Most people hardly glance at the small coins jingling in their pockets, but what if one of them was worth tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of dollars? Among the many coins minted by the U.S. Mint over the years, some dimes have become prized possessions for collectors due to rare errors, pristine condition, and unique characteristics.
Here’s a look at the 10 most valuable Roosevelt dimes that could still be out there in circulation or sitting unnoticed in a coin jar.
1. 1975 No S Proof Dime
Value: $456,000
One of the rarest modern American coins, this dime lacks the “S” mintmark, indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint but without the identifier. Only two are known to exist. This coin fetched nearly half a million dollars at auction in 2019.
2. 1968 No S Proof Dime
Value: $48,875
This proof dime is another minting anomaly with a missing San Francisco mintmark. Extremely rare, these errors occurred during early proof minting.
3. 1951 Deep Cameo Proof Dime
Value: $23,500
This early Roosevelt dime proof is noted for its deep cameo finish—an effect that makes the design stand out with a frosted look against a mirror-like background.
4. 1956 Deep Cameo Proof Dime
Value: $19,975
Another brilliant proof coin, the 1956 dime is desirable because few were produced with such a high-quality cameo effect, which is increasingly rare in uncirculated condition.
5. 1950 Deep Cameo Proof Dime
Value: $18,800
This was the first year Roosevelt dimes were offered in proof form, and those with deep cameo finishes are particularly valuable to collectors.
6. 1999-D Regular Strike Dime
Value: $14,375
Struck in Denver, this dime has no visible errors, but its high value comes from its near-perfect condition. Coins like these are extremely hard to find in circulation due to wear and tear.
7. 1949 Full Band Business Strike Dime
Value: $13,200
This dime is a gem for collectors because of its “full band” designation—sharp, clear horizontal lines on the torch’s handle on the reverse, indicating a strong strike.
8. 1946 Regular Strike Dime
Value: $12,650
Being the first Roosevelt dime ever minted, this coin carries historical value. Pristine versions from this year are incredibly rare and can command a strong price.
9. 1966 Special Mint Set (SMS) Dime
Value: $12,500
These dimes were issued in Special Mint Sets instead of proof sets due to a pause in production of proof coins during the mid-1960s. Their distinct finish and scarcity make them highly collectible.
10. 1983 No S Proof Dime
Value: $10,560
Another mintmark error, the 1983 No S Proof Dime is missing its San Francisco mintmark and remains a rare discovery among proof sets.
What Makes These Dimes So Valuable?
- Missing Mint Marks: A missing mintmark is an error that usually only happens once or twice during a minting year, making the coin a rare collector’s item.
- Deep Cameo and Full Band Features: These design features represent high-quality strikes, which are sought after in the collecting world.
- Mint Set Variants: Coins from special or proof mint sets often retain better detail and condition than circulation coins.
How to Know if You Have One
If you suspect you might have one of these valuable dimes, here’s what to do:
- Use a Magnifying Glass: Examine the coin for mintmarks or design details.
- Compare With Official References: Use PCGS or NGC databases.
- Get a Professional Appraisal: Consider sending the coin to a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
- Visit the U.S. Mint Website: For detailed minting information and historical coin programs, check www.usmint.gov.
Final Thoughts
While chances of finding one of these treasures in everyday circulation are slim, they aren’t zero. With a little luck and a keen eye, that overlooked dime in your pocket could be worth thousands. Keep checking your change—you might just hit the jackpot.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
