1948 Roosevelt Dime Value & Worth

Have you seen the new portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which replaced the image of Mercury? These valuable pieces were minted by three renowned United States Mints. In this guide, you'll learn why almost everyone wants this item in their collection.

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History of the 1948 Roosevelt Dime

The U.S. Mint introduced the Roosevelt dime in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s legacy and his fight against polio. By 1948, the series continued with the same artistic motif. Collectors study the item value to compare early strikes from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Many look for well-preserved examples with full mint luster.

Before the Roosevelt design, the Mercury dime featured Lady Liberty wearing a winged cap. That change reflected a shift in national sentiment after World War II. Dealers often track the item value when evaluating the transition from Mercury to Roosevelt. Early mint-state survivors often trade at premiums due to their historical significance.

The Design Formation: Important Events

• President Roosevelt’s death in 1945 immediately boosted design proposals.

• Sculptor John R. Sinnock’s portrait won.

• The Mint phased out the Mercury design to reflect modern leadership and social change.

How much is a 1948 Roosevelt dime worth when collectors find one in their change or estate collections? Circulated examples typically trade near silver melt value, while uncirculated specimens can command several dollars. Rare proof and high-grade business strikes may bring strong bids at auction.

1948 Dime Value Today – Circulated to Mint State

How much is a 1948 dime worth in circulated grades? In Good (G) condition, coins often trade around $2–$3. Very Fine (VF) pieces can reach $4–$6. These ranges reflect both silver melt value and collector demand for early Roosevelt dimes.

When you want to know the value today in uncirculated grades, price jumps become more pronounced. An MS-60 coin may fetch $10–$12. As you move to MS-63, prices climb to $15–$20. Top-tier MS-65 and above examples can reach $30–$50 or more, depending on eye appeal.

Collectors also track the 1948 dime coin value by mint mark. Philadelphia strikes carry no mint mark, so many numismatists are interested in the 1948 dime value no mint mark worth.

A no-mark MS-63 often sells for $12–$15, while Denver and San Francisco issues can bring slightly higher premiums. Proof S-mint coins often exceed business strikes, especially in high grades.

Value Breakdown (G to MS-67+) for P, D, and S Mints

Silver melt value – $6.10

Grading terms used by collectors:

Good – heavy wear with basic design visible

Very Fine – moderate wear with sharp design features

About Uncirculated – light wear on high points, full luster

Mint State – no wear, full mint luster, graded from MS-60 to MS-70

Mint Mark Breakdown – P, D & S Varieties

For numismatists of all levels, it is important, even mandatory, to note the mint mark on the reverse of the item. Philadelphia strikes carry no mint mark. Tracking the 1948 dime no mint mark value helps you gauge common business strikes. Even uncirculated Philadelphia coins often trade near $10.

"The 1948-S is the lowest mintage issue of the three mints for this year. While common in circulated grades, it becomes a true condition rarity in MS67 and above, especially with the Full Bands designation."
– Ron Guth, author
PCGS

Denver struck its dimes with a small “D” next to the torch. Production at Denver in 1948 reached roughly 51 million coins. That large mintage keeps the 1948 D dime value modest in lower grades. Collectors seeking errors can consult an error list for varieties, for example, doubled dies and die cracks. These mistakes can push value above standard pricing.

San Francisco placed an “S” in the same spot on each reverse. That mint produced about 15 million dimes in 1948. The S value often exceeds that of other mints, especially in uncirculated grades. When you check recent auction prices, the 1948 S dime value today in MS-63 can reach $15–$20. Proof ten-cent coins from San Francisco command even higher premiums.

For a deeper dive into pricing by grade and mint, check the no mint mark worth guide—it summarizes the 1947 Roosevelt dime’s values across P, D, and S issues, highlights how condition drives jumps from a few dollars to strong premiums in MS grades, and shows why collectors focus on mint-mark scarcity when gauging current market worth.

Mintage and Value Comparisons by Mint

• Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)

Mintage 74,950,000

Common in circulated grades

Uncirculated value $10–$15

• Denver (D)

Mintage 52,841,000

Modest premiums in MS-60–MS-63 ($12–$18)

Rare errors can fetch $25+

• San Francisco (S)

Mintage 35,520,000

Higher premiums in MS-63–MS-65 ($15–$30)

Proof dimes often start at $20

Silver Content and Melt Value of the 1948 Dime

Silver – 90%

Weight – 2.5 grams

Troy ounces – 0.0723

When you know the silver content value, you can calculate its base metal worth. Each coin’s value starts with the melt value of its silver.

To figure the 1948 dime silver content value, multiply the silver weight by the current spot price. Many dealers list how much is a 1948 silver dime worth using this method. In today’s market, most circulated dimes trade near that silver baseline.

Collectors watch premiums above melt as well. The 1948 silver dime value today often exceeds the metal price when items: 

• Remain uncirculated

• Show a strong appeal

Understanding both metal and numismatic factors helps you gauge a fair offer for each coin.

1948 Dime Error List and Rare Varieties

Collectors track the 1948 dime error list with the mint mark location to find misstruck pieces. Many errors appear near the mint mark on the reverse. These mistakes include doubled dies and repunched mint marks. Each error type can spike an item’s value.

Some errors push the 1948 dime worth with error well above standard pricing. Off-center strikes show part of the design missing along the rim. Die cracks create raised lines that run through Liberty’s portrait. Clipped planchets make one side of the coin look cut short. Strike-throughs leave foreign material embedded in the field.

Collectors also compare these errors to regular Roosevelt dimes. They note that the 1948 Mercury dime value remains a baseline for standard strikes. Error coins often trade for two to three times that figure, depending on severity.

Proof and High-Grade 1948 Dimes

Proof and high-grade 1948 dimes stand out in the Roosevelt series. What is the value of 1948 dime that collectors see as an MS-66 or higher coin? Premiums rise sharply at MS-67+ because few examples survive in top condition. Even modest circulation wear can drop a coin’s appeal, leading to the question: Is a 1948 dime worth anything if it shows any noticeable marks?

Denver proof and business strike a peak in the market for this issue. The 1948 dime D value at MS-67 can reach $150 or more when certified by PCGS or NGC. How much a 1948 D dime is worth at auctions to guide potential sellers. Only a handful of Denver ten-cent coins achieve MS-68 or full band torch details, making them highly sought.

Collectors check key markers before investing in high-grade pieces. They look for sharp torch flames and clear denticles. Every detail from the mint luster to strike depth impacts pricing. Coins with flawless fields and well-defined devices command the highest bids.

Signs of full torch details and other high-grade markers:

• Sharp Torch Flames: Each flame appears distinct with no metal flow or softness

• Clear Denticles: Rim denticles fully separate from the design with crisp edges

• Full Mint Luster: Original mint sheen covers both fields uniformly without haze

• Strong Strike: Devices like Roosevelt’s profile and torch show deep relief and fine hairlines

• No Surface Marks: Look for minimal bag marks, contact spots, or abrasions on high points

Collector Demand for the 1948 Dime Series

What is a 1948 dime worth when numismatists seek coins that mark the first full year of the Roosevelt design? Demand stems from both historical interest and silver content. Many view 1948 ten-cent coins as dime 1948 value benchmarks because they bridge post–World War II coinage and early Cold War-era collecting.

Even basic circulated pieces can find buyers among those building date sets. Premiums rise for uncirculated strikes, with collectors tracking 1948 US dime value guides to spot standout examples.

For more Roosevelt item insights, you should check the 1946 Roosevelt Dime value guide. You will undoubtedly find more useful facts that will help you expand your collection.

Final Thoughts: Should You Keep or Sell a 1948 Dime?

There's a lot of debate in the numismatic community about whether to keep or sell the 1948 Liberty dime. But the answer is clear, as you can see this piece on many online platforms and auctions. For example, Heritage Auctions sold the item for $4,413 in 2005.

Other Side

On the other hand, a 1948 without a mint mark dime still holds appeal for many collectors. Philadelphia strikes reach base silver value in circulated grades, but uncirculated survivors can command premiums that justify preservation. To explore top venues and tips for listing your coin, see the Sell a Coin Collection guide. That resource outlines trusted auction houses and appraisal services to help you make informed decisions.

Related Coin Value Guides:

• 1971 Eisenhower Coin Value
• 1967 Half Dollar Coin Value
• 1964 Quarter Coin Value
• 1965 Nickel Coin Value
• 1969 Penny Coin Value
• 1910 Penny Coin Value