As an avid collector of modern U.S. coins for over 30 years, I‘ve witnessed the Roosevelt dime series transform from an overlooked afterthought to a mainstay of the numismatic market. Today, high-grade registry sets of Roosevelt dimes are among the most avidly pursued modern coin collections. Certain rare issues have realized spectacular prices that would have been unthinkable a generation ago.
In this in-depth guide, I‘ll share my expert insights on collecting the most valuable Roosevelt dimes. We‘ll explore the key dates, varieties, and errors to look for, and I‘ll reveal insider tips for cherrypicking valuable dimes on a budget. Whether you‘re a new collector or a seasoned pro, my goal is to deepen your appreciation for this fascinating series and help you build a world-class Roosevelt dime collection of your own. Let‘s dive in!
A Brief History of the Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt dime debuted in 1946, shortly after the death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1945. Roosevelt had been a strong proponent of the March of Dimes, a charity established to combat polio, which he had contracted in 1921. Depicting Roosevelt on the dime was a fitting tribute to the late president and helped raise awareness for the March of Dimes.
The Roosevelt dime was designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, whose initials "JS" appear at the base of Roosevelt‘s neck. The reverse features a torch, olive branch, and oak branch, symbolizing liberty, peace, and strength.
From 1946 through 1964, Roosevelt dimes were struck in a 90% silver composition. The dime‘s composition switched to copper-nickel clad starting in 1965, although the U.S. Mint would revive 90% silver dimes for special collector sets beginning in 1992. To date, no significant design changes have been made to Sinnock‘s original Roosevelt dime motif.
The Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes
1. 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
| Coin | Mintage | Finest Known Grade | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 No S | Unknown | PCGS PR68 | $456,000 (2019) |
The undisputed "king" of modern U.S. dimes is the 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt dime. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, a minuscule number of 1975-S Proof dimes were mistakenly struck from a die lacking the "S" mint mark. Just two examples have been certified, making the 1975 No S one of the rarest coins in the entire U.S. series.
The finer of the two pieces, certified PR68 by PCGS, last crossed the auction block in August 2019, where it realized $456,000. The other example, graded PR67 by PCGS, sold for $349,600 in an April 2013 Heritage auction. The extreme rarity and eye-popping values of the 1975 No S Proof have solidified its place at the top of many collectors‘ Roosevelt dime wish lists.
2. 1968 No S and 1983 No S Proof Roosevelt Dimes
| Coin | Mintage | Finest Known Grade | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 No S | Unknown | PCGS PR69CAM | $48,875 (2006) |
| 1983 No S | Unknown | PCGS PR70DCAM | $10,560 (2014) |
In addition to the 1975 No S, two other No S Proof Roosevelt dimes have surfaced: the 1968 No S and 1983 No S. While these issues are not quite as rare as the 1975, they are still highly coveted modern rarities that command substantial premiums.
PCGS CoinFacts estimates 25-30 examples of the 1968 No S are known, while NGC estimates 30-40 pieces exist. The finest 1968 No S is a single PR69CAM (Cameo) coin graded by PCGS, which realized $48,875 in a June 2006 Stack‘s auction. Three other 1968 No S dimes have been graded PR68CAM by PCGS, with one selling for $40,250 in a January 2006 Heritage sale.
The 1983 No S Proof is the most frequently encountered No S dime, although it is still a major condition rarity in superb gem grades. PCGS reports 10 grading events at the PR70DCAM (Deep Cameo) level, with the most recent example realizing $10,560 in a September 2014 Heritage auction.
For collectors on a more limited budget, circulated examples of the 1983 No S are a popular alternative. PCGS estimates 200-250 circulated 1983 No S dimes exist, and problem-free examples graded PR63 to PR65 trade in the $1,500 to $2,500 range.
3. 1964 Special Mint Set Roosevelt Dime
| Coin | Mintage | Finest Known Grade | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 SMS | Unknown | PCGS SP68 | $10,200 (2019) |
1964 marked the end of the 90% silver era for circulating Roosevelt dimes, but a small number of extraordinary dimes with Satin or Special Mint finish were struck that year as part of the first Special Mint Sets (SMS).
Coins produced for SMS sets received special handling and quality control, resulting in exceptionally high surface quality, sharp strikes, and impressive luster. PCGS estimates that 50-60 1964 SMS Roosevelt dimes exist in all grades, making them about 10 times rarer than regular 1964 Uncirculated dimes in MS67+ condition.
The finest known 1964 SMS dime, graded SP68 by PCGS, sold for $10,200 at Stack‘s Bowers‘ 2019 ANA Auction. Another SP67+ example took $7,800 in a January 2014 Heritage sale. For the ultimate Roosevelt dime registry set, the 1964 SMS remains the key to a complete finest-known collection.
Key Date Roosevelt Dimes
Several dates in the 90% silver Roosevelt dime series (1946-1964) are scarce to rare in the highest Mint State grades. Chief among these are:
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1949: With a mintage of just over 30 million coins, the 1949 is the lowest-mintage circulation strike Roosevelt dime of the 1940s. Gem examples are scarce, and the sole MS68FB (Full Bands) graded by PCGS commanded $13,200 in a 2014 Heritage auction.
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1955: Like the 1949, the 1955 had a relatively small mintage (just 12.4 million) and is a major condition rarity in grades above MS67. The finest known 1955 dime, certified MS68 by PCGS, realized $9,300 in a 2020 Stack‘s Bowers sale.
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1996-W: To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime series, the U.S. Mint struck 1,457,000 dimes at the West Point Mint in 1996, issued only in Uncirculated Mint Sets. Top-population MS69FB examples routinely sell for over $1,000.
Condition Rarities: Deep Cameo Proofs and Full Bands
High-grade Roosevelt dimes with exceptional Deep Cameo (DCAM) contrast or Full Bands (FB) strike are among the most sought-after condition rarities in the series. Cameo is a designation for Proof coins that display a marked contrast between frosted devices and reflective fields. Deep Cameo refers to coins with the strongest cameo effect. Full Bands means the horizontal bands on the torch on the coin‘s reverse are fully visible.
Leading third-party coin grading services PCGS and NGC both recognize Cameo and Deep Cameo contrast on Proof Roosevelt dimes, as well as Full Bands designation on Uncirculated and Proof coins that meet the criteria. Dimes with superior technical quality and eye appeal are eligible for these coveted designations.
Some of the most valuable Deep Cameo Proof Roosevelt dimes include:
| Coin | Grade | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 Roosevelt 10C | PCGS PR68DCAM | $18,800 (2014) |
| 1951 Roosevelt 10C | PCGS PR68DCAM | $23,500 (2014) |
| 1956 Roosevelt 10C | PCGS PR69DCAM | $19,975 (2008) |
Full Bands Roosevelt dimes are a perennial favorite among series specialists, with the most valuable examples including:
| Coin | Grade | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1949-S Roosevelt 10C | PCGS MS68FB | $13,200 (2014) |
| 1956 Roosevelt 10C | PCGS MS68FB | $9,988 (2013) |
| 1962 Roosevelt 10C | PCGS MS68+FB | $7,931 (2021) |
As you can see, the market for high-end Roosevelt dimes is robust, with five-figure prices achieved by the rarest Deep Cameo Proofs and Full Bands gems. Fortunately for the collector on a budget, plenty of affordable, high-grade DCAM and FB dimes are available in the $100 to $500 range. Building a top-quality Roosevelt dime set is a goal that‘s achievable at nearly every budget level.
How to Grade Roosevelt Dimes Like an Expert
To cherrypick the most desirable Roosevelt dimes for your collection, it‘s essential to understand the nuances of grading this series. Here are my top tips for evaluating the condition and surface quality of Roosevelt dimes:
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Inspect the high points of the design. First, check the vulnerable areas of the design for wear. On Roosevelt dimes, the high points are Roosevelt‘s cheek and hair, and the lettering on the reverse torch. Avoid coins with flat spots in these areas.
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Check for bag marks and scratches. Roosevelt dimes, especially those struck from 1965-on, are prone to marks and abrasions. Caused by coins rubbing together in Mint bags, these imperfections can limit a coin‘s grade. Inspect the fields and devices carefully, and select coins with clean, mark-free surfaces.
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Look for luster. A coin‘s luster is the natural cartwheel effect created by light reflecting off the flow lines from the die. Original, undisturbed luster is a sign of a minimally circulated or Uncirculated coin. Avoid dimes with dull, lifeless surfaces.
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Full Bands are a sign of quality. As mentioned earlier, Full Bands designation is assigned to Roosevelt dimes with complete horizontal bands on the torch. Sharp FB coins are scarce and desirable in all grades.
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Consider eye appeal. The overall visual impact of a coin is just as important as its technical grade. Seek out dimes with brilliant luster, attractive toning, and good centering. Eye appealing coins are always in demand.
Of course, if you‘re purchasing coins certified by PCGS or NGC, you can buy with confidence knowing your coin has already been professionally authenticated and graded. But even if you collect certified coins, training your eye to spot superior quality will make you a savvier buyer.
Collecting Valuable Roosevelt Dimes on a Budget
Not every collector can afford five- and six-figure Roosevelt dimes, but the good news is that there are plenty of valuable dimes that won‘t break the bank. Here are some of my favorite affordable key date and condition rarity dimes:
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1982 No P Roosevelt Dime: The 1982 No P is a scarce die variety missing the "P" mintmark (for Philadelphia). PCGS estimates 15,000 examples exist. Attractive BU pieces can be found for under $50.
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1960 Proof Roosevelt Dime: With a mintage of just 1.6 million pieces, the 1960 Proof is the lowest mintage Proof in the series. Superb Deep Cameo examples graded PR67 to PR69 are available for $100 to $300.
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1946-S MS Full Bands Roosevelt Dime: The 1946-S is the first year of issue for the Roosevelt dime and the only San Francisco Mint issue of the 1940s. Sharply struck MS66FB and MS67FB examples are highly sought-after by collectors at the $150 to $300 level.
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1963 Proof Roosevelt Dime: Often overlooked, this low-mintage Proof dime had a mintage of just 3.1 million. Only a small percentage of survivors have earned Deep Cameo or Ultra Cameo designation. PR69DCAM examples sell for $300 and up.
By thinking outside the box and focusing on the most affordable condition rarities, you can assemble a set of valuable Roosevelt dimes without spending a fortune. And who knows? Maybe you‘ll get lucky and cherrypick a rare No S or Full Bands variety in change. As a longtime specialist in this series, I‘m still surprised by what turns up in circulation!
FAQ on Collecting Valuable Roosevelt Dimes
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What is the most valuable Roosevelt dime?
The 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt dime is the rarest and most valuable of the series. Graded PR68 by PCGS, the finest known example sold for $456,000 in a 2019 Stack‘s Bowers auction. -
Are silver Roosevelt dimes valuable?
All Roosevelt dimes dated 1964 and earlier contain 90% pure silver and have a bullion value of about $1.50 as of May 2023. Common dates in circulated condition are worth their silver value, while scarcer issues and high grade examples can be worth substantially more. -
What makes a Roosevelt dime valuable?
Key dates, high grades, and rare varieties like No S and Full Bands are the primary factors that determine a Roosevelt dime‘s numismatic value. A coin‘s overall eye appeal and originality also drive collector demand and price levels.
Conclusion
I hope this in-depth guide has opened your eyes to the rich variety and profit potential of collecting Roosevelt dimes. From humble pocket change to low-mintage condition rarities, "Rosies" offer something for every collector.
Whether you‘re starting a date and mintmark set or competing for finest-knowns on the PCGS Set Registry, careful cherry picking and a discerning eye are the keys to building a top-flight collection. Study the series in-depth, buy the best quality you can afford, and seek out the coins that other collectors may have overlooked.
The joy of collecting is in the chase, and Roosevelt dimes are the perfect series for the collector who loves a challenge. I look forward to seeing the valuable treasures you discover. Happy hunting!
