Roosevelt dimes have been circulating since 1946, but did you know some of these small coins could be worth thousands of dollars? While most dimes are worth their face value, a few rare varieties have caught the attention of collectors due to minting errors, unique features, or pristine conditions.
Some Roosevelt dimes have sold for as much as $500,000 at auction! In this article, we will explore eight rare Roosevelt dimes that could be hiding in your change, waiting to be discovered.
8 Rare Roosevelt Dimes That Could Be Worth a Fortune
1. 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
The 1968 No-S Proof dime is one of the rarest Roosevelt dimes due to a minting error. Proof dimes are typically struck with a high level of detail, and coins minted in San Francisco should feature an “S” mintmark.
However, in 1968, some dimes were mistakenly minted without the “S” mintmark, making them incredibly rare. A 1968 No-S Proof dime can be worth up to $47,000 depending on its condition.
2. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
Another valuable proof dime is the 1975 No-S variety. Like the 1968 version, this dime was minted in San Francisco but lacks the “S” mintmark.
Only two examples of this dime are known to exist, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins. In 2019, one of these dimes sold for an impressive $456,000, with estimates suggesting it could reach as much as $500,000.
3. 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
In 1982, the Philadelphia Mint produced some dimes without the “P” mintmark, marking the first time a mintmark was omitted on dimes produced in Philadelphia. These dimes are rare and highly sought after by collectors. Depending on the grade, a 1982 No-P dime can be worth between $75 to $500.
4. 1955 Roosevelt Dime
The 1955 Roosevelt dime is considered a condition rarity. It had a relatively small mintage of around 12.4 million, and examples in pristine condition (graded MS67 or higher) are extremely rare. A 1955 Roosevelt dime in MS68 grade sold for $9,300 in a 2020 auction.
5. 1956 Roosevelt Dime (Full Bands)
The 1956 Roosevelt dime is highly desirable when it features the “Full Bands” (FB) designation, which means the horizontal bands on the torch are fully visible. Dimes with Full Bands are rare and can fetch a much higher price. In 2013, a 1956 FB dime sold for $9,988 at auction.
6. 1964 SMS Roosevelt Dime
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Roosevelt dime is another rare coin that is highly prized by collectors. These dimes were produced in very limited numbers, and examples in near-perfect condition can command a premium price. A 1964 SMS dime graded SP68 sold for $10,200 at a 2019 auction.
7. 1949-S Roosevelt Dime (Full Bands)
The 1949-S Roosevelt dime is another valuable coin, especially when it has the Full Bands designation. This coin had a mintage of just over 13 million, and high-grade examples with Full Bands are incredibly rare. In 2014, a 1949-S dime with Full Bands sold for $13,200.
8. 1996-W Roosevelt Dime
The 1996-W Roosevelt dime was produced by the West Point Mint to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime series.
This dime was only included in special uncirculated sets and was not released into general circulation. While not as rare as some others on this list, a 1996-W dime in high grades can be worth more than $1,000.
| Year | Variety | Mintmark Error/Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | No-S Proof | Missing “S” Mintmark | Up to $47,000 |
| 1975 | No-S Proof | Missing “S” Mintmark | Up to $500,000 |
| 1982 | No-P | Missing “P” Mintmark | $75 – $500 |
| 1955 | MS68 Condition | Condition Rarity | $9,300 |
| 1956 | Full Bands | Full Bands Designation | $9,988 |
| 1964 | SMS Special Strike | Special Mint Set | $10,200 |
| 1996 | W Mintmark | West Point Anniversary Coin | Over $1,000 |
| 1949 | S Full Bands | Full Bands Designation | $13,200 |
How to Identify Valuable Roosevelt Dimes
- Check the Mintmark: Look for missing mintmarks, such as the “No-S” and “No-P” varieties, which can drastically increase the value of your dime.
- Inspect for Full Bands: Coins with sharp, complete horizontal bands on the torch (Full Bands) are worth significantly more than regular strikes.
- Look for Proofs: Proof coins are struck with extra care and feature a high level of detail. Proof dimes, especially with errors like missing mintmarks, are highly collectible.
- Examine Condition: Pristine condition coins (graded MS67 or higher) are rare and valuable. Look for coins with minimal wear and good eye appeal.
- Check Dates and Mints: Dimes from certain years, like 1955 and 1964, are particularly rare in top condition.
Conclusion
Roosevelt dimes might be small in size, but they can hold immense value, especially if you stumble upon one of the rare varieties.
Whether it’s a missing mintmark, a proof coin, or a pristine example with Full Bands, some Roosevelt dimes have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. The next time you check your change, take a closer look—you might just find a fortune hidden in plain sight!
FAQs
1. How do I know if my Roosevelt dime is valuable?
Look for mint errors, such as missing mintmarks, or seek out coins with Full Bands or proof finishes. Having your dime graded by a professional service can also help determine its value.
2. What is the most valuable Roosevelt dime?
The 1975 No-S Proof dime is considered the most valuable, with one example selling for $500,000.
3. Where can I sell my rare Roosevelt dimes?
You can sell rare dimes through auction houses like Heritage Auctions or on coin marketplaces. Always get them graded by a professional service to maximize value.
4. What does “Full Bands” mean on a Roosevelt dime?
“Full Bands” refers to the clear and complete horizontal bands on the torch on the coin’s reverse. Dimes with Full Bands are more valuable.
5. Are all 1964 Roosevelt dimes valuable?
Most 1964 dimes are not particularly valuable, but the SMS (Special Mint Set) dimes from that year can be worth thousands.
References
- CoinValueChecker – “17 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money”
- Coinfully – “Dimes Worth Money: Is Your Dime Valuable in 2024?”
- 33rd Square – “The Ultimate Guide to Collecting the Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes”
- Vice – “These Sisters Just Found an Old Dime Worth $500,000 or More”