A rare 1975 U.S. dime has sold for an astonishing $506,250 at an online auction, making headlines for its unique characteristics. The coin, which features President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is one of only two known to exist without the mintmark from the San Francisco Mint.
The auction, conducted by GreatCollections, revealed that the coin's whereabouts had been a mystery since the late 1970s. The previous known example was sold in 2019 for $456,000, highlighting the increasing value of such rare numismatic items.
The dime was inherited by three sisters from their late brother, who had kept it in a bank safe for decades. The sisters, who wished to remain anonymous, reside in Ohio. They purchased the coin for just $18,200 back in 1978 when their family was operating a dairy farm.
One sister shared that their brother often talked about the rare coin, although she had never seen it until last year. This sale not only underscores the allure of rare coins but also raises questions about the future of currency, as discussions about phasing out coins continue.