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 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. This disease had personally affected him. The U.S. Mint issued the Roosevelt Dime in honor of his work and life to forever immortalize 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 to discover valuable pieces, especially those minted in silver from 1946 to 1964.
Roosevelt dimes have a rich history and relatively consistent design and are still in circulation today. If you start looking through your change, you 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.
Roosevelt Dime History
The Roosevelt Dime was first struck on January 30, 1946, just a year after FDR’s death—what would have been his 64th birthday. Designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, the obverse 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 natural. 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.
Roosevelt Dime Values
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.
The value of common dated silver dimes in circulated condition $2 to $3, depending on the current silver market.
In better condition (XF or AU), these dimes are worth $3 to $6, especially if they exhibit sharp details and minimal wear.
Roosevelt silver dimes minted from 1946 to 1964 that are heavily circulated, scratched, 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.
1996-W Roosevelt Dime
The 1996-W Dime, minted at the West Point Mint, commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime series.
Only 1,457,000 10-cent coins with the “W” mint mark were issued in 1996. These coins were sold only in Mint Sets and are particularly interesting to collectors.
Its value varies based on condition and grade. Below is a table summarizing the estimated values across different grades:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Traces of wear, lustrous appearance | $15.00 |
| Mint State 63 (MS-63) | Uncirculated with minor marks | $15.00 to $20.00 |
| Mint State 65 (MS-65) | Uncirculated with strong strike and minimal marks | $20.00 to $30.00 |
| Prooflike (PL-65) | Graded coins with mirror-like finish | $175.00 to $200.00 |
1949-S Roosevelt Dime
With a relatively low mintage of 13.5 million, the 1949-S is a crucial 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 at around $35.
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 $300 or more, depending on the condition.
Factors That Affect Value The Most
The value of a Roosevelt dime involves evaluating several key factors. One significant element is the presence of mint errors.
Coins with mistakes made during the minting process, such as double dies, off-center strikes, or missing mint marks, are sought-after collectibles due to their rarity and unique characteristics.
Roosevelt dimes produced during years with lower mintages are typically scarcer, which can increase their value among collectors. These low-production years create a sense of exclusivity, as fewer coins are available in circulation or for purchase.
Coins in better condition, particularly those graded higher on the numismatic scale, usually command premium prices. Factors such as luster, sharpness of detail, and the absence of wear all contribute to a coin’s grade and, ultimately, its worth.
Notable Roosevelt 10c Error Coins
1975 No-S Proof Dime
The 1975 No-S Proof Dime is among the rarest and most valuable modern U.S. coins. It is a proof dime struck at the San Francisco Mint, usually including an “S” mint mark for proof coins.
However, a few 1975-proof dimes were produced without this “S” mint mark due to a minting error, making them highly sought after by collectors.
This coin is among the rarest and most valuable error coins in the Roosevelt Dime series. Only two examples of this proof dime exist; 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.
Usually, 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. Starting in 1965, the U.S. Mint the coin composition from silver to a copper-nickel-clad composition for dimes, quarters, and half dollars.
However, some dimes were mistakenly struck on leftover 1964 90% silver planchets from, making these error coins highly desirable among collectors.
The 1965 Silver Planchet Dime is a highly sought-after error coin, with value varying depending on condition and demand. Typically, these coins can be worth $4,000 to $7,000 in circulated condition, while 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 punch. For coins in circulated condition, values can range from $10 to $25, while uncirculated coins are worth between $50 and $75. Higher-grade examples, depending on the error coin’s condition and extensiveness, can be worth $100 to $1,500.
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. 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 its size and weight will differ because it was struck on a larger copper cent planchet. 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; they can sell for $6,000 or more.
Roosevelt Error Coin Values
Out of the billions of Roosevelt Dimes issued, coins with mistakes and errors are bound to occur. Mint errors can significantly elevate the worth of a Roosevelt dime. These errors might include misstrikes, off-center strikes, or double dies. Below is a table listing some notable mint errors and their approximate market values.
| Error Type | Description | Estimated Value ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Certified Roosevelt Dime Values
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 coin’s condition is the largest factor 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 |