A Tiny Coin With a Big Price
Imagine pulling a dime from your pocket that’s worth enough to buy a house. That’s the case with a rare Roosevelt dime featuring a clipped planchet error, valued at up to $450,000. This dime, first minted in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is a small silver coin still found in circulation. A clipped planchet error happens when part of the coin’s metal blank is cut off during production, leaving a crescent-shaped chunk missing. One of these rare dimes sold for $450,000 at a 2025 auction, sparking excitement among collectors who believe more are still out there waiting to be found.
Why This Error Makes It Valuable
A clipped planchet error occurs when the machine that punches out round coin blanks misaligns, slicing off part of the metal. The result is a dime with a noticeable missing piece, often curved like a crescent moon. These errors are rare because the U.S. Mint has strict quality checks, but some flawed coins slip through. The Roosevelt dime, with its portrait of FDR on the front and a torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the back, is already a collector’s favorite. When a clipped error is found, especially in great condition, its value skyrockets. Collectors love the story of a minting mistake that makes an everyday dime a treasure.
How to Spot the Clipped Planchet Error
You might have one of these valuable dimes without knowing it. Here’s what to look for to identify a Roosevelt dime with a clipped planchet error:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Shape | A crescent-shaped chunk missing from the edge, making the coin look incomplete. |
| Year | Any year from 1946 to 1964 (silver dimes) is more valuable; check the date on the front. |
| Mint Mark | Look for “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) near the date; no mark means Philadelphia. |
| Material | Silver for pre-1965 dimes; later ones are copper-nickel but still valuable with errors. |
Use a magnifying glass to check the edge for a clean, curved cut. Weigh the coin if you can; a silver dime should be about 2.5 grams, but a clipped one will weigh less.
Tips for Checking Your Coins
Start by sorting through any dimes in your change, piggy bank, or coin rolls from the bank. Focus on Roosevelt dimes, especially those from 1946 to 1964, when they were made of 90% silver. Look for a missing piece along the edge that looks like a smooth, curved cut, not damage from wear. Don’t clean or polish the coin, as this can lower its value. If you think you’ve found a clipped error, take it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. They’ll verify the error and grade the coin’s condition, which can make it worth thousands.
Why Collectors Are Hunting for It
Clipped planchet errors are a big deal in the coin world because they’re rare and show the human side of minting. The $450,000 sale in 2025 was for a 1964-D Roosevelt dime in near-perfect condition, but even worn examples can sell for $5,000 or more. Auction records show similar clipped dimes fetching $10,000 to $50,000 in recent years. With fewer people using cash, these coins are harder to find, making each discovery a thrill. Collectors also love the history tied to Roosevelt, who led the U.S. through tough times.
Start Your Coin Hunt
Next time you get a dime in change, take a closer look. A Roosevelt dime with a clipped planchet error could be worth $450,000. Check your coin jars, wallet, or loose change for dimes with a missing piece. If you’re unsure, join a local coin club or ask an expert at a coin shop. Getting a coin graded might cost a little, but it’s worth it for a rare find. This tiny dime proves that big fortunes can hide in small places, so keep searching!
| Auction Year | Sale Price |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $50,000 |
| 2025 | $450,000 |