90% Silver Dimes
Each unworn circulation dime contains about 0.07234 troy ounce of silver and trades partly on precious-metal value.
United States Dimes • 1946–Present • Buying & Selling
Roosevelt Dimes
Roosevelt dimes form a long, approachable series with a clear silver-to-clad transition, low-mintage early issues, rare missing-mintmark proofs, important circulation varieties, special collector coins, and challenging Full Bands or Full Torch condition rarities.
1946–PresentContinuous series
John R. SinnockOriginal designer
1946–196490% silver circulation coins
Full Bands / Full TorchStrike designation
Collector Guide
A modern dime with several markets
The Roosevelt dime debuted in 1946, shortly after President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death. Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock designed Roosevelt’s portrait for the obverse and a reverse combining a torch of liberty with olive and oak branches representing peace and strength.
Regular dimes were struck in 90% silver through 1964. Beginning in 1965, circulation pieces changed to a copper-nickel clad composition. Collector silver proofs later returned, first in 90% silver and then, beginning in 2019, in .999 fine silver.
The basic circulation set has no classic stopper comparable to the 1916-D Mercury dime. The deeper challenge lies in scarce varieties, No S proofs, special mint issues, original high-grade coins, and fully struck torch bands.
Major Composition Types
Silver, clad, and collector issues
Date alone identifies the regular circulation composition, but proof packaging and special issues matter for later collector coins.
Clad Circulation Dimes
A copper core clad in copper-nickel replaced silver for circulation. Most ordinary examples remain face-value coins.
Silver Proof Dimes
Silver proofs returned in 1992. Issues through 2018 used 90% silver; beginning in 2019, silver proof dimes use .999 fine silver.
Coins to Check Carefully
Better Dates, Varieties & Special Issues
The series is less about a single circulation key and more about low-mintage early coins, missing mintmarks, varieties, and special releases.
1949-S and the 1955 trio
Collectors commonly set aside the 1949-S and the low-mintage 1955, 1955-D, and 1955-S. Grade and originality determine the premium.
1982 No P
Some 1982 Philadelphia dimes were struck without the intended P mintmark. Strong and weak versions are recognized.
1968, 1970, 1975 and 1983
These dates are proof-only missing-mintmark issues. The 1975 No S is an extreme rarity with only two confirmed examples.
1964-D doubled-die reverse
Strong doubling appears in portions of the reverse design on recognized dies. Confirm candidates with established diagnostics.
1996-W
The West Point dime was included in 1996 uncirculated Mint Sets to mark the series’ 50th anniversary and was not released for ordinary circulation.
Full Bands / Full Torch
Many dates are difficult with uninterrupted horizontal torch bands, strong luster, clean surfaces, and a high Mint State grade.
A Practical Process
How to sort Roosevelt dimes
Start with composition, then move to dates, mintmarks, varieties, proofs, and strike quality.
Pull 1946–1964 silver
Separate every regular dime dated 1964 or earlier. These are 90% silver regardless of mintmark.
Sort early dates
Pull 1949-S, the 1955 issues, proofs, high-grade early coins, and complete rolls or original groups.
Check modern varieties
Look for 1982 No P dimes, recognized doubled dies, No S proofs in original proof material, and special issues such as 1996-W.
Evaluate the torch
On Mint State coins, inspect the horizontal torch bands, luster, marks, strike, and overall eye appeal.
Do not assume every dime without a visible mintmark is rare. Philadelphia coins before 1980 normally lacked a P, and mintmark placement changed during the series. No S rarities are proofs and require authentication.
Understanding Value
What makes a Roosevelt dime valuable?
The series contains bullion coins, ordinary face-value coins, varieties, proofs, and condition rarities.
Composition
Regular 1946–1964 dimes contain 90% silver. Later circulation dimes are clad, though silver collector proofs also exist.
Date & Mintmark
Low-mintage early issues, the 1982 No P, 1996-W, and properly identified No S proofs require special attention.
Grade
Roosevelt’s hair, cheek, ear, and neck show wear; the torch, branches, lettering, and fields reveal strike and surface quality.
Full Bands / Torch
Qualifying Mint State coins show complete horizontal band separation under the applicable grading-service standard.
Proof & Special Finish
Proofs, silver proofs, reverse proofs, and special mint issues should be identified separately from circulation strikes.
Original Surfaces
Cleaning, hairlines, haze, spots, corrosion, scratches, and artificial toning reduce collector value.
NumisMaverick
Buying & Selling Roosevelt Dimes
NumisMaverick buys and sells Roosevelt dimes across their different markets: circulated 90% silver, rolls, better early issues, varieties, proofs, silver proof sets, albums, certified Full Bands coins, and special mint releases.
Keep silver circulation dimes separate from clad coins. Leave proofs in original holders or packaging when possible, and do not clean toned or hazy surfaces.
1946–1964 silver dimes
Rolls and dealer quantities
Better dates and varieties
Albums and complete sets
Proof and silver proof dimes
Certified Full Bands coins
Common Questions
Roosevelt Dime FAQ
Are all pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes silver?
Yes. Regular Roosevelt dimes dated 1946 through 1964 are 90% silver.
Are any later Roosevelt dimes silver?
Yes. Silver proof dimes were made for collectors beginning in 1992; they were not ordinary circulation issues.
Is every dime without a P valuable?
No. Philadelphia dimes before 1980 normally had no P. The collectible 1982 No P is an unintended missing mintmark.
What is a 1975 No S dime?
It is an extremely rare proof dime missing the S mintmark. Only two examples are confirmed, so apparent finds demand skepticism and authentication.
What does Full Bands mean?
It identifies qualifying Mint State coins with complete horizontal band separation on the torch.
Does NumisMaverick buy common silver dimes?
Yes. We consider circulated silver dimes, rolls, albums, better dates, varieties, proofs, certified coins, and dealer quantities.
Buying • Selling • Appraisals
Talk with NumisMaverick
Selling silver Roosevelt dimes, looking for a special issue, or trying to identify a variety? Contact NumisMaverick. Appointments are scheduled in advance.
Please contact NumisMaverick before visiting.Text is the easiest way to request an appointment.