Roosevelt Dime (1946–date): Values & Historical Background
Roosevelt Dime (1946–date): Values & Historical Background
Complete guide to Roosevelt dime values, key dates, varieties, and collecting strategies for America's longest-running dime series
Introduction
The Roosevelt dime has been a familiar fixture in United States coinage since its release into circulation on January 30, 1946, honoring four-term President Franklin Delano Roosevelt who died on April 12, 1945. Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock chose the dime as the canvas for Roosevelt's portrait due to the symbolic connection between the President and the March of Dimes foundation, which was founded to combat polio—a disease Roosevelt battled throughout his life.
Replacing the beloved Mercury (Winged Liberty Head) dime, the Roosevelt dime began as a 90% silver circulating issue with 10% copper content. This continued until 1965, when rising bullion prices forced the U.S. Mint to change the composition to copper-nickel clad. Despite this change, the Mint continues striking silver dimes for collectors in special sets, maintaining the precious metals connection for numismatic purposes.
Table of Contents
Special Roosevelt dimes: Full Bands designation
Although the Roosevelt dime series has been in continuous production since 1946, few valuable rarities have emerged during that time. However, collectors recognize the importance of "Full Bands" Roosevelt dimes—coins with exceptionally strong strikes that exhibit complete horizontal lines in the bands around the torch on the reverse when kept in uncirculated condition.
Full Bands Characteristics
- Complete horizontal lines around torch bands
- Exceptionally strong strike quality
- Only found in uncirculated condition
- More desirable than soft strikes
Strike Quality Factors
- Die pressure and alignment
- Planchet preparation quality
- Press speed and timing
- Die wear and maintenance
Collector Appeal
- Enhanced detail preservation
- Superior eye appeal
- Premium pricing for finest examples
- Challenging to assemble complete sets
Full Bands Rarity
Not all Full Bands examples are necessarily rare, but they are generally deemed more desirable to collectors than pieces showing softer strikes and incomplete details. Some dates are extremely difficult to find with Full Bands designation, making complete Full Bands sets one of the most challenging collecting goals in the Roosevelt dime series.
Key dates and valuable varieties
While most Roosevelt dimes are common, several key dates and varieties command significant premiums among collectors. Understanding these special pieces helps identify potentially valuable coins in collections or circulation finds.
Scarce Business Strikes
- 1949, 1949-D, 1949-S: Tough in Choice/Gem Uncirculated
- 1951-S: Scarce in uncirculated condition
- 1996-W: 50th anniversary, first "W" mint mark on circulating coin
These dates aren't rare in circulated grades but become challenging at higher mint state levels.
Notable Varieties
- 1960 Doubled Die Obverse: Doubling visible in date and legends
- 1963 Doubled Die Reverse: Doubling in reverse inscriptions
- 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse: Clear doubling on reverse
Die varieties show doubling from die production errors, creating collectible pieces.
Missing Mintmark Errors
- 1968 No-S, 1970 No-S, 1975 No-S, 1983 No-S: Proof-only pieces
- 1982 No-P: Business strike missing "P" mintmark
These significant errors command substantial premiums, especially the proof varieties.
1996-W Roosevelt Dime Significance
The 1996-W Roosevelt dime holds special significance as the first business-strike example of a regularly circulating coin to bear the "W" mint mark from West Point Mint. Struck in small quantities exclusively for 1996 U.S. Mint uncirculated sets to mark the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime, these pieces represent an important milestone in modern numismatics and command strong collector premiums.
What are Roosevelt dimes worth?
For the most part, Roosevelt dime values are relatively uniform year to year. The most essential factor is that all pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes contain 90% silver and circulated examples are generally worth their spot value—their melt value based on current silver prices.
Silver Roosevelt Dimes (1946-1964)
- 90% silver composition
- 0.07234 troy ounce pure silver content
- Circulated examples worth melt value
- Uncirculated examples carry modest premiums
Clad Roosevelt Dimes (1965-present)
- Copper-nickel clad composition
- Generally worth face value
- Key dates and varieties exceptions
- Most found in circulation
Modern Silver Proofs (1992-present)
- 90% silver composition
- Special mint sets only
- Consistent values year to year
- Few valuable exceptions
Value Calculation
To determine a silver Roosevelt dime's melt value, multiply 0.07234 (troy ounces of silver) by the current silver spot price. For example, at $25 per ounce silver, each pre-1965 dime contains approximately $1.81 worth of silver content, making them valuable far beyond their 10-cent face value.
Silver content and melt values
Understanding the silver content in Roosevelt dimes is crucial for both collectors and investors. All 90% silver dimes contain roughly 0.07234 troy ounce of pure silver, equivalent to about 2.25 grams of silver content.
| Silver Price per Oz | Silver Dime Melt Value | Premium over Face Value |
|---|---|---|
| $20 | $1.45 | 1,350% |
| $25 | $1.81 | 1,710% |
| $30 | $2.17 | 2,070% |
| $35 | $2.53 | 2,430% |
| $40 | $2.89 | 2,790% |
All Roosevelt dimes minted between 1946 and 1964 are made of silver. Since 1992, proof Roosevelt dimes included in Special Mint Sets are also 90% silver, but these are collector-only issues not found in circulation.
Important Note
Except for errors and varieties, no circulated business-strike Roosevelt dime from 1946 through 1964 is worth significantly more than its silver content. The proof 90% silver Roosevelt dimes made since 1992 also maintain mostly consistent values year to year, with few exceptions for special varieties or errors.
Roosevelt dime current price chart
Roosevelt dime values are straightforward once you understand the key categories. The following price ranges represent typical examples in various conditions and time periods.
| Year/Type | Circulated (G-VF) | Uncirculated (MS-60) | Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1946-1964 Silver (Common) | Melt Value (~$1.50) | $3-5 | $8-15 | Based on silver content |
| 1949, 1949-D, 1949-S | Melt Value | $15-25 | $75-150 | Scarce in high grades |
| 1951-S | Melt Value | $20-35 | $100-200 | Key date in MS |
| 1965-1995 Clad (Common) | Face Value (10¢) | $0.25-0.50 | $1-3 | Found in circulation |
| 1996-W | Not Applicable | $5-8 | $15-25 | 50th anniversary |
| 1996-present (Common) | Face Value (10¢) | $0.25-0.50 | $1-2 | Current production |
| 1975-S No-S Proof | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | $100,000+ | Extremely rare error |
Price Disclaimer
Note: Values above refer to typical examples; damaged pieces are worth less, while superior examples command higher prices. Error coins and exceptional Full Bands examples can bring significant premiums above these standard ranges. Always consult current market conditions and professional grading services for valuable pieces.
Collecting Roosevelt dimes
The Roosevelt dime is a highly popular series with multiple collecting approaches available. The variety of options accommodates different budgets, interests, and collecting philosophies, from basic sets to advanced specialist collections.
Complete Advanced Set
All regular-issue business strikes, proofs, and major varieties. Can easily break six figures with rare No-S proof varieties from late 1960s through early 1980s.
- Most challenging and expensive
- Includes all known varieties
- For well-heeled specialists only
- Ultimate Roosevelt dime achievement
Full Bands Set
Complete set consisting only of Full Bands examples. Some dates are nearly impossible to find with Full Bands details, creating a multi-year quest.
- Extremely challenging goal
- Some dates nearly impossible
- Years-long completion timeline
- Premium quality focus
Regular Issue Set
Business strikes and proofs without varieties. Over 200 coins but few cost-prohibitive pieces. Avoid pre-1968 proofs to stay under $1,000.
- Most popular approach
- Manageable cost under $1,000
- All uncirculated or proof grades
- Comprehensive but affordable
Circulated Set
Circulated examples while avoiding proofs and special issues. Silver dates (1946-1964) at spot prices, post-1964 from circulation. Under $300 total.
- Most affordable option
- Under $300 total cost
- Post-1964 dates from circulation
- Great beginner approach
Circulation Searching
Many post-1964 Roosevelt dimes have become relatively scarce in pocket change, especially issues struck from 1965 through 1983. While it takes persistence, searching circulation for complete date runs provides an engaging and cost-effective way to build collections. Consider this approach alongside silver investing to combine numismatic interest with precious metals accumulation.
Frequently asked questions
The extremely rare 1975-S proof Roosevelt dimes missing the "S" mintmark are currently the most expensive Roosevelt dimes. These error coins can sell for well into six figures, with prices exceeding $100,000 for quality examples.
In Mint State 65 condition, a 1964 silver dime is worth about $7.50. In circulated grades, it's worth its melt value based on current silver spot prices—typically $1.50-2.50 depending on silver market conditions.
The dime's size reflects proportional silver content in pre-1965 coinage. Since 10¢ is 1/5th of 50¢, the half dollar contained about 5 times as much silver as the dime. The size relationships maintained proportional precious metals content across denominations.
Any silver dime (1964 or earlier) is definitely worth keeping, as each contains silver worth significantly more than the 10-cent face value. Additionally, watch for key dates like 1996-W and any coins with unusual characteristics that might indicate varieties or errors.
Silver Content Summary
- Each Roosevelt dime (1964 or earlier): 0.07234 troy oz silver
- Equivalent to 2.25 grams fine silver
- Worth many times face value
- Value fluctuates with silver prices
Condition Factors
- Uncirculated examples worth premiums
- Full Bands designation adds value
- Damage reduces value significantly
- Eye appeal affects pricing
Error Identification
- Missing mintmarks most valuable
- Doubled dies show clear doubling
- Off-center strikes create premiums
- Professional authentication recommended
Earlier dime series for collectors
For collectors interested in expanding beyond Roosevelt dimes into earlier U.S. dime series, several historically significant designs preceded the current series. Each offers unique collecting challenges and historical context.
| Series | Years | Key Characteristics | Collector Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Dime (Winged Liberty) | 1916–1945 | Artistic design, silver content | Highly popular, Full Bands important |
| Barber Dime (Liberty Head) | 1892–1916 | Classical design, key dates | Traditional collectors, condition critical |
| Liberty Seated Dime | 1837–1891 | Long series, varieties | 19th century specialists |
| Capped Bust Dime | 1809–1837 | Early American design | Early date collectors |
| Draped Bust Dime | 1796–1807 | Earliest dimes | Type collectors, very expensive |
Series Progression
Many Roosevelt dime collectors eventually expand into earlier series, particularly Mercury dimes due to their artistic appeal and similar Full Bands collecting challenges. The progression from Roosevelt to Mercury dimes provides a natural bridge into classic U.S. silver coinage while maintaining familiar grading standards and market dynamics.
Conclusion
The Roosevelt dime represents both accessibility and challenge in U.S. numismatics. While most examples trade near their silver content or face value, the series offers significant collecting depth through key dates, varieties, and condition rarities that can satisfy collectors at every level of experience and budget.
Understanding the fundamental distinction between silver dimes (1946-1964) and clad dimes (1965-present) provides the foundation for successful collecting and investing. The silver content alone makes pre-1965 dimes valuable far beyond their face value, while post-1965 examples offer affordable collecting opportunities with occasional valuable exceptions.
Whether pursuing a simple circulated set, challenging Full Bands collection, or comprehensive variety assemblage, Roosevelt dimes provide endless opportunities for discovery and enjoyment. As silver prices continue fluctuating with market conditions, tracking current silver values helps both collectors and investors make informed decisions about these historically significant and practically valuable coins.