How to Identify the 1968 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
An identification guide to the 1968 No S proof Roosevelt dime, a scarce missing mint mark die variety, explaining its proof characteristics and how to distinguish it from ordinary dimes.
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What It Is
In 1968, a number of proof dime dies intended for San Francisco were punched without the "S" mint mark, creating the 1968 No S proof Roosevelt dime. It is one of the earlier and better-known "No S" proof errors in the Roosevelt dime series, found only in original 1968 proof sets sold to collectors that year.
Obverse Design
The obverse shows Roosevelt's left-facing profile, "LIBERTY" above, "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the left of the portrait, and the date "1968" at the lower right. On this variety, the mint mark space just above the date is blank, where an "S" would normally appear on a standard 1968 proof dime.
Reverse Design
The reverse is unchanged from any other Roosevelt dime: a central torch flanked by olive and oak branches, "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" above, and "ONE DIME" below.
Size, Weight, Metal & Edge
It is a standard clad dime: 17.9mm diameter, 2.268 grams, copper-nickel clad over a copper core, reeded edge.
Confirming Genuine Proof Status
Because ordinary business-strike dimes from Philadelphia and Denver also lack an "S," the missing mint mark is only meaningful when paired with true proof surfaces. Look for deeply mirrored, reflective fields, sharp squared rims, and fully struck lettering and design elements consistent with a proof coin rather than a circulation strike, which would look noticeably duller by comparison.
Telling It Apart from Similar Coins
Compare it against a normal 1968-S proof dime, which does show the S mint mark clearly, and against a 1968 or 1968-D business strike, which is not a proof and lacks mirror fields entirely. Only a coin with a genuine proof finish and no mint mark, ideally verified as coming from a 1968 proof set, qualifies as this particular variety.
Judging Condition
As with other proof coins, condition is judged by the quality of the mirrored fields and the presence of hairlines or contact marks rather than by wear, since these coins were struck for collectors and never intended for circulation.
Authenticity Red Flags
Watch for signs that an "S" mint mark has been removed or polished off a genuine 1968-S proof dime, which typically leaves disturbed metal, a slightly dished surface, or a loss of mirror finish just above the date. Any genuine example should show consistent, undisturbed proof surfaces across the entire coin, not just in the area near the missing mint mark, and the overall strike quality should match other known 1968 proof issues.
Frequently asked questions
How is the 1968 No S proof dime different from a regular business-strike dime?
It must have genuine mirrored proof surfaces and originate from a 1968 proof set, unlike an ordinary business-strike dime which has a duller finish.
Are there more 1968 No S dimes known than the 1975 No S?
More examples of the 1968 issue have been confirmed over the years compared to the extremely rare 1975 issue, though it remains a scarce variety.
Where would the mint mark normally appear?
On the obverse, just above the date, in the same spot used for the S mint mark on other 1968 proof dimes.
What should I check if I suspect I have one?
Confirm the coin has true mirror-like proof surfaces and no signs of a removed mint mark, then have it evaluated by a professional grading service.
Does the reverse design differ on this variety?
No, the reverse is identical to every other Roosevelt dime; only the missing obverse mint mark makes this variety distinct.