A humble 1959 Roosevelt dime pulled from an old parking meter turned out to be a rare coin worth $18,000! Discover the full story, why it’s so valuable, and how you could find treasure in your pocket change.
What Exactly Happened With This 1959 Roosevelt Dime?
Imagine emptying an old parking meter in 2023 and spotting a shiny 1959 Roosevelt dime among the quarters. That’s exactly what happened in Salem, Oregon. The city worker set it aside, and decades later it graded MS-68 Full Torch by PCGS – one of the finest known – and hammered for $18,000 at auction!
The Crazy Backstory: From Mint to Parking Meter
In 1959, the Philadelphia Mint struck over 159 million Roosevelt dimes. Most entered circulation immediately. Somehow this perfect example escaped heavy wear, rode around in pockets, and ended up feeding parking meters for years – yet still looks almost fresh from the press.
Why This 1959 Dime Is Worth a Small Fortune Today
Normal 1959 dimes are worth 10–25 cents. But superb gem examples with Full Torch (FT) details on the reverse are insanely rare in top grades.
| Grade | Approximate Value (2024-2025) |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $0.10 – $2 |
| MS-65 | $15 – $40 |
| MS-67 Full Torch | $300 – $800 |
| MS-68 Full Torch | $8,000 – $18,000+ |
How You Can Start Hunting Rare Roosevelt Dimes Right Now
- Check every dime you get in change – especially 1964 and earlier (90% silver!).
- Look at the torch on the reverse for sharp, split bands = Full Torch.
- Grab a cheap 10× loupe and start roll hunting at your bank.
- Focus on 1959, 1959-D, 1960, and proof years – gems still hide out there.
Jaw-Dropping Facts & Stats About 1959 Dimes
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Mintage (Philly + Denver) | Over 250 million |
| Known MS-68 Full Torch (PCGS + NGC) | Fewer than 10 combined |
| Highest Auction Price (2024) | $18,600 (the parking-meter coin) |
| Silver Content | None – first year copper-nickel clad |
Expert Tips to Spot Valuable Roosevelt Dimes
- Light matters: Tilt the coin – gems explode with cartwheel luster.
- Check the cheek and fields for tiny ticks – even one hurts value.
- Full Torch means every band on the torch is fully split, top to bottom.
- Buy the book before the coin: Get the Cherrypickers’ Guide – it’s a game changer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1959 dimes valuable?
A: No – only superb MS-67+ with Full Torch bring big money.
Q: Was there a 1959 error dime?
A: No famous errors, but die cracks and repunched mintmarks exist.
Q: Where can I sell a nice 1959 dime?
A: Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections, or eBay with good photos.
Final Thoughts – Your Next Rare Coin Could Be in Your Couch!
That $18,000 parking-meter dime proves it: mind-blowing treasures still circulate. Next time you get a handful of change, slow down and really look. One sharp 1959 Roosevelt dime with blazing luster could literally change your year. Happy hunting – and let me know in the comments if you’ve ever found something cool in change!