1968 10C No S PR(PCGS#5245)

Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2061

Grade

PR69

Price

29,280

Lot Description

A stunning example of this landmark modern U.S. Mint Proof issue, as struck, virtually pristine, and possessed of outstanding eye appeal. The obverse exhibits a dusting of pale silvery iridescence, while the equally attractive reverse exhibits iridescent champagne-gold that deepens to a halo of similar, albeit slightly bolder color around the border. The finish is modestly cameoed, especially on the obverse, which feature helps to explain the coveted * designation from NGC for superior eye appeal. Fully struck and exquisite.<p>The 1968 No S dime was the first of the Proof "S-less" varieties to come to light in numismatics. The Philadelphia Mint discontinued striking annual Proof sets in 1964, the series as a whole taking a short break before resuming in 1968, when the sets were first struck in San Francisco. The master dies for the Proof coins were forwarded to the West Coast facility from Philadelphia and the mintmark was to be added, however, this did not always happen. While striking these 1968-dated Proof coins, it was observed that the S was not added to the die for the dimes being struck. All of the No S dime coins were thought to have been destroyed. However, a few had already been sealed in Proof sets and were not found until received by their original owners. Similar No S varieties appeared in 1971 on a nickel, in 1970, 1975 and 1983 on a dime, and in 1990 on a cent. The rarest by far of all of them are the dimes of 1975 and 1968, with the 1968 No S dime ranked #8 in the fourth (2017) edition of the book <em>100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins</em> by Scott Schechter and Jeff Garrett.<p>By way of insight, we note that NGC currently lists 21 grading events for this elusive issue, a figure that includes 16 pieces in this category, plus an additional four pieces in the Cameo category and a single specimen in their Ultra Camo category. PCGS currently lists 39 grading events for the issue across all categories, none of which are in DCAM. However, as is more typical than not, it is likely that some percentage of these grading events represents resubmissions of identical coins. Clearly, the number extant is very small in an absolute sense. At the pinnacle of numismatic quality, it is infinitesimal and includes a mere 11 grading events in Proof-69 at PCGS and NGC combined, in the Proof and Cameo categories combined. As the only one of these specimens with a * designation as certified, the present example is one of the very finest in this highly select group.<p>The offering of this rare Proof Roosevelt dime represents an excellent opportunity to obtain one of the most desirable of all late 20th century U.S. Mint coins. Whether you specialize in Roosevelt dimes, modern U.S. Mint Proofs in general, or just love great American coins, the present lot will hold a special fascination for you. Don't be shy when the bidding starts on this lot or you're likely to find yourself wishing you had been more aggressive. The 1968 No S Proof Roosevelt dime comes to market but infrequently, and the importance of the opportunity offered herein cannot be stressed enough.