Top 10 Worthwhile American Dimes in Circulation

Understanding the Value of U.S. Dimes

The saying “dimes make dollars” is more than just a catchy phrase — it holds some truth, especially when it comes to rare and valuable coins. While most dimes in circulation are worth only 10 cents, there are exceptions that can fetch thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. These rare dimes often have unique characteristics such as minting errors, limited mintage, or historical significance.

Most U.S. coins are produced for either general circulation or as collector’s items at three major facilities: Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. The West Point Mint, which previously produced coins, stopped operations in 2021. When searching through loose change or found coins, it's important to set aside pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes, which contain 90% silver and are significantly more valuable than their face value.

While antique dimes can sell for substantial sums, it's essential to remember that the value of dimes, especially those in circulation, may not be much higher than their face value unless they are in excellent condition. Collectors typically seek high-quality coins, so the condition of a coin plays a crucial role in determining its value.

Despite this, there are several key dates and varieties of dimes that collectors should be aware of. Here are ten U.S. dimes that may hold additional value due to their rarity or uniqueness:

1. 1965 Roosevelt Dime, No Mint Mark

This is the only variety of a dime from 1965, produced by the Philadelphia Mint without a mint mark. While many were made, some in excellent condition can be worth over $1,000. Silver versions have sold for thousands of dollars.

2. 1968-S No-S Roosevelt Proof Dime

This is a proof error coin with a missing "S" mint mark. Only 18 have been certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), and one sold for over $40,000 in 2008.

3. 1970-S Roosevelt Dime, No Mint Mark

A few of these dimes were mistakenly struck without a mint mark, making them valuable. They are estimated to be worth around $250.

4. 1972-S Roosevelt Dime

This is a regular coin that is worth slightly more than its face value. A mint state version could be valued at around $36, while a high-grade proof version sold for $8,400 in 2008.

5. 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime

One of the most valuable modern coins, with only two known specimens. A recent sale reached nearly $456,000 due to its extreme scarcity.

6. 1982 and 1983 Roosevelt Dimes, No Mint Mark

Some dimes from these years were minted without a mint mark, making them collectible. Uncirculated examples can reach up to $175.

7. 1996-W Roosevelt Dime

This was a special issue to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime design. Its limited mintage of 1.457 million makes it relatively scarce.

8. 1998-P Bonded Group of Roosevelt Dimes

This is an unusual case where a group of distorted dimes were bonded together due to a malfunction. One such group sold for $9,200.

9. 1999-D Roosevelt Dime

A Type 2 Clad Regular Strike error dime sold for $14,375 in 2009, but average condition examples are worth only a few dollars.

10. 2020-D Roosevelt Dime

This dime has a lower mintage than other years, making it more collectible. However, it typically sells for less than $15 in pristine condition.

While most dimes in circulation aren’t particularly valuable, understanding the factors that contribute to a coin’s worth can help identify potential treasures. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, keeping an eye out for these rare dimes could lead to unexpected rewards.