Most of us have grown up with the Roosevelt dime, using it to buy gumballs out of the machine or scrape together enough change to get a candy bar from the gas station. Ten cents doesn't buy a lot these days, but some Roosevelt dimes are worth far more than their face value. Minting errors, proofs, and coins in uncirculated condition can be worth thousands, especially if they're some of the ultra-rare dimes collectors covet. Before you use that dime or exchange it at the bank, take a sec to give it a closer look.
10 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes
All Roosevelt dimes are worth money, but a lot of them are only worth ten cents. The ones that are worth more have some special characteristics. These are a few of the highest-value dimes in this series.
| Roosevelt Dime | Value |
|---|---|
| 1975 No-S proof | $456,000 |
| 1968 No-S proof | $48,875 |
| 1951 Deep cameo proof | $23,500 |
| 1956 Deep cameo proof | $19,975 |
| 1950 Deep cameo proof | $18,800 |
| 1964 SMS Roosevelt dime | $10,200 |
| 1956 Full bands | $9,987.50 |
| 1967 SMS deep cameo | $9,987.50 |
| 1954 Deep cameo proof | $9,400 |
| 1955 Roosevelt dime | $9,300 |
1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
The most valuable Roosevelt dime of all is the 1975 No-S proof, and that's because of a very rare minting mistake. In fact, it's one of the rarest US coins that exists, and there are only two known examples. The Philadelphia Mint used to create all the dies used for dimes at every mint in the country. When the die arrived at the mint that would be using it, the mint added its mintmark to the die (so S for San Francisco, D for Denver, etc).
In 1975, the San Francisco Mint had to step in to help the Philadelphia Mint fulfill its order for dimes, so they minted almost 72 million dimes without a mintmark. This was intentional, but they also accidentally polished one of the no-mintmark dies to create proofs. All but two of these proofs, which did not contain the normal S for the San Francisco Mint, were discovered and destroyed. The two released to collectors are now the most valuable Roosevelt dimes known to exist. One sold in 2019 for $456,000.
Wondering if the dime you have might be a proof? You can tell by looking carefully at the surface and the details. Proofs usually have a more polished background, sometimes with a mirror-like finish, and they are double struck to create strong, clear details.
1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Just like the 1975 no-S proof, the 1968 version was struck at the San Francisco Mint with dies produced at the Philadelphia Mint. It's not as rare as the 1975 version, but it's still one of the rarest and most valuable Roosevelt dimes known. Some sources estimate there may be about 16 known examples, but more have been discovered over time. Basically, if you have a proof dime from 1968 without a mintmark, you could have one of these rarities. An example sold in 2006 for $48,875.
1951 Deep Cameo Proof Roosevelt Dime
If a proof coin has a lot of contrast between the portrait or relief portion and the background, it has what's called a "deep cameo." These are really beautiful and can be worth more than other proofs. A 1951 Roosevelt dime proof in perfect condition and with a deep cameo sold for $23,500 in 2014.
1956 Deep Cameo Proof Roosevelt Dime
Although proof coins don't usually see circulation and the wear that comes with it, the quality of the strike can vary. Collectors want very crisp details, deep cameos, and a perfect finish. One really gorgeous example sold for $19,975 in 2016.
1950 Deep Cameo Proof Roosevelt Dime
Another Roosevelt dime worth a lot of money because of the condition of the proof, the 1950 example is really rare in gem condition. The contrast between the background and the design of the coin makes it very eye-catching. One sold in 2014 for $18,800.
1964 SMS Roosevelt Dime
Between 1965 and 1967, the mint released Special Mint Sets (SMS) instead of proofs. Then in the 1990s, collectors discovered that there were some SMS dimes from 1964 as well. The 1964 Roosevelt dime (SMS) is very rare, especially in gem condition. One sold for $10,200 in 2019.
1956 Full Bands Roosevelt Dime
In a Roosevelt dime, collectors prize "full bands." This refers to the two horizontal bands around the torch on the reverse of the dime. If the bands are completely intact, it was a good strike and is in good condition. These are rare. One 1956 example sold for $9,987.50 in 2013.
1967 SMS Deep Cameo Roosevelt Dime
In 1967, the Mint was issuing SMS dimes instead of proofs. Although they aren't always considered rare, a deep cameo version can be a hot item for collectors. One with a beautiful contrast and sharp details sold for $9,987.50 in 2014.
1954 Deep Cameo Proof Roosevelt Dime
A proof with a deep cameo is usually going to be worth more than the same coin with less contrast. Roosevelt dime values are also affected by the overall condition of the coin. In the case of the 1954 proof, a deep cameo coin in gem condition is worth several thousand dollars more than one with a very slightly lower grade. A gem condition example sold for $9,400 in 2014.
1955 Roosevelt Dime
While condition matters for proofs and SMS dimes, it's also a big deal for business strikes (the coins designed to be circulated). Because these often see a lot of wear from use, it's not always easy to find them in gem condition. One example sold for $9,300 in 2020.
Tips to Spot Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money
While not every dime is going to be a treasure, the valuable ones have a few things in common. Here's what to look for as you sort through your change.
- Look for proofs. Proof coins will be shinier and have bolder details, so keep an eye out for anything that looks extra special.
- Watch for errors. Weirdness is worth money when it comes to coins. If the dime doesn't look quite right for some reason, it could be worth more.
- Check for full bands. Full bands on the torch on the reverse of the coin will sometimes be worth more.
- Keep an eye out for good condition. Wear tends to detract from the value of coins, and that's true for Roosevelt dimes. Look for coins that appear to be uncirculated.
Look at the Details in Every Dime
The Roosevelt dime has been a fixture in American pocket change since 1946, but some of these ten-cent pieces are worth a lot more than ten cents. The key to finding the treasures is looking carefully at the details, so grab your magnifying glass!
