Most people don’t think twice about a dime. It’s just 10 cents, right? But what if we told you that some Roosevelt dimes are worth thousands — even hundreds of thousands — of dollars? If you have a coin jar at home or old change from a grandparent, it might be time to take a closer look. These special dimes are rare, valuable, and highly sought after by collectors. Here’s a simple breakdown of what makes some Roosevelt dimes worth a fortune.
Why Roosevelt Is on the Dime
Franklin D. Roosevelt, also known as FDR, was one of the most important U.S. presidents. He helped lead the country through the Great Depression and World War II. After he passed away in 1945, the U.S. Mint decided to honor him by putting his face on the dime. One reason was his strong support of the March of Dimes, a charity that fought polio, a disease he battled himself.
In 1946, the first Roosevelt dime was released. Early versions were made of 90% silver and 10% copper. But by the mid-1960s, rising silver prices forced the Mint to switch to a cheaper metal mix — mostly copper and nickel. Still, some of the older and special-edition dimes are worth big money today.
What Makes a Roosevelt Dime Valuable?
Most Roosevelt dimes are only worth face value. However, certain dimes become valuable because of these reasons:
- They have minting errors
- They were made in very small numbers
- They are in perfect or near-perfect condition
- They are missing mint marks
- They are proof coins with strong visual details
Let’s look at 10 rare Roosevelt dimes that collectors would love to get their hands on.
Top 10 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes
1. 1975 No S Proof Dime (Type 2 Clad)
- Sold for: $456,000 in 2019
- This dime doesn’t have an “S” mint mark, which makes it extremely rare. Only a couple of these are known to exist.
2. 1968 No S Proof Deep Cameo (Type 2 Clad)
- Sold for: $47,000 in 2020
- Another no “S” dime, this coin has deep cameo contrast and is very rare.
3. 1951 Proof Deep Cameo (Type 1 Silver)
- Sold for: $23,500 in 2014
- Made of silver and has a strong mirror-like finish. Only a few were made in this perfect style.
4. 1956 Proof Deep Cameo (Type 1 Silver)
- Sold for: $19,975 in 2016
- This is another shiny silver proof coin that collectors love.
5. 1950 Proof Deep Cameo (Type 1 Silver)
- Sold for: $18,800 in 2014
- Old and beautiful, this coin is valuable for its design and rarity.
6. 1999-D Roosevelt Dime (Type 2 Clad Regular Strike)
- Sold for: $14,375 in 2009
- A modern coin that was struck in a rare way — worth checking your pocket change!
7. 1949 Full Band Silver Dime (Business Strike)
- Sold for: $13,200 in 2018
- Known for the full bands on the torch design — a sign of high-quality striking.
8. 1946 Silver Roosevelt Dime (Regular Strike)
- Sold for: $12,650 in 2004
- The first year Roosevelt dimes were made — especially rare in top condition.
9. 1966 SMS Special Strike (Type 2 Clad)
- Sold for: $12,500 in 2021
- SMS stands for Special Mint Set, and this one was struck especially well.
10. 1983 No S Proof Deep Cameo (Type 2 Clad)
- Sold for: $10,560 in 2014
- Another missing “S” mint mark, this coin is hard to find and valuable to collectors.
If you’ve got a handful of old dimes at home, it may be worth digging through them. Some Roosevelt dimes look normal but are actually worth thousands. Check for dates, missing mint marks, shiny proof finishes, and coins in perfect condition. You never know — your spare change might just be hiding a small treasure. Coin collecting isn’t just a hobby for some; it’s a serious business that can turn a 10-cent piece into a huge payday.
FAQ’s
How can I tell if my Roosevelt dime is rare or valuable?
Look for special features like missing mint marks (like the “S”), proof finishes (shiny mirror-like surfaces), unusual dates, or minting errors. Coins made before 1965 often contain silver and may be more valuable.
Are all Roosevelt dimes made of silver?
No. Roosevelt dimes made before 1965 are mostly silver (90%). After 1964, the U.S. Mint switched to copper and nickel because silver prices rose, so most newer dimes are not silver.
Where can I sell a rare Roosevelt dime?
You can sell rare dimes to coin dealers, at coin shows, or online through auction sites. It’s important to get the coin appraised by an expert to know its true value before selling.
