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How much is a 1963 dime worth? It would seem that we are talking about an ordinary, unremarkable 1963 US dime, which is of no particular interest, especially for anyone who is still taking only the first steps in the world of numismatics. But this coin stands on the border of two eras: silver and copper-nickel, and it is worth digging deeper - and you will find out that some specimens are really valuable.
Minting errors, circulation features, differences between coins with different mint marks - all this makes the topic of 1963 silver dime value especially fascinating.
And if you are too interested in identifying coins and their values you are in the right place. Let us discuss what exactly to consider when looking for the value of 1963 dime, which coins are rare, what about 1963 dime silver content, and which pieces are especially prized by collectors.
Silver Dime 1963: Historical Background
The series appeared in 1946 after the death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. His portrait decorated the obverse of the coin, replacing the Liberty image. Artist John R. Sinnock created a concise but recognizable design.
In 1963, two major mints issued the coins:
Philadelphia issued 1963 no mint mark dime
Denver minted the 1963 dime D mint mark
By the way, it is interesting that San Francisco did not mint regular circulation coins in 1963. So, 1963 proof dime sets were also minted in Philadelphia. These were 1963 uncirculated dime examples, i.e. they were minted exclusively for collectors and were not intended for mass use.
Main Characteristics of the Coin
Parameter | Characteristics |
Diameter | 17.91 mm |
Weight | 2.50 g |
Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
Silver content | 2.25 g silver (0.900 fine) |
John R. Sinnock | |
Design (obverse) | Portrait of Franklin Roosevelt |
Design (reverse) | Torch, oak and laurel wreaths |
Mint marks | None for Philadelphia, D for Denver. Where is the mint mark on a 1963 dime? It is located on the reverse to the right of the torch, between the olive branch and the torch. |
Silver vs Clad Coins
Is a 1963 dime silver? Yes! And that is the main thing that distinguishes this coin from the modern ones.
The fact is that before 1965 all dimes in the United States were minted in silver, and as you can see in the table above, the coin actually contains 90% silver and 10% copper. Of course, the limited time of issue (before 1965) and the presence of precious metal in the composition makes the 1963 dime silver value higher than other clad versions, which is especially attractive to investors and collectors.
Even worn or damaged 1963 dimes are often worth more than face value because of their melt value (about $2.17 at current silver prices) - the internal value of the silver content (which can fluctuate depending on the market).
Unlike the clad ones, which consist of copper plated with nickel, the silver specimens:
Sound different when dropped on a table
Darken and patina over time rather than just tarnish
Weigh a little more than copper (you will need scales and other tools to assess the parameters of the coin)
And, most importantly, even worn out specimens, be it 1963 silver dime no mint mark or one with D mint mark, retain their metallic value, while modern ones retain only nominal value.
What Is a 1963 Dime Worth? Current Prices and Factors Affecting the Value of a 1963 Dime
The question “how much is a 1963 silver dime worth” cannot be answered clearly until all the key characteristics of the coin are considered. Even for the same variety, prices can vary dramatically depending on the details. Below are the factors that largely determine 1963 Roosevelt dime value, and why some pieces are worth $2 while others are worth $50 or more.
The Main Factors Affecting 1963 Dime Value Today
Silver content: you probably aren't surprised, silver in the composition is a major factor in the base cost.
Mint mark and quality:
1963 D dime value may be higher in high degrees of preservation (MS65+), as coins from Denver tended to be more clearly minted.
1963 dime value no mint mark from Philadelphia are more interesting to error hunters as more rare variations are known.
Additionally, the clarity of relief is of great importance: coins with clearly drawn horizontal stripes on the flare (reverse) can be designated FB (Full Bands) by NGC or FT (Full Torch) by PCGS. These designations confirm the high quality of the mintage and significantly increase the market price of the coin - especially in grades MS65 and higher.
Grade: This is the most absolute rule - high grade dime 1963 coin value is always significantly higher than the same coin with traces of circulation. It is always important to consider scratches, cleaning marks, uniformity of tone and surface luster.
Minting errors: Rare 1963 dime error value may be several times the regular price.
Type of issue: The 1963 dime was issued as a regular circulating coin as well as special versions for collectors. Although proof minting was not mass-produced, polished specimens with a mirror-like luster are found. Their price may be higher - especially if the coin is preserved in roll and has a Cameo effect
Actual 1965 Clad vs. 1963 Dime Value Today
Grade | 1963 dime no mint mark value | 1963 D silver dime value | 1963 proof coins | 1965 (clad) |
G–VF (circulated) | $3.50–$5.00 | $3.40–$5.00 | — | $0.10–$0.25 |
XF–AU | $5.00–$6.00 | $5.10–$6.00 | — | $0.25–$0.50 |
MS60–MS64 | $6.00–$8.50 | $6.00–$8.40 | $7.00–$25.00 (approximately) | $0.75–$1.00 |
MS65+ | $8.50–$135.00 | $8.40–$5,630.00 | $25.00–$40.00 (approximately) | $1.00–$2.00 |
MS65+ FB/FT | $29.70–$7,500.00 | $81.00–$7,500.00 | — | — |
Notes: Examples listed reflect 1965 and 1963 Roosevelt dime value and may vary depending on the market, auction demand and unique characteristics of the specific coin. Prices in the thousands of dollars are a rare exception, possible only for certified top quality coins with Full Bands / Full Torch features.
Valuable Error Dimes to Look for
For many collectors, it is precisely the defective specimens that are of interest, which are different from the normal ones. The 1963 dime error list includes a number of interesting varieties found at auction.
Error | Description | Estimated Cost |
DDO / DDR | Double struck stamp, visible in inscriptions or numerals on obverse/reverse. | $50–$150 |
Clipped Planchet | Part of the blank is missing, clearly visible “bitten off” fragments. | $30–$60 |
Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) | The mint mark is re-punched, the shift is noticeable under magnification. | $5–$15 |
Struck Thru Error (with Cameo Effect on Reverse) | The coin is minted through a foreign object, and the dip cameo is an effect in which the relief elements, looks matte, and the field around it - mirror-shiny. | $300–$400 |
Off-Center Strike | The minting is made with a strong displacement of the image. | $250–$400 |
Struck on Defective Planchet | The blank originally had a defect (crack, shell, bubble, etc). | $100+ |
Broadstrike | There is no normal ring, the edges are blurred, the coin is wider than usual. | $40–$80 |
Die Break / Cud | The breakage of the stamp causes convexities or swellings of the metal. | $10–$50 |
Specific Examples of Erroneous Copies
1963 DDR Dime
Double image effect on the reverse, especially in the flare areas.
Rare dime, especially in good condition.
Estimated price: up to $150. This variety increases 1963 P dime value because of the obvious defect and the limited number of copies.
1963 D Clipped Planchet Error
A piece of blank on the edge of the coin is missing.
Looks like a “bitten off” section.
The price on eBay is about $45. This 1963 D dime error makes an ordinary coin noticeably more valuable.
1963 D/D Repunched Mintmark
A trace of a second strike on mint mark D is visible.
Not rare as such but is collectible.
On eBay the price for this circulated 1963 D Roosevelt dime is $5.
1963 Cameo Reverse Struck Thru
Minting through a foreign object.
Creates a visual effect similar to proof quality: matte relief, mirror field.
The price of a specimen on eBay is around $350. Although such coins are not the most unique, they are still among the 1963 dimes worth money, which are interesting for beginner collectors.
1963 Off Center Strike
Clear deviation of the design from the center
Visible even to the naked eye.
Sold for ~$350 on eBay.
1963-D Struck on a Defective Planchet
Damage to the blank prior to minting.
Cracks, failures are often visible.
The price depends on the degree of the defect and starts at $100.
1963-D Crack Die On Obverse
A crack in the stamp, leaving a line on the obverse.
More noticeable defects are valued higher
Is a 1963 dime worth anything? Yes, the cost in this case can be about $10 - $30, depending on the degree of visibility.
Caught an unusual coin from 1963 and want to understand if it is really worth the money? Or you suddenly have a foreign coin like the 1963 Canada dime in your collection and don't know what to do with it?
Coin ID Scanner will help you quickly recognize the coin, find out its market price, determine its rarity and store the information in your digital catalog. A great tool to keep your collection under control.
Small Coin - Big Interest
Coins like the 1963 dimes are often overshadowed by more famous rarities - and for nothing. They do not claim to be high-profile sensations and do not promise fabulous money to their owners, but they are good for starting a collection: these specimens are affordable and offer interesting and unusual varieties with features and minting errors. Such coins teach attentiveness, develop the collector's eye and turn an ordinary search into a real fascinating hobby.
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