I just got started coin collecting, and figured raiding my parent's dime collection would be a good place to start, no? I was sorting them all by decade first, to go through by individual years later and keep one of each. Halfway through it, I wondered if there were any rare dimes that exist to keep an eye out for while I was looking. I Googled it, and came across several articles talking about this "1968 No S" dime. I started sifting through the 60's ones I'd stacked up so far, and I did find a 1968 dime without an S. So...at my own risk of looking like a fool, did I find one of those allegedly rare dimes here? These are all circulated dimes from the 60's (so far) to 2014, so if it was a counterfeit someone would have caught it I would think .
Don’t worry about looking like a fool. The only stupid question is a question not asked. As far as the 1968 Proof (no S) dime, the key word here is “PROOF”. Both the Denver Mint and the Philadelphia Mint made business strike coins in 1968, the Denver coins had a “D” on them and the coins from Philadelphia Mint had no mint marks until 1982 (I believe). From your pictures, it looks like what you have is a coin struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
Bummer! Well, thanks for replying! And the 2 sites I clicked on, neither of them mentioned anything about it being a "proof". They just said "no s 1968 dimes". And also, in between this post and the post I made above...I found another one in the tin. So I kinda figured that it wasn't one of the rare ones.
Were you are just starting out collecting coins, I would recommend trying to pick up one of Whitman’s “Red Books” it will list all of the different series by date and mintmark plus mintages. It is a good reference book to have plus it might give you an idea of where you want to focus.
Just to show you what the book looks like: http://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/redbook.html You can buy on line or your local coin / hobby shop might have it or a member here might give up an old copy when they update to a new year. I only buy a new one every 4 - 5 years and we gave our old copy away 1 1/2 - 2 years ago.
lol I added it to my collection. After all the dimes I am keeping are accounted for, one of each year +1/2 for different mint marks, there's $18 left in the tin to spend, duplicates/poorer condition.
There you go, take that $18 and buy a Redbook! Don't be afraid to buy one from previous years either to save some money.
Don't spend any dimes from 1964 or earlier they're 90% silver...worth a bit more than 10 cents And welcome, please ask all the question...I learn from them
Better yet, find a local coin club! Mine sells the new red books each year for about $15, so you would have $3.50 left over for a cold brew!
OK, I will keep an eye out! I think 1965 was the oldest, but I've forgotten already. But I kept all the 1960's ones anyways because there was only one of each to begin with, so they're safe awaiting my collection.
I bought the 2014 edition for $15. It's on the way. I also bought the 2010 edition of the The Standard Catalog Of World Paper Money 1961 - Present for $6.25. That's on the way too.
Both are excellent resources. When I first started out, I read the Red Book from cover to cover. It will give you a general idea of the field so that you can focus on particular area or series. If you decide you like it and want to collect coins, I also recommend "A Coin Collector's Survival Manual" by Scott Travers.
For a young collector starting out, I think you will enjoy your decision to purchase a copy of the Red Book. Once you decide on which series you want to collect, study this link: http://www.pcgs.com/Photograde/ Learn how to grade, whether you are buying raw or slabbed coins learn how to grade yourself. The difference in value from one grade to the next can sometimes be substantial in price (know what you are buying or selling). It is better to pay the price of tuition on the value of a one or two dollar coin then a coin valued at several hundred dollars or more. But above all else, have fun with your collection.
