There is more to coin collecting than just “collecting”. It’s a trade, it's an asset. Some assets or coins are worth much more than others, and you might want to hunt them down. Only then may you call yourself an owner of a truly valuable collection.
Here you will discover the 10 most valuable Roosevelt dimes and what exactly made them valuable. Our list of Roosevelt Dimes worth money will be extensive, and each coin will be thoroughly described.
Consider giving the Free Coin Identifier App a try! Rookie collectors and experienced numismatists are already using such apps.
Roosevelt Dimes Overview
The Roosevelt dime is the ten-cent coin currently issued by the United States Mint. The president on the dime is, as you guessed, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who died in 1945. A year later, in 1946, the US Mint started making Roosevelt coins.
Various presidents graced coins with their portraits. If you look at the top 100 pennies chart, you will see President Lincoln there. Why was Roosevelt chosen as the president on a dime coin?
Mainly, he was chosen to grace dimes, because the president was exceedingly popular due to his actions during the Great Depression, the Second World War, and his company against Poilo.
About Roosevelt Dimes | |
Country | United States |
Years of Minting | 1946-present |
Type: | Standard circulation |
Shape: | Round |
Composition and metal content | 1946–1964: 90% silver, 10% copper 1965–present: outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Pure copper core |
Diameter | 17.9 mm |
Weight | 2.27 grams |
The Mints | United States Mint of Philadelphia, United States Mint of Denver, United States Mint of San Francisco |
10 Roosevelt Valuable Dimes Overview
The Roosevelt series is one of the most popular among dimes, and some are worth thousands of dollars. Just have a look at this Roosevelt dime value chart:
Year & Mint | Type / Description | Metal | Value (USD) |
1975 No S Proof Type 2 | Clad Roosevelt | Clad | $456,000 |
1951 Proof Deep Cameo Type 1 | Silver Roosevelt | Silver | $23,500 |
1956 Proof Deep Cameo Type 1 | Silver Roosevelt | Silver | $19,975 |
1999-D Type 2 Regular Strike | Clad Roosevelt | Clad | $14,375 |
1949 Type 1 Full Band Business Strike | Silver Roosevelt | Silver | $13,200 |
1966 SMS Special Strike Type 2 | Clad Roosevelt | Clad | $12,500 |
1983 No S Proof Deep Cameo Type 2 | Clad Roosevelt | Clad | $10,560 |
1954 Proof Deep Cameo | Silver Roosevelt | Silver | $9,400 |
1998-P Bonded Group (32 Fused Coins, 72.3g Total) | Error Coin | Clad | $9,200 |
1972-S Proof Deep Cameo Type 2 | Clad Roosevelt | Clad | $8,400 |
Impressive, isn’t it? The list is very diverse, and has different pieces, from copper dimes (also called clad) to rare coins with errors.
Let's have a better look at each listed bit.
1. 1998-P Bonded Group Roosevelt (32 Fused Coins, 72.3g Total) - $9,200
Mintage: Ordinary 1998-P Roosevelt dimes were produced in huge numbers, about 1,030,550,000 at Philadelphia. The fused error is unique, with no official mintage.
Why it's valuable: This is a striking error piece, a bonded group of 32 fused dimes forming a single heavy coin. Such fused or multi-strike errors are rare and highly sought after by collectors for their novelty.
2. 1975 No S Proof Type 2 Clad Roosevelt - $456,000
Mintage: The 1975 dime had about 2.84 million proof coins, but only a few (estimated maximum 5, and only 2 discovered) coins were left with a “no S” error.
Why it's valuable: Only two examples of this proof error are known. Proof dimes minted in San Francisco (1975-S) should have borne an "S" mint mark. These two pieces were struck without it, making them exceptionally rare. One sold for $456,000 in 2019, and another later realized $506,250.
3. 1966 SMS Special Strike Type 2 Clad Roosevelt - $12,500
Mintage: SMS sets were made in much smaller numbers than circulation coins, but the exact count for Type 2 is unknown.
Why it's valuable: SMS (Special Mint Set) coins were struck between proofs and regular strikes in quality. They mark the transitional period, and transitions are valuable among collectors. Type 2 varieties for the 1966 dime show distinctive design quirks and are rarer, making them desirable to specialists.
4. 1972-S Proof Deep Cameo Type 2 Clad Roosevelt - $8,400
Mintage: About 3.26 million proof dimes were struck in 1972. Only a fraction is Deep Cameo Type 2.
Why it's valuable: Deep Cameo coins have always been a desired variety. They display strong frosted design elements against mirrored fields. Type 2 design details further increase their collectibility.
5. 1951 Proof Deep Cameo Type 1 Silver Roosevelt - $23,500
Mintage: Only about 57,500 proof dimes were struck in 1951, with very few in Deep Cameo quality.
Why it's valuable: Deep Cameo proofs are always rare, especially from the early 1950s. It’s harder to preserve a coin in excellent condition for decades, so all the survivors possess a high value. Silver content also adds to value.
6. 1999-D Roosevelt Type 2 Clad Regular Strike - $14,375
Mintage: The Denver mint struck about 1.398 billion dimes in 1999, but Type 2 examples represent only a small part of the whole mintage.
Why it's valuable: It’s rare that relatively modern coins have a price above face value. Still, the exceptionally rare examples can be an exclusion. Type 2 indicates a subtle design or die variety that is scarcer than the standard strike.
7. 1949 Type 1 Full Band Silver Roosevelt Business Strike - $13,200
Mintage: Around 30–35 million dimes were struck in 1949 (across Philadelphia and San Francisco). Only a fraction are Full Band examples.
Why it's valuable: "Full Band" (FB) varieties show sharply defined, fully separated bands on the torch on the reverse. Most Full bands are very rare, but combined with an old date and a silver composition, the value rises even more.
8. 1983 No S Proof Deep Cameo Type 2 Clad Roosevelt - $10,560
Mintage: About 3,279,126 proof dimes were struck in 1983, with only a small part being No-S errors.
Why it's valuable: Like the 1975 No-S, some 1983 dimes were struck without the "S" mint mark. About 3,000–3,500 examples are known, and each is highly sought after.
9. 1956 Proof Deep Cameo Type 1 Silver Roosevelt - $19,975
Mintage: About 669,384 proof dimes were minted in 1956, with only a fraction in Deep Cameo condition
Why it's valuable: A high-quality silver proof with strong Deep Cameo contrast. Type 1 indicates an early proof striking, which tends to be sharper and scarcer.
10. 1954 Proof Deep Cameo Roosevelt - $9,400
Mintage: About 233,300 proof dimes were struck in 1954. Only a few survive in Deep Cameo condition.
Why it's valuable: Proof dimes from this era with Deep Cameo finishes are rare and desirable. Silver composition + excellent quality guarantee, great price.
What Makes Coins Valuable
What can we say with all the info we’ve gathered? What factors could get your piece into a 25 most valuable Roosevelt dimes list, a top 100 list, and so on?
1. Metal Composition
Silver dimes (1946–1964) are worth more in their bullion properties. Even circulated examples are worth more than face value due to silver content.
Clad dimes (1965–present) are mostly worth face value unless they are special strikes, errors, or proofs.
2. Rarity and Mintage
Coins with lower mintage, or with very few surviving high-quality examples, are more valuable.
For example, there are only 2 discovered 1975 No-S Proofs in an above million mintage.
3. Condition (Grade)
Coin grading is on a scale from 1–70. A higher grade means a higher value. Via coin certification, you can get your piece officially graded.
Mint State (MS), Proof (PR), and Deep Cameo (DCAM) coins are worth more than other valuable dimes in circulation.
Full Torch / Full Bands (FT/FB) are another valuable strike variety. It’s defined by the reverse torch, where the horizontal bands must be sharply struck and fully separated. Coins with this feature are scarcer and worth more.
5. Errors and Varieties
Minting mistakes often make coins far more valuable.
Common Roosevelt dime errors include Missing Mint Marks (1975 No-S, 1983 No-S), Wrong Planchet Errors, Doubled Dies, or Repunched Mint Marks.
7. Historical Significance
Coins tied to major changes in U.S. coinage are more collectible.
For example, the metal transition in 1965 from silver to clad makes early clad dimes, especially unusual SMS strikes, historically important.
Most valuable rare dimes usually have a mix of these factors.
A New Coin Identification Technology
Collecting is a popular hobby, but when it comes to coin recognition, only a few people possess the necessary skills and expertise. Now, to even the playing field, coin identification apps were made.
Coin ID Scanner
Coin ID Scanner is a mobile app available for both iPhone and Android. It uses image recognition and AI to identify coins, estimate values, and help collectors manage their collections.
The core app features include:
AI-Powered Image Recognition: You can snap a photo or upload an image of a coin, and the app identifies it with details like country, denomination, mint information, composition, rarity, and estimated value.
Extensive Coin Database: The app has a large and growing database with more than 150,000 coins from different eras and regions.
Collection Management: Users can save and organize their identified coins in a “My Collection” section.
Numismatic Content: The app offers coin collecting news, grading tips, and educational articles.
AI Chat Assistant: A built-in assistant can answer questions about coins and values.
Give this app a try! It might make your hobby easier to do.
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