less valuable than the ‘No S’ error but can still be worth $20-$100 or more depending on the strength of the doubling and the coin’s condition.
- Use Your Magnifier: 🔬 A good loupe (10x-20x) is essential. The difference between a proof finish and a regular coin, or between real doubling and damage, is only clear under magnification.
📈 Maximize Value: Get it Graded & Sell
- Professional Grading (PCGS, NGC, ANACS): 🛡️ If you believe you have a ‘No S’ proof or a significant DDO, getting it graded is absolutely essential. The top-tier services, PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), are industry leaders and command the highest respect and value in the market. ANACS remains a reputable option as well. Experts will certify the coin’s authenticity and condition, unlocking its true market value.
- NEVER CLEAN! 🚫 Cleaning a coin will permanently ruin its surface and destroy its value. This is the number one rule of coin collecting.
- Where to Sell: 🌐 A certified ‘No S’ dime should be sold through a major national auction house like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers Galleries, which continue to dominate the market for high-end US coins. Minor errors can be sold to reputable coin dealers or on trusted online platforms.
🚨 Critical Tips for Success
- No Cleaning! It bears repeating. Don’t do it!
- Magnify Everything! The clues are small but significant.
- Know Proof vs. Business Strike! This is the key to the 1972 dime hunt.
- Patience & Research! Finding a great error coin is a thrilling hunt.
📊 Market Snapshot (As of June 2025)
- Modern Error Appeal: 📈 The market for major 20th-century errors like the ‘No S’ dime remains robust. These “blue-chip” errors are highly sought after by serious collectors and are seen as a stable store of value within the numismatic world.
- Certification: 💯 In today’s market, a high-value error coin is essentially un-sellable at its full potential without certification from a top-tier grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Online Market: 💻 The online market for certified coins is active 24/7, with auction platforms and dealer websites providing global liquidity and real-time price discovery for collectors.
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- Resources: 📚 Use our online guides to learn more about coin errors and grading.
Found a 1972 Dime you think might be a winner? Get a free preliminary evaluation from our community – submit your photos today! 📸
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