A small coin worth a fortune was recently found in an unlikely place: a child’s piggy bank. The 1969-S Roosevelt Dime, a rare error coin valued at $400,000, has stunned collectors and sparked a wave of excitement. Discovered by a family in Ohio, this dime is one of only a few known to exist with a special minting flaw. The find has people across the country checking their spare change, hoping to uncover a similar treasure. Stories like this remind everyone that valuable coins might be hiding in plain sight.
The Lucky Find
The discovery happened when a 10-year-old girl named Lily decided to empty her piggy bank to buy a new toy. Her father, a casual coin collector, noticed something odd about one of the dimes. It was a 1969-S Roosevelt Dime, but it lacked the typical proof finish, a rare minting error. He took it to a local coin shop, where experts confirmed its value. The family was shocked to learn their dime was worth $400,000. This kind of find is rare but not impossible, as mint errors create coins that stand out.
What Makes It So Special
The 1969-S Roosevelt Dime is valuable because of a mistake made at the San Francisco Mint. Normally, proof coins have a shiny, polished look, but a few dimes from that year were struck without this finish. This error makes them incredibly rare. Collectors prize these coins for their uniqueness and historical value. The dime features President Franklin D. Roosevelt on one side and a torch with olive and oak branches on the other. The table below shows the rising value of this coin over time.
| Year of Auction | Sale Price (in thousands) |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 150 |
| 2020 | 400 |
How to Spot a Rare Dime
Finding a coin like this requires knowing what to look for. The 1969-S Roosevelt Dime has specific traits that set it apart. Check the date and mint mark, which is a small “S” on the front. The error version lacks the shiny proof finish, giving it a duller look compared to other proof coins. Even a worn coin can be valuable if it matches these details. The table below lists the key features to identify this rare dime.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1969 |
| Mint Mark | S (San Francisco) |
| Finish | Non-proof, dull appearance |
Other Surprising Coin Discoveries
This isn’t the first time a valuable coin has turned up unexpectedly. In 2017, a rare penny was found in a gas station change tray, and in 2022, a quarter worth $50,000 was spotted in a laundromat. These stories inspire people to check their coins carefully. Coin experts say piggy banks, old jars, or even cash registers might hold hidden gems. The 1969-S Roosevelt Dime discovery has renewed interest in coin collecting, with more people examining their change.
What to Do with a Rare Find
If you think you’ve found a valuable coin, handle it carefully. Don’t clean it, as this can lower its worth. Take it to a trusted coin dealer or appraiser to verify its authenticity. They can tell you if it’s a rare error coin and explain your options, like selling at an auction or to a private collector. The Ohio family’s find shows that a simple dime can change your life. With a value of $400,000, this coin has turned a child’s savings into a major discovery.