Coin Album Discovery Turns into a £1.2 Million Surprise
A long-forgotten coin album sitting in a dusty attic turned out to be life-changing for a British family. Inside it was a rare Roosevelt Dime from 1969, minted in the U.S., which recently sold for a staggering £1.2 million ($1.5 million) at auction. The coin was discovered by accident while a family member was going through old belongings.
This unexpected treasure has excited coin collectors and everyday people alike. It’s a reminder that valuable surprises can be hidden in the most ordinary family keepsakes.
A Shocking Find in the Attic
Emily Harris, a 29-year-old nurse from Manchester, was helping her grandmother clean out her attic when she stumbled upon an old, dusty coin album. It once belonged to her late grandfather, who casually collected coins as a hobby. Emily found it among old photographs and trinkets.
One small dime stood out because it looked different. It had a “1969-S” mark, and although it seemed like any other coin, Emily had a gut feeling it might be worth checking. So she took it to a local coin expert just to be sure.
A Rare Coin Comes to Light
The coin expert was stunned. The dime was a 1969-S Roosevelt Dime from the San Francisco Mint, but it had no proof finish—a rare minting mistake. Only a few such error coins are known, making it extremely valuable. “This is the kind of thing collectors dream about,” said expert Mark Thompson.
He explained that while most 1969-S dimes were made as shiny proof coins, this one was struck on a regular planchet. That tiny difference turned it into a very rare coin that Emily’s grandfather had unknowingly kept for years.
Big Buzz at the Auction House
News of the rare dime spread quickly, and auction houses soon contacted Emily. She picked a famous London-based auctioneer that specializes in rare coins. On the auction day, collectors from all over the globe took part—both online and in person.
After intense bidding, the coin sold for an amazing £1.2 million to a private buyer in the U.S. “It was surreal,” Emily said. “Watching the price go up like that felt unreal.” The sale made history as the highest price ever paid for a Roosevelt Dime at auction.
Why This Dime Is Unique
The Roosevelt Dime has been around since 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Most are common, but the 1969-S coin Emily found is special because of a rare minting mistake. It should have had a shiny, mirror-like proof finish but was made with normal materials.
It’s also in fantastic shape, graded MS-68 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Here’s a quick look at what makes it so valuable:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mint Year | 1969 |
| Mint Location | San Francisco (S) |
| Material | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel |
| Condition | Mint State 68 (MS-68) |
| Error Type | Non-Proof Struck on Regular Planchet |
| Estimated Surviving | Fewer than 20 known |
Collectors Inspired by the Story
This exciting discovery has energized the coin collecting community. Collectors and beginners alike are now checking their old coin albums and spare change. “These kinds of stories breathe life into the hobby,” said Sarah Lloyd of the British Numismatic Society.
Social media, especially X, is full of people posting photos of their coins, hoping for a lucky break. Experts caution that finds like this are extremely rare, but even regular Roosevelt Dimes in good condition can sell for £10–£50. “It’s always worth taking a closer look,” said Lloyd.
A Life-Changing Moment for Emily
Emily and her family are still overwhelmed by the discovery. She plans to use the money to clear her student debt, purchase a new home, and save for her young daughter’s future. “It’s completely changed our lives,” she said with a smile. “Grandad would have been thrilled.”
Emily has also developed an interest in coin collecting and has started attending local events to learn more. Meanwhile, the coin shop that first looked at her dime has seen a wave of new visitors. This story is a powerful reminder that even the smallest treasures can hold life-changing value.
