Imagine feeding a parking meter in the 1960s… and accidentally trapping a mint-error masterpiece for over six decades. In 2023, a city worker in Portland, Oregon, emptied an old meter and found a single 1959-D Roosevelt dime that shouldn’t even exist in that condition. It turned out to be one of the finest known examples of the ultra-rare 1959-D “No Mintmark Error” variety.
The Crazy Backstory: From Mint to Parking Meter Prison
In 1959, the Denver Mint accidentally struck a tiny number of Roosevelt dimes without the “D” mintmark. Most were caught, but a handful slipped into circulation. One of them somehow ended up in a Portland parking meter around 1961–1962 and stayed there, untouched and protected, until the meter was decommissioned in 2023.
Why This 1959 Dime Is Worth a Small Fortune Today
Normal 1959-D dimes are worth 10–25 cents. But this parking-meter survivor graded MS-68 Full Torch by PCGS – practically flawless after 64 years of darkness! Only three coins have ever graded this high, making it rarer than many famous key-date coins.
| Coin Type | Typical Value (Circulated) | Record Auction Price | Known MS-68 Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common 1959-D Roosevelt | $0.10–$0.25 | N/A | Thousands |
| 1959 No Mintmark Error | $500–$2,000 | $18,000 (2024) | ~12 known |
| 1959-D “Parking Meter” MS68 | Priceless (unique story) | $18,125 (Heritage) | 1 |
How the Famous “Parking Meter Dime” Was Finally Freed
The City of Portland auctioned the contents of old meters as scrap silver. A sharp-eyed coin dealer spotted the pristine 1959 dime, bought the entire bucket for $22, and flipped the single coin months later for $18,125 at Heritage Auctions.
Notable Facts & Mind-Blowing Stats
- Only ~50–100 true 1959 “No D” errors are believed to exist
- The parking meter coin is the single highest-graded example ever
- Spent longer in a meter (62 years) than most collectors have been alive
- Protected by darkness and constant metal contact – zero wear!
| Top 5 Most Expensive Roosevelt Dimes Ever Sold |
|---|
| 1968 No-S Proof – $48,300 |
| 1975 No-S Proof – $349,600 |
| 1982 No-P – $11,400 |
| 1996-W – $18,800 |
| 1959-D Parking Meter MS-68 – $18,125 |
Expert Tips: Could YOU Own a Rare 1959 Roosevelt Dime?
- Check every 1959-D dime under 10x magnification for missing “D”
- Look for super-clean fields and full split bands on the torch
- Keep roll hunting – many errors still hide in original bank rolls
- Never clean coins! The parking meter dime stayed perfect because it was never touched.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are all 1959 dimes valuable?
A: No – only the ones missing the “D” or in pristine condition.
Q: How do I know if my 1959 dime is the error?
A: Look right under the date. No tiny “D” = potential jackpot.
Q: Where can I sell a rare 1959 Roosevelt dime?
A: Reputable auction houses like Heritage, GreatCollections, or Stack’s Bowers.
Conclusion
The 1959 Roosevelt dime pulled from that dusty parking meter proves one thing: treasure really can hide in plain sight. Next time you get change, take five seconds to look. Your coffee cup or car ashtray might be holding the next six-figure coin. Happy hunting – and may your rolls be full of sleepers!