Rare Roosevelt Dime Worth $1.5 Million Found In Old Coin Album

A dusty old coin album in a Virginia attic turned one woman’s spring cleaning into a life-changing moment. Jane Carter, a 64-year-old retired teacher, discovered a rare Roosevelt dime worth a whopping $1.5 million. The coin, tucked away in her late father’s collection, has stunned experts and sparked a wave of excitement among coin hunters. This heartwarming story shows how a forgotten keepsake can hold a fortune waiting to be found.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

One afternoon in March, Carter began cleaning her attic in Richmond and came across her father’s vintage coin album. “He loved collecting coins when I was little,” she recalled. “It’s been years since I opened it.” As she flipped through the worn pages, one shiny silver dime grabbed her attention.

Curious, she brought it to a neighborhood coin shop. The owner’s reaction was instant—it turned out to be a 1969-S Roosevelt dime with a rare minting flaw. Carter had no idea she was holding something so valuable in her hands.

What Makes This Dime So Valuable?

The 1969-S Roosevelt dime is incredibly valuable due to a rare minting error. While most dimes from that year carry the “S” mark for San Francisco, a few were mistakenly produced without the polished proof finish, making them extremely rare.

Only a small number have ever been discovered, and Carter’s example was almost flawless. At a major auction held in Philadelphia, it went under the hammer for an astounding $1.5 million. Its rarity and near-perfect quality were what drove collectors to bid aggressively for a piece of coin history.

Coin Details	Description
Type	1969-S Roosevelt Dime
Mint Error	Non-Proof Finish
Total Known	Fewer than 10
Auction Value	$1.5 Million
Condition	Near Mint

From Attic to Auction Stardom

Once the coin shop verified the piece, Carter had it professionally graded to confirm it was authentic. The grading service rated it highly for its crisp details and excellent condition. “It’s unbelievable how such a small coin could be worth this much,” Carter shared.

Wanting to honor her dad’s legacy and ensure financial security, she chose to auction the dime. The bidding war was intense, with collectors nationwide participating. A private collector won the item for $1.5 million. Carter now plans to travel, support her grandchildren’s education, and donate to her community library.

Could More Treasures Be Out There?

Carter’s amazing discovery has inspired many to revisit their old family keepsakes. Coin specialists believe more of these rare dimes could be hidden in dusty albums or storage boxes. To identify a valuable Roosevelt dime, look for the following: a 1969 date with an “S” mint mark, a standard silver finish (not mirror-like), and clear, sharp details on Roosevelt’s face and the torch. Experts strongly advise against cleaning old coins—it can reduce their value. If you suspect a rare coin, always consult a reputable coin dealer for guidance.

A New Chapter for Jane

Carter’s lucky find has turned her into a neighborhood sensation—locals now affectionately call her “Million-Dime Jane.” She still finds the entire situation surreal. “All I wanted was to clean out the attic,” she laughed, enjoying coffee at her kitchen table.

“Now, I’m off to explore Italy!” Her story has kicked off a nationwide coin-hunting trend, as people rummage through attics, garages, and old family boxes. According to numismatist Mark Sullivan, these rare finds are uncommon but very real. Carter hopes her journey motivates others to search for hidden treasures of their own.

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