How Much Is a 1981 Roosevelt Dime Worth?

The Roosevelt dime came into existence during a period when the U.S. Mint was producing billions of coins annually. The discrepancy between the high mintage and the low preservation rate of high-quality coins fueled the numismatic interest. The MS-65 ranges between $5–$25 on the open markets.

How Much Is a 1981 Dime Worth?

Roosevelt items came to replace the previous Mercury series. Even though some past members, like the 1941 Mercury dime, were quite valuable, new Roosevelts quickly became iconic among common and professional collectors. Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock prepared the new design.

Item History

By 1981, the U.S. Mint had been producing copper-nickel clad pieces for 16 years. The period was characterized by decreasing aesthetic quality:

• The Design Changes

To prolong the life of the dies, the Mint gradually lowered the relief of Roosevelt’s portrait. By the year, numismatic critics like David Lange described the design as flat and lifeless compared to the sharp, sculptural silver strikes of the 1940s.

• The Philadelphia Transition

The year was the second year that the Philadelphia Mint included the "P" mint mark on the item. For decades (since 1946), Philadelphia pieces had no mint mark at all.

"...the 1981 sets were often raided to find coins for circulation or birth-year gifts, making pristine, high-luster survivors in MS-68 much rarer than the paper mintage suggests."
– Ian Russell, expert
GreatCollections

1981 Roosevelt Dime Value by Mint Marks

How do people determine the varieties of a coin? Usually, they look at their mint marks and categorize the coins according to them.

The item had three mints:

• Philadelphia mint facility, no mint mark

• D (Denver mint facility, "D").

• S (San Francisco mint facility, "S").

Each facility had a different mintage. Some of them made more coins, others made some errors. Let’s examine these mint marks closely.

1981 Dime No Mint Mark Value

Look for: A blank space on the obverse under Roosevelt’s neck.

Mintage: 676,650,000

Estimated 1981 Dime Value: 10 cents–$2+

For a long time, Philadelphia was the queen of the US mintage, but for this coin, the Philadelphia Mint took a step back. The value is not very high, rarely going over face value.

1981 D Dime Value

Look for: A “D” mark on the obverse under Roosevelt’s neck.

Mintage: 712,284,143

Estimated Value: 10 cents – $2+

A common trend for the '70s and '80s coins is that Denver had the biggest mintage. The 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar also had more pieces coming from the Denver mint.

1981 S Dime Value

Look for: An “S” mark on the obverse under Roosevelt’s neck.

Mintage: 4,063,083

Estimated Value: About $3+ (filled), about $6+ (clear)

The San Francisco Mint produced two different varieties of these coins: one had a filled-in S, and the other had a Clear S. The clear S type is a bit more valuable.

Is a 1981 Dime Worth Anything Above Face Value?

The item, like others, is graded on the scale from 1 to 70. The low grades are usually categorized as “circulated, and are worth only face value. Collectors pay a lot of money for MS65+ uncirculated and PR69-70 proof coins.

We’ve seen what price some errors can fetch for this coin. Now, let’s see what ordinary, error-free pieces can get.

So, is the 1981 dime worth millions? Hard to say. The coin is relatively new, not even 50 years old, and made of copper. Therefore, it rarely exceeds a face value.

San Francisco

Only by having a high grade or coming from a rare variety, either from the “S” marks or errors, can this piece reach its peak.

1981 Dime Error List

Less often, coins are categorized according to their errors. Meanwhile, the word “error” doesn't sound positive, for coins are a great booster to their value.

• Off-Center Strike

For this error, the design is not aligned properly. It’s often asymmetrical and shifted to the side. Value depends on how far off-center the design is, but usually the price is $15+.

• Clipped Planchet

A curved or straight piece is missing from the coin’s edge. The error is caused by a misfed metal strip in the blanking press. The value depends on the size of a missing chunk, but usually starts from $15.

• Broadstrike

The coin was struck without the collar, appears wider, and pancaked. Rims are often stretched, but the design is complete. The 1981 D dime error value is $30+. While this error is not exceptionally rare, it’s less frequent than off-centers.

• Wrong Planchet / Transitional Error

A piece struck on a blank intended for another coin (e.g., cent, foreign coin). Identified by the wrong weight and/or wrong color, for example, a 1981 gold dime. These are very scarce and highly valuable.

Rare 1981 Dime Errors That Can Be Valuable

Among the Roosevelts, certain errors appear on some mint marks more often. S items had the least error, as they were made in a smaller quantity and of better quality. This will be a general 1981 P dime error list with pictures.

Doubled Die (DDO/DDR)

With these errors, you’ll see double letters or numbers on the date and inscriptions like “IN GOD WE TRUST”. A very rare mistake, not widely documented for the year, but always worth checking.

Die Breaks / Cuds

The 1981 D dime error list with pictures is characterized by raised blobs or missing metal on the rim or within the design.

Missing Clad Layer

One or both sides are missing the nickel coating, showing a reddish 1981 copper dime core. If only one side is affected, the coin may retain eye appeal and attract collectors. The starting value is $7.

Die Clash

Faint outlines of design elements from the opposite side appear on the 1981 dime D. The errors happen when dies strike each other without a planchet between them.

• The value is $10+

1981 Dime Specifications

Prices for high-grade modern clad coins are currently driven by Set Registry competitors. If your coin is one of the finest known, an auction house like GreatCollections will typically yield a higher return than a direct sale to a dealer.

What Makes a 1981 Roosevelt Dime Valuable?

• The Type 2 Hunt

If you have a 1981-S Proof, use a loupe to inspect the mint mark. If the "S" has clear, bulbous serifs and a distinct opening (Clear S), it is a Type 2. These are currently realizing between $215 and $325 in PR-70 DCAM at auction this spring.

• The Full Bands Factor

For 1981 dime P and Denver (D) strikes, do not bother with professional grading unless the horizontal bands on the reverse torch are 100% separated. A D MS-68 without Full Bands may bring $100, but with Full Bands, it can soar past $1,000.

Auction Records 2025–2026

All auction records from GreatCollections:

• 2025, D MS-68 FB (QA Toned) – $585

• 2025, S Type 2 PR-70 DCAM – $405

• 2025, S Type 2 PR-69 DCAM – $112

• 2025, D MS-68 FB (Toned) – $602

• 2026, D MS-67 FB – $120

How to Identify a Valuable 1981 Dime

In addition to the basic characteristics of a coin, which can be measured or analyzed using equipment, there are historical factors. The period is the calm before the storm of 1982.

No Mint Sets – because the U.S. Government did not produce official Uncirculated Mint Sets in 1982 or 1983 due to budget cuts, the year sets became the last accessible source for high-grade specimens for several years.

The 1982 No P Connection – the year history is often studied because it led directly to the famous 1982 "No P" error. The mistakes made in the die-marking process in late '81 directly contributed to the oversight that allowed a Philadelphia item to be released without its mint mark the following year.

The Type 2 Mint Mark Revolution

This is the most historically significant event of the year. During the year, the San Francisco Mint updated its equipment, leading to two distinct versions of the proof item:

• The Filled S Type 1

These dies were used with the old, worn-out punch from 1979. The "S" looks blobby, and the loops are often filled with metal. This represents the "old way" of marking coins.

• The Clear S Type 2

Late in the year, a new, sophisticated punch was introduced. This "S" is sharp with bulbous serifs and clear loops. Historically, this marked the beginning of the ultra-high-quality proof standards we see in modern sets today.

Where to Sell or Appraise a 1981 Dime

The best place to sell or appraise the coin depends entirely on its technical grade and variety (Type 2 Clear S proof). In the modern market, general circulated pieces remain at face value, while top pieces are auctioned through elite platforms. 

Always check the 1981 dime error list with pictures. Other documented year coins, like the 1981 penny, are worth $100+.

FAQ

Related Coin Value Guides

• 1975 & 1982 Rare Dimes Coins Value
• 1982 American Quarter Coin Value
• 1984 Australia 1 Dollar Coin Value
• 1986 Silver Eagle Coin Value
• 1984 Penny Coin Value
• 1983 Nickel Coin Value