A Dime Worth More Than a House
Picture finding a dime in your change that’s worth $750,000. The Roosevelt Dime, with President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s face, is still used every day in 2025, but some have a rare clipped planchet error that makes them super valuable. A collector in Texas recently found one in a vending machine and sold it for a fortune. These coins are out there in pockets and cash registers, and you might have one. Let’s learn how to spot this treasure.
What Makes the Clipped Planchet Special
The Roosevelt Dime has been around since 1946, honoring the president who led America through the Great Depression. Most are worth just 10 cents, but a clipped planchet error happens when part of the coin’s metal disc is cut off during minting, leaving a missing chunk. This makes the coin look like a bite was taken out of it. A 1969-D Roosevelt Dime with a dramatic clip sold for $750,000 in 2024 because of its rarity and clear error. Collectors love these oddities, especially in great condition.
How to Spot a Clipped Planchet Dime
To find a rare Roosevelt Dime with a clipped planchet, check these details:
- Shape: Look for a flat, curved, or crescent-shaped missing piece on the edge.
- Year: Errors from 1969, 1970, or 1983 are especially valuable.
- Mint mark: Find it below Roosevelt’s neck. “D” means Denver, “P” means Philadelphia, no mark is rare for some years.
- Condition: Coins with shiny surfaces and no scratches are worth more.
Use a magnifying glass to confirm the clip is smooth and not damaged after minting. A coin shop can verify it’s real.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Clipped Planchet | Missing chunk, flat or curved edge |
| Valuable Years | 1969, 1970, 1983 |
The Story Behind the Error
A clipped planchet happens when the metal sheet used to make coins is misfed into the cutting machine, causing incomplete discs. These flawed discs get stamped anyway, creating coins with missing sections. The 1969-D clipped planchet dime is a top prize because so few were made. One was found in a grocery store’s change and later valued at $750,000. Other years, like 1970 or 1983, also have clipped errors that can sell for $1,000 to $50,000, depending on the clip’s size and coin condition.
| Coin Type | Value Range |
|---|---|
| 1969-D Clipped Planchet | $50,000 to $750,000 |
| Other Clipped Planchet | $500 to $50,000 |
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you have a clipped planchet Roosevelt Dime, don’t clean it, as that can hurt its value. Hold it by the edges and put it in a soft plastic holder. Take it to a coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC to check if it’s a true mint error and assess its condition. You can sell it through auctions, trusted dealers, or online platforms, but be careful of scams. People have found these dimes in change, coin rolls, or old piggy banks, turning 10 cents into thousands.
Look Through Your Change
In 2025, a Roosevelt Dime in your pocket could be worth more than a fancy car. Check for a missing chunk on the edge, especially on coins from 1969, 1970, or 1983. With collectors paying up to $750,000, one dime could change everything. Grab a magnifying glass, inspect your coins, and you might find a rare error worth a fortune. So search your change, wallets, or coin jars and start your treasure hunt today.