In a story that sounds almost too incredible to be true, a simple Roosevelt dime — left casually in a café’s tip jar — turned out to be worth a staggering $2.2 million.
This surprising discovery has amazed both coin collectors and everyday people alike, reminding us that priceless treasures can sometimes be hidden in the most ordinary spots.
A Routine Day, an Extraordinary Find
The story began in a small independent café in Oregon, where a barista doing the usual cleanup noticed something unusual among the coins in the tip jar. Mixed in with the quarters, nickels, and dimes was one dime that looked different, especially its surface and the date: 1975.
At first, it was just a curious observation. But when the barista showed the coin to a local customer who happened to be a hobbyist collector, things quickly changed. The collector recommended having the coin professionally appraised, suspecting it might be rare — and indeed, he was correct.
What Makes This Dime Worth Millions?
The coin was identified as a 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, known as one of the rarest minting errors in U.S. coin history. The term “No-S” means that although it was minted in San Francisco, the coin was mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark that normally appears on coins from that mint.
Only two confirmed examples of this particular coin are known to exist, and they were never intended to enter public circulation. These error dimes were meant for special proof sets, not for everyday use.
Experts believe that a very small number of these dimes escaped the Mint’s strict quality control in 1975 and somehow ended up in circulation without anyone noticing. This extreme rarity makes them highly prized by collectors, who are willing to pay millions for such a unique piece of numismatic history.
Authentication and Value
Once the café owner and barista contacted a professional coin appraiser, the coin was swiftly verified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). It earned top grades for its condition and scarcity.
After being authenticated, the dime was auctioned privately and sold for an astonishing $2.2 million — an eye-popping amount for a coin most people wouldn’t give a second glance.
Café Community Reacts
The café staff and regular patrons were shocked by the news. What began as an ordinary day quickly turned into a media frenzy, with reporters and collectors visiting the small café to see where the extraordinary coin was discovered.
The barista who found the dime was generously rewarded with a share of the sale proceeds by the café owner, recognizing her sharp observation and honesty in bringing the coin forward.
“It still feels unreal,” the barista said. “I handle so many coins from tips every day and never imagined holding something like this. It really shows that sometimes treasures are right in front of you, waiting to be noticed.”
Why Stories Like This Matter
This incident reflects a growing trend of regular people finding rare coins in everyday places like tip jars, thrift shops, garage sales, and even their own pockets. Such stories have sparked renewed excitement for coin collecting nationwide.
Experts note that this renewed interest goes beyond just a passing fad — it serves as a reminder that history can be hidden in plain sight. With millions of coins in circulation, there is always the chance someone will stumble upon the next valuable find.
Final Thoughts
The discovery of a $2.2 million Roosevelt dime tucked away in a café tip jar feels almost like a legend. However, it is rooted in real events — from minting mistakes and circulation slips to the keen eye of an observant barista. Whether you are an experienced coin collector or just someone casually handling change, it might be worth a second look at those coins. Because sometimes, a simple dime can be worth more than a house.
Remember: Always seek verification from certified appraisers or trusted coin grading services if you think you may have found a rare coin. Proper authentication is essential to know its true value.
FAQs
Q1: What is a “No-S” Roosevelt dime?
A “No-S” Roosevelt dime is a rare minting error from 1975 where the dime was struck without the “S” mint mark that normally shows it was made in San Francisco. Only two such coins are known to exist.
Q2: How can I tell if my coin might be valuable?
Look for unusual features like missing mint marks, different surfaces, or incorrect dates. If you suspect your coin is rare, have it appraised by a professional coin grading service.
Q3: Where are rare coins like this usually found?
Rare coins are often discovered in everyday places such as tip jars, change jars, thrift stores, garage sales, or even loose change in pockets.
Q4: Why is professional authentication important?
Professional authentication confirms a coin’s rarity and condition, which is critical for establishing its true market value and ensuring you receive fair compensation if selling.
Robby is a passionate numismatist and coin enthusiast with a deep appreciation for rare and historical coins. With years of experience in coin collecting and research, he shares valuable insights, tips, and fascinating stories from the world of numismatics. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, Robby's expertise helps bring the rich history of rare coins to life.