Have you ever tossed a dime into a jar without thinking twice? What if that tiny coin could be worth thousands—or even over a million dollars? Roosevelt dimes, first minted in 1946, may look ordinary, but some rare versions are among the most valuable U.S. coins in circulation.
Collectors and coin dealers are willing to pay huge amounts for rare errors, missing mint marks, and high-grade proofs. In fact, a few Roosevelt dimes have sold at auction for life-changing sums. Before you spend your loose change, it might be time to check carefully—you could be holding a hidden treasure.
Why Roosevelt Dimes Are Special
The Roosevelt dime was introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his death. The coin features his portrait on the front and a torch with olive and oak branches on the back.
What makes them valuable is not the design itself, but:
- Silver content: Dimes minted before 1965 are 90% silver.
- Mint errors: Missing mint marks, double strikes, or off-center strikes make coins rare.
- Proof coins: Special high-quality coins made for collectors.
- Condition: Coins with sharp details and little wear sell for the highest prices.
Collectors especially love coins with “Full Bands” on the reverse torch, as these are harder to find in excellent condition.
Top 26 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes
Below is a list of the most valuable Roosevelt dimes you should look out for. Many of these are worth more than a new car, and a few can make you a millionaire.
Table of Rare Roosevelt Dimes and Auction Prices
| Year | Variety / Description | Auction Sale Price (USD) | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | No S Proof Clad | $456,000 | Only 2 known; missing “S” mint mark |
| 1968 | No S Proof Deep Cameo | $47,000 | Rare proof with no mint mark |
| 1951 | Proof Deep Cameo Silver | $23,500 | Scarce early proof |
| 1956 | Proof Deep Cameo Silver | $19,975 | Rare deep cameo finish |
| 1950 | Proof Deep Cameo Silver | $18,800 | Low-mintage proof |
| 1999 | Type 2 Clad Regular Strike (D) | $14,375 | Rare strike variety |
| 1949 | Type 1 Full Band Silver | $13,200 | Early silver dime with sharp details |
| 1946 | Type 1 Silver Regular Strike | $12,650 | First year of issue |
| 1966 | SMS Special Strike | $12,500 | Rare Special Mint Set dime |
| 1983 | No S Proof Deep Cameo | $10,560 | Missing “S” mint mark |
| 1949-S | Doubled Die Reverse | $9,500+ | Rare doubled lettering |
| 1970 | No Mint Mark | $8,000+ | Scarce error variety |
| 1955 | Doubled Die Obverse | $7,000+ | Noticeable doubling on lettering |
| 1996-W | Special Issue Silver Proof | $6,500 | Limited release from West Point |
| 1971 | No S Proof | $6,000+ | Extremely rare missing mint mark |
| 1972 | Doubled Die Reverse | $5,500+ | Rare doubling error |
| 1947-S | Full Bands Silver | $5,200+ | Sharp strike with strong detail |
| 1954-S | Full Bands Silver | $4,800+ | High-grade condition required |
| 1964 | Proof Deep Cameo Silver | $4,500+ | Last year of 90% silver dimes |
| 1982 | No P Mint Mark | $4,000+ | Missing Philadelphia “P” mark |
| 1990 | No S Proof | $3,800+ | Proof without mint mark |
| 2003-S | Silver Proof Deep Cameo | $3,500+ | Modern rarity in pristine condition |
| 1948 | Full Bands Silver | $3,200+ | High-grade silver dime |
| 1959 | Proof Deep Cameo | $2,900+ | Scarce proof strike |
| 1969 | Doubled Die Obverse | $2,500+ | Rare and collectible error |
| 2015-P | High-Grade Business Strike | $2,000+ | Modern dime with MS-70 condition |
(Values may vary depending on the market and condition of each coin.
How to Check Roosevelt Dimes at Home
Looking for valuable dimes doesn’t require expensive tools. Here’s how to get started:
- Use a magnifying glass – Check dates, mint marks, and tiny details.
- Look under the torch – The mint mark (P, D, S, or W) is usually below the torch.
- Search for errors – Look for missing marks, doubled letters, or off-center strikes.
- Check coin condition – Shiny, scratch-free coins are worth more.
- Don’t clean coins – Cleaning can lower value. Just store them safely.
Real-Life Lucky Finds
- A collector in California found a 1975 No S Proof dime in an old coin set and sold it for nearly half a million dollars.
- A man in Florida discovered a 1982 No P dime in circulation—worth thousands.
- Some collectors in India and other countries have found valuable U.S. dimes in old coin lots or inherited collections.
These stories prove that anyone can strike it rich with patience and sharp eyes.
FAQs About Roosevelt Dimes
Q1: Are Roosevelt dimes still made today?
Yes, they are still in production, but only certain rare ones are valuable.
Q2: Which Roosevelt dime is the rarest?
The 1975 No S Proof is the rarest, with only two known to exist.
Q3: Are all silver dimes valuable?
Not all, but dimes made before 1965 contain 90% silver and are worth more than face value.
Q4: How can I sell a rare dime?
You can sell through coin dealers, online auctions, or certified grading services.
Q5: Can modern dimes from the 2000s be valuable?
Yes, if they have rare mint errors or are in perfect condition (MS-70).
Final Thoughts – Start Checking Your Change Today
Roosevelt dimes may seem ordinary, but some are worth hundreds of thousands—or even millions. With silver content, mint errors, and rare proofs, they’ve become treasures hiding in plain sight.
So the next time you get change at the store, don’t ignore those dimes. One coin could change your life forever. Start your coin hunt today—you never know when luck might strike.