Roosevelt dime: A dusty attic in Virginia just turned one retired teacher’s spring cleaning into a million-dollar surprise. Meet Jane Carter, 64, who thought she was simply tidying up when she stumbled upon her late father’s coin album. Little did she know, tucked between those faded plastic sleeves was a Roosevelt dime so rare, it would fetch $1.5 million at auction—and change her life forever.
A Treasure Hiding in Plain Sight
It all started last March in Richmond. Jane was going through old boxes when she came across something she hadn’t seen in decades: her father’s coin collection. “He was always passionate about coins,” she recalled with a smile. “We’d go to flea markets when I was a kid, and he’d be on the hunt for something special.” She began flipping through the album when a particular dime caught her eye—a shiny 1969 piece that didn’t quite look like the rest.
Curious, she brought it to a nearby coin shop. The moment the owner saw it, he practically jumped out of his chair. It was a 1969-S Roosevelt dime with a rare mint error—a collector’s dream.
What Makes This Dime So Special?
Most dimes minted in San Francisco in 1969 bear an “S” mint mark and were struck with a high-gloss “proof” finish for collectors. But somehow, a few slipped through without that finish. These rare dimes look like standard coins used in everyday transactions, but they’re anything but ordinary. Fewer than 10 of these error coins are believed to exist today.
And Jane’s dime? It wasn’t just rare—it was nearly flawless.
Here’s what makes her find so valuable:
| Coin Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | 1969-S Roosevelt Dime |
| Mint Error | Missing Proof Finish |
| Total Known | Fewer than 10 |
| Auction Value | $1.5 Million |
| Condition | Near Mint |
From Forgotten Keepsake to Auction Star
After the coin shop confirmed her suspicions, Jane sent the dime to a top-tier grading service. Experts verified its authenticity and praised its remarkable condition. She decided to put it up for auction—not just for the money, but as a tribute to her father’s lifelong hobby.
The auction was held in Philadelphia, and the bidding quickly turned fierce. In the end, a private collector scooped up the dime for a jaw-dropping $1.5 million.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” Jane said, still in awe. “Something that small, sitting in my attic all these years, changed everything.”
What’s Next for Jane?
With her new windfall, Jane has big—but grounded—plans. She’s helping her grandchildren pay for college, donating to her neighborhood library, and yes, booking that dream trip to Italy. Around town, folks have even started calling her “Million-Dime Jane.”
Could There Be More Million-Dollar Dimes?
Jane’s story has sparked a mini gold rush among coin enthusiasts and curious homeowners. Experts say rare coins like hers may still be out there—in old dresser drawers, shoeboxes, or grandpa’s forgotten collection.
Want to check your own change? Keep an eye out for:
- A 1969 dime with an “S” mint mark
- A standard, dull silver finish (not mirror-like)
- Sharp details on Roosevelt’s profile and the torch on the reverse
And remember: Never clean an old coin! It could wipe away thousands in value. If you find something that looks unusual, have it evaluated by a trusted coin dealer.
A Lucky Find, A Lasting Memory
What started as a simple spring cleaning chore turned into a life-changing discovery. “My dad would’ve loved this,” Jane said, sipping coffee in her kitchen. “He always said, ‘You never know what might be valuable someday.’ Turns out, he was right.”
So next time you’re clearing out old boxes or flipping through a forgotten coin album, take a closer look. You might just find a fortune hidden in plain sight—just like Jane did.
