If you’re a coin enthusiast or collector, you may already know that certain Roosevelt Dimes are worth much more than their face value. The 10 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money offer both historical significance and financial potential for collectors. Since its introduction in 1946, the Roosevelt Dime has seen a variety of key dates, mint errors, and rare editions that make some of these coins incredibly valuable.
From silver content to low mintage years, these dimes can range from modestly priced to thousands of dollars depending on their condition and rarity. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 dimes that are highly sought after by numismatists and investors alike, offering insight into their unique value and the factors that contribute to their worth.
1. 1949-S Roosevelt Dime – The Rare San Francisco Mint Coin
The 1949-S Roosevelt Dime is one of the most valuable and rare coins in the Roosevelt Dime series. This coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint, and with a relatively low mintage of just 8,000,000, it stands out among other Roosevelt Dimes.
While it’s not the lowest mintage in the series, it’s still considered a rarity, especially in higher grades. What makes the 1949-S especially sought after is its scarcity in uncirculated condition. Many of these coins were heavily circulated, so finding one that hasn’t been worn down by time is a challenge for collectors.
A coin in mint condition (MS-65 or higher) can easily fetch $1,500 to $2,500, with some rare examples selling for even higher prices at auction. The coin features Franklin D. Roosevelt’s portrait on the obverse, designed by John R. Sinnock, and the reverse features a torch, olive branch, and oak branch, symbols of liberty, peace, and strength. As the 16th year of the Roosevelt Dime series, it holds special significance for collectors and remains a favorite among numismatists.
2. 1949-D Roosevelt Dime – The Denver Mint’s Key Date
The 1949-D Roosevelt Dime is another highly valued coin in the Roosevelt series. With a mintage of 29,370,000, this dime is not as rare as some of the others on the list but still holds considerable value. Coins minted at the Denver Mint (denoted by the D mintmark) are often harder to find in higher grades, particularly in uncirculated or gem quality.
The 1949-D is particularly valuable because of its status as a key date in the Roosevelt series, as it was one of the first coins minted after the initial series launch in 1946.
In good to fine condition, the 1949-D is worth anywhere from $10 to $50, but in uncirculated MS-65 or higher, prices can range from $250 to $500. For collectors looking to complete a Roosevelt Dime set, the 1949-D holds significant importance. The design, featuring Roosevelt’s profile and the symbolic reverse with the olive branch, torch, and oak branch, remains iconic. As with many coins, the condition and overall appeal of the coin drive its market value.
3. 1950 Roosevelt Dime – The First Year of Issue with a Mint Error
The 1950 Roosevelt Dime is another valuable coin that stands out in the series. This year is significant for collectors because of an interesting mint error that occurred during production. A significant portion of these coins was struck with a doubled die, meaning that the design was stamped more than once, resulting in two distinct impressions on the coin. These errors were not noticed until after they were released into circulation, making them much rarer and more valuable than regular coins from that year.
The 1950 Dime without errors is worth about $3 to $5 in average condition, but the doubled die version can be worth $500 to $1,000 depending on the severity of the error and the condition of the coin. The dimes that exhibit this error are highly sought after by collectors, as mint errors are always more valuable. The coin features a portrait of Roosevelt on the obverse and the traditional reverse design of the torch, olive branch, and oak branch.
4. 1955 Roosevelt Dime – A Coin in High Demand
The 1955 Roosevelt Dime is another example of a key date coin in the series. This particular coin was minted in relatively low numbers compared to its peers in the series. With a total mintage of 23,380,000, it may not seem extremely rare, but it is considered a difficult coin to find in high grades. What sets the 1955 Dime apart is its status as a transitional year for the U.S. Mint, as new production methods and designs were being implemented during this time.
The coin itself features Roosevelt’s portrait, and the reverse design remains unchanged with the torch, olive branch, and oak branch. In circulated condition, it can be worth around $5 to $10, but in uncirculated or high-grade condition, such as MS-65 or higher, it can command $100 to $250. Because of its appeal to collectors and the relative scarcity in higher grades, the 1955 Dime remains one of the more coveted coins in the Roosevelt Dime series.
5. 1950-S Roosevelt Dime – A San Francisco Mint Gem
The 1950-S Roosevelt Dime is a valuable coin that was minted at the San Francisco Mint. Its mintage is relatively low at 10,940,000, which contributes to its scarcity in high-grade conditions. The coin is valued primarily for its low production numbers and the fact that the San Francisco Mint often produced coins with slightly lower quality in terms of striking, making higher-quality examples more sought after.
In lower grades, the 1950-S is worth about $5 to $10, but as the quality of the coin increases, so does its value. For a mint state example (MS-65 or higher), the coin can fetch upwards of $250 to $500, with the possibility of higher prices at auction if the coin has excellent eye appeal. The Roosevelt Dime series features a strong design that remains one of the most recognizable in U.S. coinage, making it a staple in coin collections.
6. 1964 Roosevelt Dime – A Coin with Silver Content
The 1964 Roosevelt Dime holds a special place in numismatics due to its silver composition. Up until 1964, Roosevelt Dimes were minted using 90% silver, making the 1964 Dime particularly attractive to collectors and silver investors. After 1964, the U.S. Mint switched to a clad composition for dimes, making earlier silver versions more valuable.
In average circulated condition, the 1964 Roosevelt Dime can be worth $3 to $5 due to its silver content, but it’s important to note that its value is largely based on the current market price of silver. For coins in mint state (MS-65 or higher), the value can range from $15 to $50, depending on the quality of the coin. The 1964 Dime is a must-have for any silver enthusiast or collector looking to complete their Roosevelt Dime set.
7. 1946 Roosevelt Dime – The First Year of Issue
The 1946 Roosevelt Dime is historically significant as it was the very first year of issue for the Roosevelt Dime series. This coin was issued to commemorate the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and it became the standard dimes for circulation. Because of its place in history, the 1946 Dime holds particular sentimental value and is often highly sought after by collectors.
Though the mintage of the 1946 Dime was ~ 84 million, it remains a popular choice for collectors because of its historical significance. In circulated condition, it’s worth about $3 to $5, but higher-quality specimens, especially those in uncirculated condition or MS-65, can command $30 to $75. Its lasting appeal lies in its role as a tribute to Roosevelt and as the inaugural issue of the series.
8. 1951 Roosevelt Dime – A Low-Mintage Gem
The 1951 Roosevelt Dime is another key date in the Roosevelt Dime series. While the mintage was higher than some of the other dimes in this list, it is still considered a rarity in higher grades. With a total mintage of 28,200,000, the 1951 Dime is scarcer in MS-65 or higher, making it a great coin for collectors looking to fill in their sets.
A coin in average circulated condition is worth $3 to $10, but in high-grade or gem condition, the coin can fetch upwards of $100 to $200. The 1951 Roosevelt Dime remains a staple of coin collections due to its relatively low mintage and the iconic design of Roosevelt’s portrait.
9. 1968-S Roosevelt Dime – A Rare San Francisco Mint Coin
The 1968-S Roosevelt Dime is one of the scarcer dimes from the San Francisco Mint, with a mintage of only 3,629,000. This makes the 1968-S a much rarer coin, especially in high-grade condition. While this coin is not made of silver, its low mintage and scarcity in pristine condition make it a valuable piece for collectors.
In average condition, the coin is worth about $5 to $10, but in MS-65 or better, it can fetch between $30 and $50. Coins in higher grades with great eye appeal can command even more at auction. The San Francisco Mint’s role in striking limited quantities of certain coins continues to make their dimes highly prized by collectors.
10. 1954 Roosevelt Dime – A Key Coin for Collectors
The 1954 Roosevelt Dime is considered one of the more valuable key date dimes in the Roosevelt series, despite having a mintage of 42,240,000. This year’s coin was one of the last dimes produced before significant changes in the coin’s mintage patterns, and as a result, it holds a special place in many collections.
In average condition, the coin is valued at around $3 to $5, but higher-quality examples in uncirculated condition can reach $50 to $100. The 1954 Dime is a must-have for collectors of the Roosevelt series due to its unique spot in coin history and its lasting popularity.
Conclusion
The 10 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money represent some of the finest and rarest examples of U.S. coinage. Whether it’s due to low mintage numbers, mint errors, or historical significance, these dimes are highly prized by collectors. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these valuable dimes, getting it professionally graded can help determine its true worth. As Roosevelt Dimes continue to gain popularity in the coin-collecting world, now is the perfect time to explore this fascinating and rewarding area of numismatics.
FAQs
Why are Roosevelt Dimes from 1949 so valuable?
The 1949-S and 1949-D Roosevelt Dimes are considered valuable due to their low mintage and scarcity in high grades, making them sought-after by collectors.
What makes the 1964 Roosevelt Dime so special?
The 1964 Roosevelt Dime is unique because it was minted with 90% silver, making it highly valuable for its silver content, especially in higher grades.
How can I tell if my 1950 Roosevelt Dime is worth more?
A 1950 Roosevelt Dime with a doubled die error can be worth much more than regular versions, with some errors fetching hundreds to thousands of dollars.
What is the most valuable Roosevelt Dime?
The 1949-S Roosevelt Dime is one of the most valuable, with high-grade examples often selling for $2,500 or more, due to its low mintage and rarity.