The top 7 rarest Roosevelt dimes have become some of the most sought-after and valuable modern American coins among collectors and investors. Introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Roosevelt dime has been minted in large numbers for decades, yet only a few specific varieties and error coins have reached exceptional values. While most Roosevelt dimes are still only worth their face value or the value of their silver content, rare editions can fetch thousands and sometimes tens of thousands of dollars depending on condition, minting errors, and historical demand.
1949-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1949-S Roosevelt dime is considered one of the most difficult regular-issue coins in the entire series. It was minted at the San Francisco Mint in a relatively low mintage of approximately 13.5 million coins, compared to many other years with mintages exceeding 100 million. Because many of these coins saw heavy circulation, finding one in good mint-state condition is difficult. A well-preserved MS-65 grade coin can sell for $2,000 to $3,000, while auction prices for near-perfect MS-67 examples have exceeded $15,000.
1955 Double Die Obverse Dime
The 1955 Double Die Roosevelt dime is one of the most famous error coins in American numismatics. The doubling is clearly visible on the word “LIBERTY” and the date, caused by a misaligned die during the minting process. This error is very rare, with only a few confirmed examples known. Even in circulated condition, this dime can sell for over $1,500. High-grade specimens in mint condition have fetched prices exceeding $10,000 at major auctions.
1968 No-S Proof Dime
The 1968 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime is one of the rarest modern proof coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint. Proof coins from San Francisco should bear the “S” mint mark, but some were mistakenly struck without it. Only a few of these error coins made it into circulation through proof sets. Today, fewer than 20 verified examples exist. A well-preserved 1968 No-S Proof Dime regularly sells for $25,000 to $40,000, making it one of the most valuable Roosevelt dimes ever discovered.
1975 No-S Proof Dime
The 1975 No-S Proof Dime is another famous mint error that has captivated collectors for decades. Like the 1968 version, this coin was mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark. What makes it even more special is its extreme rarity, with only two confirmed examples known to exist worldwide. One of these sold at auction for over $450,000, making it one of the most expensive dimes ever sold. This coin proves that sometimes even modern pocket change can be a life-changing discovery.
1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
The 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime is one of the most famous modern circulation errors. In 1982, the Philadelphia Mint mistakenly issued dimes without the required “P” mint mark. Thousands of coins were produced before the error was discovered, but only a limited number survived in good condition. A circulated example can sell for $50 to $300, while a mint-state coin can fetch between $1,000 and $2,500 depending on its grade and eye appeal.
1996-W Roosevelt Dime
The 1996-W Roosevelt Dime was never released into general circulation. It was minted at the West Point Mint to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt Dime and was only included in special collector mint sets. Its mintage was limited to approximately 1.4 million coins, making it rarer than most modern dimes. In uncirculated condition, this coin typically sells for $20 to $50, but top-grade examples graded MS-69 have sold for over $1,000 due to high collector demand.
1946-S Roosevelt Dime Full Bands
The 1946-S Roosevelt Dime was part of the first year of issue, making it historically significant. What makes some examples rare is the Full Bands designation, which means the horizontal bands on the torch on the reverse of the coin are fully formed and clearly separated. Due to weak strikes at the San Francisco Mint, coins with fully formed bands are difficult to find. A commonly circulated coin might only be worth its silver value, but a Full Bands coin in MS-67 condition can sell for $8,000 to $12,000.
Why Are Rare Roosevelt Dimes So Valuable?
Rare Roosevelt dimes command significant attention due to a combination of historical significance, limited mintage, minting errors, and high collector demand. The Roosevelt series spanned over seven decades, providing collectors with numerous opportunities to discover rare varieties. Coins with low mintage figures, missing mint marks, double dies, or exceptional strike quality consistently fetch higher prices. As more people enter the coin market and supply remains limited, the value of these rare dimes continues to appreciate year after year.
How to Identify Rare Roosevelt Dimes
Identifying rare Roosevelt dimes requires careful examination of the date, mint mark, strike quality, and potential errors. A simple magnifying glass can help detect doubled lettering or missing mint marks. Weighing the coin can confirm the silver content in pre-1965 dimes, which should weigh approximately 2.5 grams. For higher-value coins, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is recommended, as certified coins sell for considerably higher prices and offer protection against counterfeiting.
Final Thoughts on Rare Roosevelt Dimes
The Roosevelt dime may seem like a common coin found in loose change, but some of its rare versions are true treasures in the world of numismatics. From the famous No-S proof errors to early silver coins with Full Bands, these dimes represent a fascinating blend of American history and modern collecting. For anyone with an interest in numismatics, checking through jars of old coins and inherited collections might just uncover a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.