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Rare Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money

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1946-S Roosevelt Dime (10 cents)

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

1949-S Roosevelt Dime Obverse

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 TypeDescriptionEstimated Value ($)
Double DieDuplicate images on the coin$50 – $1,000
Off-center StrikeCoin struck off-center$30 – $500
BroadstrikeCoin broader than usual$20 – $200
Clipped PlanchetPortions of the coin missing$10 – $150
Mule ErrorCoin struck with mismatched diesOver $1,000

Notable Error Coins

1975 No-S Proof Dime

GreatCollections Auction 1975 No S Dime PR67 CAC
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.

GradeDescriptionMarket Value Impact
G4GoodLow base value
VG8Very GoodSlight increase
F12FineModerate increase
VF20Very FineConsiderable increase
EF40Extremely FineHigh market value
MS65Mint StateMaximum market value
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Rare 1975-S No S Proof Roosevelt Silver Dime to be Auctioned Next Month

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GreatCollections Auction 1975 No S Dime PR67 CAC

The 1975-S No S Proof Dime, widely regarded as the world’s most valuable modern U.S. coin, is set to be auctioned on October 27th by GreatCollections. This highly rare coin, owned by an Ohio family for over 45 years, is one of only two known examples missing the “S” mint mark, a small but significant error that has turned it into a coveted item among collectors.

Discovery and Significance

The 1975-S No S Proof Dime was part of a proof set minted at the San Francisco Mint, which should have included an “S” mint mark on the dime. In 1975, the U.S. Mint produced 2.84 million proof sets, but only two sets without the “S” mint mark have been discovered, both by the same individual in California in the late 1970s.

These dime error coins were sold to coin dealer F.J. Vollmer and have since become legendary in the numismatic world. The Ohio family purchased their No S dime from Vollmer in 1978 for $18,200, a significant sum at the time, equivalent to nearly $90,000 today.

According to Scott Schechter and Jeff Garrett, co-authors of 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins, the 1975 No S Proof Dime ranks as the #1 modern U.S. coin. The coin has been graded PCGS Proof-67 and approved by CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) with the considerable public interest and could fetch over $500,000 at auction.

1975-S No S Auction History and Values

The 1975 No S Proof Dime auction history shows its increasing value over time. In 2011, the second known example sold for $349,600 at a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction. In 2019, the same coin sold for $456,000 at Heritage Auctions. Shortly after, it was sold privately for $516,000 to the owner of the only complete collection of Roosevelt Dimes ever formed.

The current auction represents the first time this particular dime, owned by the Ohio family, has appeared in public sale. It is expected to attract a great deal of attention from collectors, with the current bid already reaching $250,000. The dime will be on display at the Great American Coin & Collectibles Show in Tampa, Florida, from September 11-14 before heading to the auction block in October.

What Makes the 1975-S No S Proof Dime Special?

The 1975 No S Proof Dime is significant because of its extreme rarity and the historical context of its creation. During this time, proof coins were struck with extra care for collectors, and the absence of the “S” mint mark is an unusual and highly collectible error.

GreatCollections Auction 1975 No S Dime PR67 CAC

Mint inspectors likely discovered this early in the first run and stopped the majority of these error dimes from being released, making the two known examples incredibly rare.

This coin stands apart from other 1975 dimes made in Philadelphia as it is a Proof coin which was only minted in San Francisco.

Collectors’ and Investors’ Interest

For collectors, the 1975 No S Proof Dime is considered a “holy grail” of modern numismatics. Its rarity, combined with the fact that only two are known to exist, drives its value. The proof coin is also in excellent condition with a Proof-67 grade, making it even more desirable.

For investors, owning a piece of modern coinage history like the 1975 No S Proof Dime can be a lucrative long-term asset. Over the years, its value has consistently appreciated, and it is expected to continue doing so due to its uniqueness.

Beware of Misleading Offers and Counterfeits

The rarity of the 1975 No S Proof Dime has led to opportunistic sellers falsely advertising common 1975 dimes as rare coins. With nearly 586 million 1975 Roosevelt Dimes produced without a mint mark, many sellers exploit the confusion between regular circulation coins and the rare proof errors. Buyers must carefully verify the authenticity and provenance of such coins, as common 1975 dimes without an “S” are not valuable.

This discovery is a reminder of how valuable certain error coins can be, especially when such a limited number of examples exist.

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What Dimes Contain Silver?

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Silver Dimes

Before 1965, U.S. dimes were minted with an alloy containing 90% silver. These coins, often referred to as “junk silver,” derive their value primarily from their silver content rather than numismatic value.

Mercury Silver Dimes (1916-1945)

The Mercury Silver Dime was continuously minted by the US Mint from 1916 until 1945. These coins feature Lady Liberty on the obverse wearing a phrygian cap, often mistaken for the Greek God Mercury due to the winged hat.

  • Design: The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, features Lady Liberty wearing a phrygian cap with wings on the obverse. This design is often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, hence the name.
  • Composition: Each dime contains 90% silver and 10% copper.
  • Historical Significance: Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Mercury Dime is considered one of the most beautiful U.S. coins.

Mercury Dime Key Dates

1916-D

  • Mintage: 264,000 Denver Mint
  • Significance: Exceptionally low premier mintage of the Mercury dime from the Denver mint.
  • Value: Extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. Coins in circulated, but good condition, can command up to $1,000. While graded Mint State 1916-D Mercury Dimes specimens can fetch over $35,000.

1921 and 1921-D

  • Mintage: 1,230,000 (Philadelphia) and 1,080,000 (Denver)
  • Significance: Both the 1921 and 1921-D are low mintage years due to reduced coin production during the post-World War I economic slump.
  • Value: These dimes are scarce and command high prices, especially in uncirculated condition.

1942/1 and 1942/1-D Overdates

  • Mintage: Unspecified; these are error coins.
  • Significance: These overdate coins show a “1” underneath the “2” in the date. They are rare and highly prized by error coin collectors.
  • Value: Values can range significantly based on condition, often starting at several hundred dollars and going up into the thousands.

Roosevelt Silver Dimes (1946-1964)

The Roosevelt Silver Dime was introduced in 1946 and was minted with a 90% silver alloy until 1964. Beginning in 1965, the mint introduced the clad Roosevelt Dime that is still in use today.

  • Design: Introduced in 1946, the Roosevelt Dime honors President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The obverse features his portrait, designed by John R. Sinnock.
  • Composition: Like the Mercury Dime, it contains 90% silver and 10% copper.
  • Introduction Reason: The dime was introduced shortly after Roosevelt’s death as a tribute to his legacy, particularly his role in founding the March of Dimes.

Roosevelt Silver Dimes Key Dates

1949-S

  • Mintage: 13,510,000
  • Significance: The 1949-S is a key date because of its relatively low mintage compared to other Roosevelt dimes.
  • Value: In high grades, this coin can be quite valuable.

1950-S

  • Mintage: 20,440,000
  • Significance: Another semi-key date due to its lower mintage and the demand from collectors.
  • Value: Prices vary based on condition, but it is more valuable than most other dates in the series.

1951-S

  • Mintage: 31,630,000
  • Significance: This year had a higher mintage than 1949-S and 1950-S but still is considered a key date due to collector demand.
  • Value: Similar to the 1950-S, it holds a premium in higher grades.

Silver dimes, like all 90% silver US coinage are sometimes referred to as “junk silver”. This is a common term adopted from the coin collecting industry for coins that have little to no numismatic value. Their value lies strictly in the silver content.

Junk silver dimes are a great way to start investing in silver. They are fractional and you can buy them close to spot price.

Silver Dimes in Circulation

The Roosevelt Dime was introduced in 1946. Billions of silver dimes were minted up until the debasement began in 1965. While many have been smelted over the years for their melt value, there are still plenty available in the wild. Depending on the availability of unsearched bank rolls in your area, coin roll hunting can be a great way to stack junk silver.

The easiest way to tell if you have a silver dime is by looking at the date. All dimes that were minted prior to 1965 contain 90% silver content. If your dime is from 1964 or earlier, then it is a silver dime.

Silver Dime Values

At the very minimum, a silver dime is worth its weight in silver. A 90% silver dime has an overall gross weight around 2.5 grams. Therefore, it has roughly .0715 ozt of silver. Based on the spot price, the intrinsic value of the silver is worth far more than the face value, which is the primary reason that the government stopped the use of silver and made the switch to clad coins.

An easy way to estimate the value of your silver dimes is that each $1.00 Face Value, or ten silver dimes, contains .715 troy ounces of silver. This is a commonly accepted weight that takes into consideration that there may be some wear and tear from circulation.

For more information about which silver dimes may be key dates and have some numismatic value.

You can easily compare online dealer prices for 90% silver dimes:

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Silver Dimes

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Silver Dimes

Until 1965, U.S. dimes were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. However, because of rising silver prices, the U.S. Mint decided to continue debasement of coinage by changing the composition of dimes to a copper-nickel alloy, starting with the clad coin production in 1965. The US Mint not longer issues silver dimes, instead, today’s dimes are of an alloy that is 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.

Silver dimes are ten-cent coins that were minted from 1796 to 1964, made from an alloy called “coin silver.”

Six different styles of silver dimes had been issued by the US Mint before 1965. Those include the Draped Bust, Capped Bust, Seated Liberty, Barber, Mercury, and Roosevelt designs.

Until 1965, U.S. dimes were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. However, because of rising silver prices, the U.S. Mint decided to continue debasement of coinage by changing the composition of dimes to a copper-nickel alloy, starting with the clad coin production in 1965. Today’s dimes are of an alloy that is 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.

Silver Dime Variations

  1. Roosevelt Silver Dimes (1946-1964): These feature a portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse side.
  2. Mercury Dimes (1916-1945): Despite the name, these actually depict a young Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap, which was mistaken for Mercury, the Roman messenger god.
  3. Barber Dimes (1892-1916): Named after their designer, Charles E. Barber, these dimes feature the head of Liberty on the obverse.
  4. Seated Liberty Dimes (1837-1891): These depict Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield in one hand and an olive branch in the other.
  5. Capped Bust Dimes (1809-1837): These feature a portrait of Liberty wearing a cap, along with an eagle on the reverse.
  6. Draped Bust Dimes (1796-1807): These feature a portrait of Liberty with flowing hair and draped bust.

Collectors seek out silver dimes for their historical and numismatic value, while investors purchase them for their silver content as a hedge against economic instability or inflation. The industry refers to this as “junk silver,” although the term doesn’t reflect on the condition or value of the coin but rather means that its value comes primarily from its metal content rather than its rarity or collectibility.

Face Value Bags of Junk Silver

Online bullion dealers typically offer 90% silver dimes based on the face value that each contains. For example, each $5 Face Value standard bank roll of silver dimes has fifty individual pieces minted Pre-1965. Each circulated silver dime contains approximately .0715 troy ounces, with each standard $5 Bank Roll of silver dimes having a total of 3.575 troy ounces ASW.

Buying $100 Face Value bags of silver dimes provides one thousand individual dimes. These face value bags a popular way for new collectors to better understand the many rare dates, die variations, mint marks and error coins that are available. The intrinsic value of this bag is much higher than the face value due to the silver content of the coins.

Books About Silver Dimes

Pre-made Ten-Cent Coin Albums from Dansco and Whitman are an easy way for collectors to keep things organized and are available from Amazon and other retailers.

As a reference guide, many coin dealers use the spiral bound Guide Book of United States Coins, typically referred to as the “Red Book”, to help with pricing of collectible coins. The publish updates the guidebook each year making it one of the most common guidebook for collectors and investors alike.