Roosevelt Dimes have been a staple of American coinage for nearly 80 years, these ten-cent pieces are not just everyday change; they can also be hidden treasures for coin collectors. Beyond their silver content, there is an assortment of rare editions, mint errors, and low mintage years, with some Roosevelt dimes worth a hefty price on the market.
The Roosevelt Dime, introduced in 1946 was a tribute to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, whose efforts during the Great Depression and World War II left a lasting legacy.
Roosevelt was also deeply involved in the March of Dimes, a campaign dedicated to fighting polio, a disease that had personally affected him. In honor of his work and life, the U.S. Mint replaced the Mercury Dime with the Roosevelt Dime, forever immortalizing his image on the nation’s 10-cent coin.
Collecting Roosevelt Dimes
While the Roosevelt Dime may not be the rarest coin in U.S. history, it offers collectors numerous opportunities for discovering valuable pieces, especially those minted in silver from 1946 to 1964.
Roosevelt dimes have a rich history and a relatively consistent design and are still in circulation today. If you start looking through your change, could potentially find a rare dime in your pocket. Coin collecting can be more than a hobby, it can become a passion that combines history, art, and treasure hunting.
History of the Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt Dime was first struck on January 30, 1946—what would have been FDR’s 64th birthday—just a year after his death. Designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, the obverse of the dime features a left-facing profile of Roosevelt, while the reverse displays a torch flanked by olive and oak branches, symbolizing peace and strength.
Roosevelt’s role in establishing the March of Dimes, made the choice of placing him on the dime a natural one. The slogan for the March of Dimes, a public health campaign founded in 1938, inspired millions of Americans to donate dimes to support the fight against polio.
Values of Common Date Circulated Roosevelt Dimes (Pre-1965)
Roosevelt Dimes minted between 1946 and 1964 contain 90% silver, making their value largely dependent on the price of silver. Roosevelt Silver Dimes are often sold in bulk as junk silver, but higher-quality examples can fetch a premium.
Common date silver dimes in circulated condition typically sell for about $2 to $3, depending on the current silver market.
In better condition (XF or AU), these dimes can sell for $3 to $6, especially if they exhibit sharp details and minimal wear.
Roosevelt silver dimes minted from 1946 to 1964 that are heavily circulated, scratch, bent or worn are worth melt value.
Key Dates and Valuable Dimes
While billions of Roosevelt Dimes have been minted since 1946, a few key dates stand out due to their rarity or historical significance.
1949-S Roosevelt Dime
With a relatively low mintage of 13.5 million, the 1949-S is a key date in the series. In Mint State condition with Full Bands (a designation that indicates a sharp strike with fully visible horizontal bands on the torch), this coin can be worth $65 to $100 in circulated grades. The most valuable 1949-S Dime was sold at auction in 2022 for $6,000.
1950-S Roosevelt Dime
Another scarce date, the 1950-S has a similar low mintage of just over 20 million coins. In MS66 with Full Bands, it is valued around $25.
1951 Proof Deep Cameo (DCAM)
Proof dimes from the early 1950s, especially those in Deep Cameo condition, can fetch a significant premium. A 1951 Roosevelt Dime in PR68 Deep Cameo sold for $23,500 at auction.
1964-D Doubled Die Reverse
One of the rarer doubled die varieties in the Roosevelt Dime series, the 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse can be worth $100 or more depending on the condition.
1996-W Roosevelt Dime
Struck at the West Point Mint to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt Dime, this coin was only available in Mint Sets. In high grades, it can fetch between $10 and $45.
Factors That Affect Value The Most
Understanding which Roosevelt dimes are valuable requires knowledge of several main factors:
- Mint Errors: Mistakes made during the minting process can make a coin rare.
- Low Mintage Years: Years with fewer coins produced can add scarcity.
- Condition: Coins in better condition (higher grades) often command higher prices.
Roosevelt Dime Error Coins and Values
Out of the billions of Roosevelt Dimes that have been issued over the years, coins with mistakes and errors are bound to occur. Mint errors can significantly elevate the worth of a Roosevelt dime. These errors might include misstrikes, off-center strikings, or double dies. Below is a table listing some notable mint errors and their approximate market values.
| Error Type | Description | Estimated Value ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Double Die | Duplicate images on the coin | $50 – $1,000 |
| Off-center Strike | Coin struck off-center | $30 – $500 |
| Broadstrike | Coin broader than usual | $20 – $200 |
| Clipped Planchet | Portions of the coin missing | $10 – $150 |
| Mule Error | Coin struck with mismatched dies | Over $1,000 |
Notable Error Coins
1975 No-S Proof Dime
The 1975 No-S Proof Dime is one of the rarest and most valuable modern U.S. coins. It is a proof dime that was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which normally includes an “S” mint mark for proof coins. However, due to a minting error, a small number of 1975 proof dimes were produced without this “S” mint mark, making them highly sought after by collectors.
This coin is one of the rarest and most valuable error coins in the Roosevelt Dime series. Only two examples of this proof dime are known to exist, and one sold for $456,000 at auction in 2019.
1982 No P Mint Mark
1982 No-P is the first instance where the Philadelphia Mint accidentally produced a coin without its mint mark.
Normally, dimes struck at the Philadelphia Mint after 1980 bear a “P” mint mark on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above the date.
In 1982, some Roosevelt Dimes were accidentally struck without the “P” mint mark. Circulated 1982 No-P dimes can be worth between $50 and $200, depending on the condition. Uncirculated, they can range between $200 and $400, with higher-grade examples (MS65 or better) commanding up to $500 or more, depending on the strength of the strike.
1965 Silver Planchet Dime
The 1965 Silver Planchet Roosevelt Dime was minted during a significant transitional period for U.S. coinage, as the U.S. Mint switched from using silver to a copper-nickel clad composition for dimes, quarters, and half dollars starting in 1965.
However, some dimes were mistakenly struck on leftover 90% silver planchets from 1964, making these error coins highly desirable among collectors.
The 1965 Silver Planchet Dime is a highly sought-after error coin, with value ranges depending on condition and demand. Typically, in circulated condition, these coins can be worth $4,000 to $7,000. Mint State or uncirculated coins can fetch $7,000 to $10,000.
In 2019, a 1965 Silver Planchet Roosevelt Dime graded MS62 by PCGS sold for $9,000. Higher-grade examples have sold for over $10,000 at auctions.
1969-D Repunched Mint Mark
Some 1969-D dimes display a repunched mint mark, which occurs when the mint mark is applied to the coin’s die more than once in slightly different positions. If the mint mark punch shifted slightly or was struck more than once, it would result in a repunched mint mark.
RPM errors were more common before the mid-1980s when mint marks began to be applied to the master hub instead of individually punched onto each die.
The value of a 1969-D RPM Roosevelt Dime depends on the coin’s condition and the visibility of the repunching. Values can range from $10 to $25 for coins in circulated condition, while uncirculated coins are worth between $30 and $50. Higher grade examples can be worth $100 to $1,500 depending on condition and extensiveness of the error.
1999-D Broad Struck on a Cent Planchet
The 1999-D Roosevelt Dime Broad Struck on a Cent Planchet is a notable and rare error coin where the Roosevelt Dime design was mistakenly struck on a copper planchet intended for a cent (penny), rather than the usual copper-nickel-clad planchet for dimes.
The coin will have the design of a Roosevelt Dime, but the size and weight will differ because it was struck on a copper cent planchet, which is larger. This results in a broad strike, where the design does not fit properly on the smaller or larger planchet and appears stretched or incomplete, especially near the edges.
This type of mint error is known as a wrong planchet error, and it results in a very unusual and collectible coin. Only a few of these coins exist, and they can sell for $10,000 or more.
Certified Roosevelt Dimes
Certified coins graded by reputable companies like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) can significantly increase the value of a Roosevelt Dime. High-grade coins with Full Bands or Full Torch designations are particularly desirable among collectors.
For example, a 1950 Roosevelt Dime graded PR68 Deep Cameo by PCGS sold for $18,800. Similarly, a 1956 Proof Deep Cameo dime in PR69 fetched $19,975 at auction. These high-grade, certified coins are often seen as investments, as their value tends to appreciate over time.
Coin Grading and Condition
The condition of a coin is paramount in determining its value. Grading is usually done on a scale from 1 to 70, with higher numbers indicating better preservation and fewer signs of wear.
| Grade | Description | Market Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| G4 | Good | Low base value |
| VG8 | Very Good | Slight increase |
| F12 | Fine | Moderate increase |
| VF20 | Very Fine | Considerable increase |
| EF40 | Extremely Fine | High market value |
| MS65 | Mint State | Maximum market value |
