Rare Roosevelt Dimes: The Roosevelt dime, first minted in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, has become a staple in U.S. coinage. While many of these coins are common and worth just 10 cents, there are a handful of rare and valuable Roosevelt dimes that can be found in circulation, potentially worth thousands of dollars. If you’re a coin collector, you know the thrill of discovering a rare gem hidden in your loose change. In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 rare Roosevelt dimes that are worth far more than their face value and give tips on how to spot them.
The Basics of the Roosevelt Dime
Before diving into the rare finds, let’s take a quick look at the Roosevelt dime itself. The coin was first issued in 1946 to commemorate President Roosevelt after his death. It features a portrait of Roosevelt on the obverse and an olive branch and torch on the reverse, symbolizing peace and freedom. The Roosevelt dime has been a part of American currency for over seven decades, but it’s the rare variations and minting errors that have become highly sought after by collectors.
Like many other coins, Roosevelt dimes are valued not just by their face value but by factors such as rarity, mint marks, and errors. While most of the dimes in circulation are worth only 10 cents, a few exceptional coins can fetch thousands. Let’s take a closer look at these rarities.
1. 1949-D “Micro D” Roosevelt Dime
The 1949-D “Micro D” Roosevelt dime is one of the most valuable dimes of the entire series. This coin is rare due to a minting error that occurred when the “D” mint mark was punched onto the die incorrectly, making it appear much smaller than usual. This error is particularly noticeable when compared to the regular 1949-D dimes, where the mint mark is larger.
Because of the limited production and the scarcity of the “Micro D” variety, this dime can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on its condition. If you happen to come across one of these in your change, it could be worth far more than the 10-cent value.
2. 1950-D Roosevelt Dime (Low Mintage)
The 1950-D Roosevelt dime is rare because it was produced in a smaller quantity than other dimes from that era. Only around 18 million of these coins were minted, making it harder to find in circulation today. While the 1950-D isn’t as valuable as some of the other rarer coins in the series, it is still worth more than its face value in certain grades.
Collectors often seek out the 1950-D for its low mintage and historical significance. A coin in excellent condition could be worth several hundred dollars, especially if it’s part of a high-quality collection.
3. 1955 Roosevelt Dime (Double Die Obverse)
The 1955 Roosevelt dime is famous for the double die obverse error, where the image of Roosevelt is slightly doubled due to a misalignment during the minting process. This error makes the coin highly sought after by collectors and can increase its value significantly. The double die error is visible when closely examining the word “LIBERTY” and the date “1955,” where the doubling effect is most noticeable.
A 1955 double die obverse dime in good condition can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, making it one of the most valuable dimes to look for in circulation.
4. 1964 Roosevelt Dime (Silver)
The 1964 Roosevelt dime is one of the last dimes minted with 90% silver content before the U.S. Mint switched to a copper-nickel alloy in 1965. The silver content makes these coins more valuable than their copper-nickel counterparts, especially when silver prices rise. Although the 1964 silver Roosevelt dime is not rare by itself, its silver content means it is worth more than 10 cents, even in worn condition.
The value of a 1964 Roosevelt dime fluctuates based on the current price of silver, but it can typically be worth several dollars, depending on the market.
5. 1968-D Roosevelt Dime (Die Crack)
The 1968-D Roosevelt dime is notable for a die crack that appeared on some coins during the minting process. A die crack occurs when a defect develops in the die used to strike the coins, leaving a permanent mark or crack on the surface of the coin. Some 1968-D dimes feature a noticeable die crack running from Roosevelt’s neck to the edge of the coin, which makes them more valuable.
While this die crack isn’t as rare as other errors, it can still add value to a 1968-D dime, especially for collectors who are focused on error coins. Depending on the severity of the crack and the condition of the coin, it can be worth a few hundred dollars.
6. 1970-S Roosevelt Dime (Double Die Reverse)
The 1970-S Roosevelt dime is another example of a coin that gained attention due to a minting error. This coin features a double die reverse, where the reverse side of the coin shows a noticeable doubling effect, especially on the word “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” This error makes the 1970-S dime rare and valuable, especially for collectors who specialize in error coins.
The value of a 1970-S double die reverse dime can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on its condition. If you happen to find one in your change, be sure to closely examine it for the doubling effect.
7. 1982 Roosevelt Dime (No Mint Mark)
The 1982 Roosevelt dime is particularly interesting because it was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, but some dimes were accidentally released without the mint mark. The absence of the mint mark makes these coins highly collectible and valuable to those looking for rare variations.
Although this error isn’t widespread, the 1982 no mint mark dimes that do exist can be worth several hundred dollars, depending on their grade. If you find one of these dimes in your change, it could be worth more than you think.
8. 1996 Roosevelt Dime (No Mint Mark)
The 1996 Roosevelt dime without a mint mark is another rarity from the Philadelphia Mint. While the vast majority of 1996 dimes feature a “P” mint mark indicating their production in Philadelphia, some dimes were mistakenly struck without any mint mark at all. These “no mint mark” coins are highly sought after by collectors because they are considered an error variety.
The 1996 no mint mark dimes can be worth hundreds of dollars, and the value may increase if the coin is in excellent condition. If you’re going through your loose change, check carefully for this particular minting error.
9. 2005 Roosevelt Dime (Silver Composition)
In 2005, the U.S. Mint produced a special silver composition Roosevelt dime to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the coin’s creation. These dimes were released in limited numbers and are made of 90% silver, just like the dimes minted before 1965. Though not as rare as other coins on this list, the 2005 silver Roosevelt dimes can still fetch a higher price due to their silver content and limited mintage.
Depending on the market price of silver, a 2005 silver Roosevelt dime can be worth several dollars, making it a desirable coin for collectors.
10. 2009-S Roosevelt Dime (Proof)
The 2009-S Roosevelt dime was part of the 2009 proof set issued by the U.S. Mint. Proof coins are specially made with a higher quality finish and are often collected by numismatists and investors. The 2009-S Roosevelt dimes were minted in limited numbers and have a mirror-like finish, making them more valuable than standard circulation dimes.
If you come across a 2009-S Roosevelt dime in excellent condition, it may be worth significantly more than its face value, especially if it’s part of a complete proof set.
Conclusion
Roosevelt dimes, while generally inexpensive in their standard form, can be worth much more than their face value if you know what to look for. Whether it’s a minting error like the 1955 double die obverse or a rare silver composition like the 1964 dime, there are plenty of opportunities to find a valuable Roosevelt dime in your loose change. With a bit of knowledge and careful inspection, you could end up with a coin worth thousands of dollars. Happy hunting, and be sure to keep an eye out for these rare dimes next time you’re sorting through your change!