While most US dimes are worth only ten cents, certain Roosevelt dimes can be surprisingly valuable to coin collectors. These unassuming coins, often overlooked in our pocket change, can hold significant worth due to errors, low mintages, or unique historical context. If you’re wondering whether you might have a dime worth more than its face value, this guide will walk you through some key Roosevelt dimes that collectors actively seek.
Key Roosevelt Dimes That Could Be Worth More Than You Think
Here are some Roosevelt dimes that stand out from the rest and might just be hiding in your coin jar:
1. The 1972-S Roosevelt Dime: Proof Quality Matters
For the average 1972-S Roosevelt dime, you’re looking at face value, or perhaps a little over if it’s in uncirculated condition. CoinTrackers.com estimates a typical circulated 1972 dime is worth just 10 cents. However, mint state examples can fetch around $36. The real value jump comes with proof dimes in top condition. A 1972-S proof dime graded MS 70 (the highest quality) made of copper and nickel commanded a price of $8,400 at auction in 2008. This highlights how condition and proof status can dramatically impact the value of even seemingly common coins.
2. The Elusive 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime: A Rarity
The 1975 No-S proof Roosevelt dime is a true treasure for serious coin collectors. Its extreme rarity is due to a minting error where the “S” mint mark was accidentally omitted during the proof coin production process. CoinValueChecker reports that only two specimens are currently known to exist, making it one of the most sought-after modern US coins. Recent sales of this dime have reached astonishing figures, with one example fetching nearly half a million dollars ($456,000). This dime exemplifies how mint errors can transform a common coin into an incredibly valuable and rare item.
3. 1982 and 1983 Roosevelt Dimes: The Mystery of the Missing Mint Mark
Keep an eye out for 1982 and 1983 Roosevelt dimes lacking a mint mark. These dimes, particularly those from 1982 minted in Philadelphia, are missing the “P” mint mark due to a die error. Greysheet values these 1982 no-mint-mark dimes around $65, with uncirculated examples potentially reaching $175. While not as valuable as the 1975 No-S dime, they are still significantly more valuable than regular dimes from those years. It’s important to note that 1983-S Roosevelt dimes were exclusively produced as proof coins, making them inherently rarer than standard business strike dimes from that era.
4. The 1996-W Roosevelt Dime: West Point’s Unique Issue
The 1996-W Roosevelt dime holds a special place in coin collecting history. Minted at West Point with a “W” mint mark, it was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime design. According to Gainesville Coins, this is the only non-bullion coin ever produced at the West Point Mint, making it unique. With a limited mintage of just 1.457 million, these dimes were specifically included in 1996 uncirculated collector sets. While not exceedingly rare, their limited mintage and West Point origin make them a sought-after addition to any Roosevelt dime collection.
5. 1998-P Bonded Group of Roosevelt Dimes: An Unusual Minting Anomaly
For something truly out of the ordinary, consider the 1998-P Bonded Group of Roosevelt Dimes. While 1998-P dimes are very common, with over a billion minted, this particular error coin is far from ordinary. Stack’s Bowers Galleries highlights this oddity – a group of roughly 32 dimes fused together due to a coinage press malfunction. This “stack of coins paperweight,” as it was described, sold for an impressive $9,200. This serves as a reminder that even in modern coinage, dramatic minting errors can lead to fascinating and valuable collectibles.
6. 1999-D Roosevelt Dime Error: Broad Strike on a Cent Planchet
Error coins always pique collector interest, and the 1999-D Roosevelt dime error is no exception. RobPaulsenLive.com reported that a “Type 2 Clad Regular Strike” error dime, specifically a broad strike on a cent planchet, achieved a price of $14,375 in “brilliant uncirculated condition” at auction in 2009. This error occurred when a dime was mistakenly struck on a smaller cent planchet, creating an off-center and unique coin. While average condition examples won’t fetch nearly as much, this error type demonstrates the significant premiums error coins can command in the numismatic market.
7. 2020-D Roosevelt Dime: Low Mintage and Modern Collectibility
Even relatively recent dimes can gain collector value. The 2020-D Roosevelt dime, while still in circulation, has garnered attention due to its lower mintage numbers compared to other years. PCGS noted one example selling for $338 on eBay in 2021. While circulated examples are worth very little, pristine, uncirculated 2020-D dimes can sell for under $15. This dime illustrates how even modern coins with slightly lower mintages can become collectible and appreciate in value over time, especially in uncirculated grades.
Are There Dimes Worth Money in Your Pocket?
While finding a 1975 No-S dime is like winning the lottery, understanding which Roosevelt dimes have potential value can make checking your change a bit more exciting. From mint errors to special editions and low mintage years, certain US dimes are indeed worth significantly more than their face value to keen-eyed collectors. Keep an eye out for these key dates and mint marks – you might just find a small fortune hiding in plain sight!
