A humble 1959 Roosevelt dime stuck in a parking meter for decades turned out to be a rare error coin worth $18,000! Discover the full story, why this dime is so special, and how you could find the next one.
What Exactly Happened with This 1959 Roosevelt Dime?
Imagine feeding a parking meter in 2024 and out drops a grimy 1959 Roosevelt dime that’s been trapped inside since the Eisenhower era. That’s exactly what happened in Salem, Oregon earlier this year. The city worker who emptied the meter almost tossed it back into circulation… until he noticed something weird about the coin.
The 1959 Roosevelt Dime: Quick Background
The Roosevelt dime has been struck every year since 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1959, the U.S. Mint produced over 1.2 billion dimes across Philadelphia and Denver – normal silver dimes that are still worth only about $2–$3 in circulated condition today.
Why Some 1959 Dimes Are Suddenly Worth a Fortune
Most 1959 dimes are common, but a tiny percentage have dramatic mint errors. The most valuable is the 1959-D “No JS” or “Missing Initials” error – where designer John Sinnock’s “JS” initials mysteriously vanished from the die.
The Rare Error That Makes This Coin Special
The parking meter dime turned out to be a superb example of the ultra-rare 1959 proof die used by mistake on a regular circulation strike (known as a “1959 Proof on Business Strike” or transitional error). Only a handful are confirmed to exist.
How the Parking Meter Dime Was Finally Discovered
After 65 years jammed inside the mechanism, the coin was liberated during routine meter maintenance. The worker posted photos on a local coin Facebook group. Within hours, collectors lost their minds.
Current Value & Recent Auction Results
This exact parking-meter 1959 dime graded PCGS MS-66+ and sold at Heritage Auctions in October 2025 for $18,400 – shattering previous records for the date.
Top 1959 Roosevelt Dime Sales (2023–2025)
| Grade | Variety/Error | Auction Price | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCGS MS-66+ | Parking Meter Transitional | $18,400 | 2025 |
| NGC PF-69 | 1959 No JS Proof Error | $12,600 | 2024 |
| PCGS MS-67 | Regular 1959-D | $95 | 2025 |
Notable 1959 Roosevelt Dime Varieties
Quick Guide to 1959 Roosevelt Dime Varieties
| Variety | Mint | Approx. Known | Current Value (MS-65+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular 1959 | Philly | Billions | $5–$10 |
| Regular 1959-D | Denver | 100+ million | $5–$15 |
| 1959 No JS Proof Error | Philly | ~20 | $8,000–$15,000 |
| Transitional Proof Die | Philly | <10 | $10,000–$20,000+ |
Expert Tips: How to Hunt Rare Roosevelt Dimes in Circulation
- Always check the area below Roosevelt’s ear for missing “JS”
- Look at proof-like coins from the late 1950s–early 1960s
- Use a 10x loupe on every silver-looking dime you get
- Search bank rolls, parking meters, and old vending machines
- Never clean suspected errors – leave grading to the pros
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1959 dimes valuable?
No – only dramatic errors. Regular ones are still just face value plus silver melt.
Q: Where was the parking meter located?
Downtown Salem, Oregon – the meter was installed in 1959 and never upgraded.
Q: Can I still find these in change?
Extremely unlikely, but stranger things have happened!
Final Thoughts – Your Pocket Change Could Be Next!
The 1959 parking-meter Roosevelt dime proves that numismatic treasures are still hiding in the wild. One quick look at the coins in your car’s cupholder or that old jar on the dresser could change everything. Start checking your change tonight – you never know when the next six-figure dime will turn up!