Most Roosevelt dimes you find in everyday change are worth only 10 cents, but some rare ones can be extremely valuable — even hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. These rare Roosevelt dimes are highly sought after by coin collectors in 2026 because of unusual mint errors, low production numbers, precious metals, or exceptional preservation.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the top 5 Roosevelt dimes that could fetch big money — along with what makes them special and how to spot them.
Why Some Roosevelt Dimes Are Valuable
Most Roosevelt dimes are common, but the rare ones become valuable for these reasons:
- Minting errors — mistakes like missing mintmarks or fused coins
- Low mintage — fewer coins produced means greater rarity
- Proof and deep cameo finishes — special collector coins
- Condition (grading) — coins in nearly flawless state are worth much more than worn ones
- Silver content (1946–1964) — older dimes contain 90% silver, adding intrinsic value
Top 5 Rare Roosevelt Dimes Worth Big Money
1. 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime – Most Valuable
This is one of the holy grails of American coins.
- Why It’s Special: Proof dimes made in San Francisco should have an “S” mintmark, but in 1975 a few were struck without it — making them virtually unique.
- Value: One example sold for about $456,000 at auction. Only a couple of these are known to exist, so demand is extremely high.
- How to Spot It: Look for a shiny proof finish without an “S” mintmark.
2. 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime — Deep Cameo
Another rare proof variety from the late 1960s.
- Why It’s Special: Like the 1975 version, this dime was struck without the expected San Francisco “S” mintmark due to a mint error.
- Value: High-grade examples have fetched around $47,000 or more, depending on condition.
- Collector Tip: Look for strong contrast between frosted design details and mirror-like backgrounds — a sign of deep cameo proofs.
3. 1998-P Bonded Group Roosevelt Dime
This isn’t a normal dime — it’s a striking error.
- Why It’s Special: During minting, 32 Roosevelt dimes somehow fused together, creating a single heavy coin.
- Value: Such fused coins are exciting error pieces and one example has sold for around $9,200 (or even more in some markets).
- How to Spot It: The coin will be unusually thick and heavy because it’s multiple dimes bonded together.
4. 1966 SMS Roosevelt Dime (Special Mint Set)
Not a proof coin, but still valuable in top condition.
- Why It’s Special: “Special Mint Set” (SMS) coins were struck with higher quality than everyday circulation coins, making them collectible.
- Value: A 1966 SMS Roosevelt dime graded high by a grading service can bring over $12,000 at auction.
- How to Spot It: Look for a sharply struck coin with a silky lustre and minimal wear.
5. Silver Proof Dimes from the 1950s (1950, 1951, 1956)
These are older coins, but some are particularly valuable.
- Why They’re Special: Roosevelt dimes made before 1965 were struck in 90% silver, and proof coins with deep cameo finishes are rare.
- Values:
- 1951 Deep Cameo Proof — up to about $23,500
- 1956 Deep Cameo Proof — around $19,975
- 1950 Proof — about $18,800
- Collector Tip: The most valuable examples are often top-graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC.
Quick Value Comparison (Top Rare Roosevelt Dimes)
| Coin | Key Feature | Auction Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 No-S Proof | Missing mintmark, extremely rare | ~$456,000+ |
| 1968 No-S Proof Deep Cameo | Mintmark error, striking finish | ~$47,000+ |
| 1998-P Bonded Group | Multiple coins fused | ~$9,200+ |
| 1966 SMS Strike | Special Mint Set quality | ~$12,500+ |
| 1951/1956/1950 Silver Proofs | Silver deep cameo proofs | ~$18,800–$23,500 |
How to Spot Valuable Roosevelt Dimes
Here are some simple tips for checking your dimes:
Check the Date and Mintmark
- Look for missing mintmarks (e.g., “No-S” or “No-P”) — especially on proof coins.
- Rare mintmark errors can make a dime much more valuable.
Look for Errors
- Unusual shapes, fused coins, or odd thickness may be error coins.
- These mistakes often make coins far more valuable to collectors.
Condition Matters
- Coins in excellent condition (minimal wear and clear details) are worth far more than worn examples.
- Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC can authenticate and grade coins for value.
Proof Coins Stand Out
- Proof coins have a mirror-like background and frosted details.
- These were made especially for collectors and are usually more valuable.
Tips for Selling or Appraising Your Dimes
- Have rare coins professionally graded — this helps buyers trust authenticity and often increases value.
- Check completed auction prices — recent sales show what collectors are willing to pay.
- Watch for market trends — rare coin values can rise or fall with demand.
Conclusion
Roosevelt dimes are more than just ten-cent coins — some are rare treasures worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. The most valuable ones are usually:
- Error coins with missing mintmarks
- Proof coins with deep mirrors and cameo contrast
- Special strike or fused coins
- High-grade silver dimes from the early years of the series
Before spending or trading your old coins, take the time to inspect them carefully — you might be sitting on a valuable find!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Are all Roosevelt dimes valuable?
No — most common Roosevelt dimes are worth only face value (10 cents). Only rare varieties, errors, or proof coins are worth significant money.
Q2. What makes a dime a “proof” coin?
Proof coins are struck with special dies and polished blanks, giving them a mirror-like finish and sharp design details. These are typically sold to collectors.
Q3. Can I find rare dimes in pocket change?
Yes, rare dimes can occasionally be found, but they are very uncommon. If you think you have a rare one, consider having it inspected by a professional.
Q4. Should I get my dime graded?
If you suspect it’s rare, professional grading from PCGS or NGC can confirm authenticity and significantly increase its value.
Q5. Do silver dimes always have high value?
Older silver Roosevelt dimes (pre-1965) have intrinsic metal value, but only certain coins in great condition are worth substantial amounts beyond melt value.