The 1972 "No S" Proof Roosevelt Dime: The Mint Mark That Vanished
We've talked about the legendary 1975 "No S" Roosevelt Dime. But collectors know there's another ghost in the proof set closet: the 1972 "No S" Proof Roosevelt Dime.The Backstory:From 1968 onward, the San Francisco Mint ("S" mint mark) has been the exclusive producer of U.S. proof coins for collectors. So every proof Roosevelt Dime from 1968 to today should have a tiny "S" below Roosevelt's neck on the obverse
But in 1972, a handful of proof dimes slipped through without it. The mint mark was simply... missing. These "No S" proofs are exceedingly rare—far rarer than their 1975 counterparts—and highly sought after by modern error collectors.
How to Know If You Have One:
It Must Be a Proof: Look for that mirror-like field and frosted, sharp design. This error only exists in official government-issued proof sets, not circulation strikes .
Check the Date: It must be 1972.
Look Below Roosevelt's Neck: Is there an "S"? If not—and the coin is clearly a proof—you may have a major rarity.
Why It Happened: Proof dies are prepared with extreme care, but human error occurs. A die without the mint mark punch was likely installed by mistake during a production run . The mint caught it quickly, but a few sets escaped.
The Value: While the 1975 "No S" dime is the undisputed king, a 1972 "No S" proof dime in top condition (PR65 or higher) is still a five-figure coin—easily worth $10,000-$20,000+.
Think you've spotted one? Don't rely on memory. Use the coin identifier app to confirm you're looking at a genuine proof, then zoom in on that mint mark area. You might be holding a modern mint ghost.
