Roosevelt dimes have been part of American coinage since 1946, admired for their clean design and wide circulation. While most dimes are common pocket change, certain rare dates, mint errors, and high-grade examples have become valuable collectibles. These special Roosevelt dimes attract strong demand from collectors, making them excellent options for anyone interested in coin investing.
Top 5 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes in 2026
Some dates and mintmarks have gained significant attention because of low mintage, error varieties, or superior preservation.
Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes and Market Values
| Year | Mintmark | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1946-D | Denver | First-year issue, low mintage | $500–$1,200+ |
| 1950-S | San Francisco | Scarce key date | $400–$950+ |
| 1968-D | Denver | Doubled-die variety | $200–$800+ |
| 1970 | Philadelphia | Minor mint error | $150–$600+ |
| 1982 | All Mints | High-grade uncirculated examples | $50–$350+ |
Low production, minting mistakes, and high-grade rarity are what make these dimes stand out.
Why Roosevelt Dimes Can Be Highly Valuable
Collectors focus on Roosevelt dimes for several reasons:
- Scarcity of key dates
- Rising demand for error coins
- Limited survival of uncirculated coins
- Premiums for coins with strong luster and clean surfaces
- Increasing attention from both investors and younger collectors
These factors steadily push up values in private sales and auctions.
Early Roosevelt Dimes (1946–1964)
The first two decades of the series contain some of the most desirable pieces. Highlights include:
- 1946-D and 1950-S, both major key dates
- High-grade silver dimes, which often earn strong premiums
- Rare survival in pristine condition
- Certified examples that validate authenticity and quality
Mid-Century Roosevelt Dimes (1965–1980)
Although silver coins ended in 1964, later years have gained attention due to errors and scarcity.
Important points:
- Certain years like 1968-D and 1970 include valuable doubled-die errors
- Circulated examples in strong condition are increasingly hard to find
- Uncirculated coins with full luster are popular among collectors
- Minor varieties still attract consistent interest
Mint Errors That Increase Roosevelt Dime Value
Some of the most valuable Roosevelt dimes come from minting problems. Popular errors include:
- Doubled-die obverse and reverse varieties
- Misaligned dies
- Struck-through debris marks
- Weak strikes or unusual metal issues
Verified error coins often achieve top prices, especially when graded.
The Importance of Professional Grading
Certification is one of the biggest value boosters for Roosevelt dimes. Third-party grading services such as PCGS and NGC confirm condition and authenticity. Certified coins consistently sell higher than ungraded ones, especially those with sharp details, clean surfaces, and attractive eye appeal.
Evaluating Roosevelt Dime Value
To check if a Roosevelt dime is valuable, look for:
- Correct date and mintmark
- Strong luster and minimal wear
- Visible mint errors or doubling
- Sharp lettering and rim details
- Reliable price guides and recent auction results
These steps help collectors recognize rare examples quickly.
FAQs
Which Roosevelt dime is the rarest?
The 1946-D and 1950-S are among the rarest and most valuable in the series.
Are silver Roosevelt dimes worth more?
Yes. Dimes minted from 1946–1964 contain silver and generally have higher base value.
What is a doubled-die Roosevelt dime?
It is a dime struck with a die that shows doubling in letters, numbers, or details, making it valuable.
Should I get my dime graded?
Grading is recommended if the coin appears shiny, uncirculated, or shows an error.
Can rare Roosevelt dimes still be found in circulation?
Yes, although uncommon, some error coins and older dimes still appear in coin rolls or old savings.
Conclusion
Roosevelt dimes offer a blend of history, affordability, and strong collector interest. Rare key dates, minting errors, and high-grade examples continue to rise in value, making them great additions for beginners and experienced collectors. Checking older collections, coin rolls, and inherited coins can reveal hidden treasures that hold impressive market value.