The Roosevelt dime has circulated widely since 1946, yet some rare variants have captured the attention of serious collectors for their exceptional value.
These dimes stand out because of minting errors, missing mint-marks, extremely low mintage, or proof configurations. While most dimes are worth mere face value, certain rare examples have sold for tens of thousands of dollars or more.
If you own any Roosevelt dimes, knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
What Makes a Roosevelt Dime Truly Rare?
Here are key factors that drive up value:
- Mint-mark errors: Coins struck with missing or incorrect mint marks are highly sought after.
- Proof vs. circulation issue: Proof dimes made for collectors often carry higher value, especially when errors are present.
- Low survival count: The fewer examples exist, the harder they are to find—and the higher their price.
- Condition/grade: A rare coin in “mint state” or near-perfect condition commands dramatically more than one with wear.
- Historical interest: Coins from key transitional years (e.g., transition from silver to clad) get more attention.
Top Valuable Roosevelt Dime Varieties
| Year & Variant | Key Feature | Reported Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dime | No “S” mint mark (San Francisco) | ~$456,000 |
| 1968 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dime | Missing mint mark on proof coin | ~$47,000 |
| 1949-S Roosevelt Dime | Low mintage silver issue | Prices vary widely |
| 1964 & earlier 90% Silver Dimes | High silver content, collectible | Thousands of dollars each |
While some of these examples far exceed $10,000, even less extreme rare types often start in the $10,000+ range depending on grade and demand.
Real-World Sales That Shocked Collectors
One of the most famous sales: a 1975 “No S” proof Roosevelt dime sold in an auction for over $450,000, making it one of the highest-valued modern dimes.
Another 1968 “No S” proof variant brought close to $50,000, demonstrating that even “modern” coins (post-1960s) can command huge prices if rarity and condition align.
These high-value sales fuel the market interest and drive collectors to hunt through coin rolls, old collections or inherited hoards.
How to Check If You Have a Valuable Roosevelt Dime
If you’re digging through change or inherited coin jars, here’s what to look for:
- Check the mint mark: For example, S = San Francisco, D = Denver, P = Philadelphia. A missing or incorrect mark can be a tell-tale error.
- Is it a proof coin? Proofs often have mirror-like fields and crisp details.
- Date matters: anything from 1946-1964 is silver (90% silver), which gives it base value plus collectible premium.
- Condition: Look for sharp details, little wear, no heavy scratches, and a clean finish.
- Comparison: Rare variants often are visually distinct—missing mint mark, unusual die crack, or unexpected detail.
- Get it graded: For maximum value, a professional coin-grading service will authenticate and grade your coin.
If you’ve got a stash of old dimes, the thought that one could be a valuable Roosevelt dime worth well above $10,000 is not fantasy—it’s real.
Coins like the 1975 or 1968 “No S” proof Roosevelt dimes have achieved eye-popping prices due to extreme rarity and collector demand.
While not every Roosevelt dime will turn into a windfall, knowing the key details—mint mark status, proof vs circulation, date, condition—gives you a chance to spot a genuine hidden gem.
Take a close look at your collection, and you might just uncover a coin that turns ordinary change into extraordinary value.
FAQs
Q1. Are all Roosevelt dimes with errors worth tens of thousands?
No. Only those with documented rarity—such as very few known examples, major mint-mark omissions, or proof-only issues—reach those high values. Most standard coins remain low value.
Q2. Does the silver content of older Roosevelt dimes guarantee high value?
Not exactly. While pre-1965 (or pre-1964 silver coins) carry value because of silver, the huge premiums come from rarity, condition and collectibility, not just metal content.
Q3. Should I assume any dime I find is automatically worth $10,000+ if it looks old?
No. Many old dimes look impressive but may lack the key rare attributes. Authentication, grading, and understanding the exact variant are crucial before assuming high value.