The 10 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes

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?

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. Rare errors, pristine condition, and unique characteristics contribute to the exorbitant value of these coins, which could still be out there in circulation or sitting unnoticed in a coin jar.

Here’s a look at the 10 most valuable Roosevelt dimes:

1. 1975 No S Proof Dime

Value: $456,000

This dime is one of the rarest modern American coins. It lacks the “S” mintmark, which usually indicates that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Only two of these dimes are known to exist.

One sold for nearly half a million dollars at auction in 2019 with both sides of the coin in MS70, the highest grade possible for a modern coin. The other is in the collection of the renowned coin collector, A.J. "Bud" Whitman.

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 as the coin aligners did not properly engage, leaving the mintmark unstruck.

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 nearly 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—which denotes sharp, clear horizontal lines on the torch’s handle in the reverse design, 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?

Several factors contribute to the astronomical value of these dimes:

• Rarity: Some of these dimes were produced in limited quantities or encountered anomalies during minting, rendering them exceptionally rare.

• Pristine Condition: These dimes are still in uncirculated condition with no signs of wear or tear, which is a testament to their careful preservation over the decades.

• Deep Cameo Finish: Certain dimes from the 1950s have a deep cameo finish, which enhances the coin’s visual appeal and increases its desirability among collectors.

How to Know if You Have One

If you suspect you might have one of these valuable dimes, here’s what to do:

• Check Online Databases: Search online databases and coin catalogs to identify the rarest dimes and their estimated values.

• Get Your Dimes Appraised: Take your dimes to a professional coin appraiser or a coin dealer for an accurate assessment of their worth.

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