Discover the hidden treasures in your pocket that could make you rich overnight! We’ve compiled the ultimate list of rare Roosevelt dimes that are worth a fortune.
Think the coins jingling in your pocket or sitting in your change jar are just ordinary loose change? Think again! Some Roosevelt dimes – the same coins you might be using for laundry or parking meters – are worth thousands, even millions of dollars to collectors.
The Crown Jewels: Top 3 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes
These three dimes represent the absolute pinnacle of Roosevelt dime collecting. If you find one of these, you’ve hit the numismatic jackpot!
In 1965, the U.S. Mint switched from 90% silver to copper-nickel clad composition. A few 1965 dimes were accidentally struck on 90% silver planchets intended for 1964 coins. Only a handful are known to exist.
Ultra Rare
Proof coins are specially struck for collectors and should have an “S” mint mark for San Francisco. A few 1975 proof dimes were struck without the mint mark, making them incredibly valuable.
Extremely Rare
All dimes minted in Philadelphia in 1982 should have a “P” mint mark, but a few were accidentally struck without it. These error coins are highly sought after by collectors.
Extremely Rare
Roosevelt Dime Value Quick Reference
Here’s a quick overview of some of the most valuable Roosevelt dimes to look for:
| Year & Variety | Mint Mark | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 Silver Error | None (error) | Mint State | $500,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| 1975 No-S Proof | None (error) | Proof | $500,000 – $1,500,000 |
| 1982 No-P | None (error) | Mint State | $150,000 – $400,000 |
| 1996-W Roosevelt Dime | W (West Point) | Mint State | $50 – $2,500+ |
| 1968 No-S Proof | None (error) | Proof | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| 1970 No-S Proof | None (error) | Proof | $400 – $2,000+ |
| 1983 No-S Proof | None (error) | Proof | $500 – $3,000+ |
How to Identify Valuable Roosevelt Dimes
Finding these treasure coins requires knowing what to look for. Here are the key factors that make a Roosevelt dime valuable:
1. Mint Errors
Coins with striking errors are often the most valuable. Look for:
- Off-center strikes: The design isn’t centered on the coin
- Double dies: Letters or numbers appear doubled
- Wrong planchet: Coin struck on wrong metal blank
- Missing mint marks: Where a mint mark should be but isn’t
2. Key Dates & Low Mintage
Some years had significantly fewer coins minted, making them inherently rarer.
3. Silver Content (Pre-1965)
All Roosevelt dimes minted 1964 and earlier contain 90% silver. Even circulated ones are worth about 15-20 times face value for their silver content alone.
4. Exceptional Condition
A coin that’s never been circulated (Mint State) or has exceptional eye appeal can be worth hundreds or thousands of times more than a worn example.
Start Checking Your Change Today!
You could be sitting on a fortune without even knowing it. People find valuable coins in their everyday change more often than you might think. One collector found a 1965 silver dime in a roll he got from the bank. Another discovered a 1975 No-S proof dime in an inherited collection.
What to do if you think you have a valuable dime:
- Handle carefully by the edges to preserve condition
- Do not clean or polish the coin (this reduces value!)
- Research similar coins online to compare
- Consider getting it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC
- Consult with a reputable coin dealer for valuation
The Thrill of the Hunt
Coin collecting isn’t just about the potential financial gain—it’s about the excitement of the hunt and connecting with history. Every Roosevelt dime carries the image of one of America’s most influential presidents, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who founded the March of Dimes to fight polio.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just someone curious about the change in your pocket, keep an eye out for these rare Roosevelt dimes. You never know when you might stumble upon a coin worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars!
Remember: While finding one of these ultra-rare dimes is like winning the lottery, even common silver Roosevelt dimes (1946-1964) are worth significantly more than face value for their silver content. So you can’t lose by checking your change!
