A surprising discovery near a public bus stop in Baltimore has set off a wave of excitement among coin collectors nationwide. What started as a normal day for a college student turned into a headline-making find that has collectors across the country eagerly examining their own spare change.
A Chance Find with Huge Potential Value
This discovery took place earlier this month when 21-year-old Kyle M., a community college student, noticed a dime partially buried in gravel while waiting for the No. 22 bus. “I picked it up because it looked older than usual,” Kyle shared. “I didn’t think much of it until I got home and took a closer look.”
That dime was identified as a 1975 Roosevelt Dime—but with an extraordinary twist. It was missing the mint mark, an uncommon error often linked to a limited batch of coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint during test runs or due to misprints. After Kyle posted a clear photo of the dime on a popular coin collector forum, experts quickly recognized its potential as a rare and valuable find, possibly worth six figures.
Why This Roosevelt Dime Is So Important
The Roosevelt Dime has been a staple of U.S. currency since 1946, honoring President Franklin D. Roosevelt. While most Roosevelt Dimes are common in circulation, certain versions—especially those with minting errors—can be exceptionally rare and valuable.
The 1975 “No S” error dimes, which lack the San Francisco mint mark, are among the rarest known. Before this discovery, only two such coins had been publicly verified. Although Kyle’s dime is still awaiting official authentication, initial photos suggest it could be another remarkable example of this rare minting error.
If confirmed, this dime could sell for anywhere between $350,000 and $500,000 at auction, ranking it among the most valuable Roosevelt Dimes ever found outside of private collections.
Collector Community Responds with Enthusiasm
News of the find quickly spread on social media, Reddit, and coin forums, sparking a frenzy among collectors. Many have described it as the “coin find of the decade.” People across the country are now rushing to examine their own collections and spare change for similar hidden gems.
Local coin shops and pawn stores report a surge in interest. “We’ve had more inquiries about Roosevelt Dimes in the last two days than all year,” said Marlene Johns, a coin dealer from St. Louis. “This discovery is making people realize that valuable coins can still be found in everyday places.”
Expert Advice: Verify Before You Get Excited
While the excitement is understandable, experts urge caution. Not all coins missing a mint mark are rare or valuable. David Hendricks, a certified coin appraiser, warns, “Proper grading and expert authentication are essential to determine a coin’s true value.”
He advises anyone who thinks they have found a rare coin to submit it to trusted grading services such as PCGS or NGC, which are widely respected in the numismatic community.
Valuable Coins May Be Closer Than You Think
This bus stop discovery is a vivid reminder that rare coins don’t just sit in museums or private vaults. Many valuable coins, including Roosevelt Dimes, Lincoln Wheat Pennies, and Jefferson Nickels, continue to appear in everyday places like parking lots, coffee shops, and yes, even public bus stops.
Final Thoughts
Kyle is currently holding onto his dime until it undergoes official evaluation. “I was planning to use it for laundry,” he joked, “but now it might help me pay off my student loans.”
This incredible find has brought coin collecting back into the spotlight, showing that every coin has a story—and some may be worth far more than their face value.