Top 10 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes

Roosevelt dimes minted in 1946 for the first time to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, are a staple of American coinage. While most are common and worth face value, certain dates, mint marks, and errors have turned some into numismatic treasures. Here’s a look at the 10 most valuable Roosevelt dimes for seasoned collectors or those just starting, and what makes them so special.

History

There’s an interesting story about how Roosevelt ended up on the dime, too. The process was put into motion not long after FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) the 32nd president of the United States died in 1945, before his 4th term as president.

FDR had polio, which left him in a wheelchair and contributed to his death at 63. Because of his work with the March of Dimes, he was a natural choice for the U.S. dime. The U.S. Mint released the first Roosevelt Dime in 1946. Early dimes were 90% silver and 10% copper, but rising silver prices led to a change in the 1960s—now, they are 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money

1998-P Bonded Group Roosevelt Dime
1975 Type 2 No S Proof Clad Roosevelt Dime
1966 Type 2 SMS Special Strike Clad Roosevelt Dime
1972-S Type 2 Proof Deep Cameo Clad Roosevelt Dime
1951Type 1 Proof Deep Cameo Silver Roosevelt Dime
1999-D Type 2 Roosevelt Dime Clad Regular Strike
1949 Type 1 Full Band Silver Roosevelt Dime Business Strike
1983 Type 2 No S Proof Deep Cameo Clad Roosevelt Dime
1956 Type 1 Proof Deep Cameo Silver Roosevelt Dime
1954 Cameo Proof Deep Roosevelt Dime

1. 1998-P Bonded Group Roosevelt Dime

FDR was the longest-serving about 4 terms U.S. president, but some say he kept his position because there was no TV back then. Why? Many believe the nation wouldn’t accept federal orders from a wheelchair user—too much discrimination!

In 1998, the Philadelphia Mint produced a rare error: 32 fused Roosevelt dimes (72.3g total). This 1998-P Bonded Group Roosevelt Dime sold for $9,200 on August 13, 2011.

FDR knew appearances mattered. He never showed his wheelchair in public, used a special podium to stand during speeches, and had his sons or aides support him for balance.

2. 1975 Type 2 No S Proof Clad Roosevelt Dime

FDR had a strict Secret Service protocol for arrivals and departures. Since he often had to be carried into or out of his car and wheelchair, his team used rear entrances and other tactics to keep it hidden.

The 1975 No S Proof Type 2 Clad Roosevelt Dime (PR 68) was a rare error coin from Philadelphia, selling for $456,000 on September 8, 2019.

Despite the secrecy around his condition, FDR remains one of the most popular and effective U.S. presidents. He led the country through the Great Depression and World War II while also fighting polio—the very disease that put him in a wheelchair.

3. 1966 Type 2 SMS Special Strike Clad Roosevelt Dime

Beyond politics and power, FDR had a remarkable journey. Before becoming President, he was a New York Senator and Governor, as well as Assistant Navy Secretary. He studied at Groton, Harvard, and Columbia Law.

The 1966 SMS Special Strike Type 2 Clad Roosevelt Dime (SP 67) was a rare coin from the coin shortage era, selling for $12,500 on February 8, 2021.

FDR’s battle with polio began in 1921 at age 39. By the time he became New York Governor in 1929, he was already paralyzed. But before that, he served as a Senator (1911–1913) and Deputy Navy Secretary (1913–1920).

4. 1972-S Type 2 Proof Deep Cameo Clad Roosevelt Dime

FDR wasn’t just charismatic—he’s best known for his New Deal, built around the 3Rs: relief for the unemployed (like jobless benefits), recovery for the failing economy, and reform to prevent future financial crises.

The 1972-S Proof Deep Cameo Type 2 Clad Roosevelt Dime (PR 70 DCAM) was a stunning coin from San Francisco, selling for $8,400 on February 22, 2018.

His policies helped pull the U.S. out of the Great Depression. Public works projects created jobs, expanded the social safety net, and improved everyday life by building schools, hospitals, parks, utilities, and infrastructure.

5. 1951Type 1 Proof Deep Cameo Silver Roosevelt Dime

To truly understand the Roosevelt Dime, we must look at American coin history. In most countries, leaders—from emperors to presidents—are featured on currency.

The 1951 Proof Deep Cameo Type 1 Silver Roosevelt Dime (PR 68 DCAM) was a rare gem from Philadelphia, selling for $23,500 on January 8, 2014.

However, after gaining independence, some Founding Fathers opposed putting their faces on coins. George Washington and Benjamin Franklin saw it as a monarchy tradition. Instead, they preferred symbols of freedom, like Lady Liberty.

6. 1999-D Type 2 Roosevelt Dime Clad Regular Strike

Older American coins followed a simple, British-style design. But in 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt wanted to beautify U.S. coins. It made sense to feature a president—especially since Teddy Roosevelt (the 26th President) was FDR’s fifth cousin.

The 1999-D Roosevelt Dime Type 2 Clad Regular Strike (MS 65) was minted in Denver and sold for $14,375 on January 1, 2009.

The first president on a coin was Abraham Lincoln in 1909 for the penny, marking his 100th birthday. Then came the George Washington Quarter (1932) for the 1st President and the Thomas Jefferson Nickel (1938) for the 3rd President.

7. 1949 Type 1 Full Band Silver Roosevelt Dime Business Strike

George Washington got his coin for his 200th birthday, and Thomas Jefferson received his a few years earlier. This made FDR the fourth U.S. president on a coin, but his Roosevelt Dime came just a year after his death, in time for his 64th birthday.

The 1949 Type 1 Full Band Silver Roosevelt Dime Business Strike (MS 68 FB) was minted in Philadelphia and sold for $13,200 on August 22, 2018.

Only one more president was featured on a circulating U.S. coin—John F. Kennedy on the Half Dollar, honoring his assassination. After that, presidents only appeared on commemorative $1 coins, which were rarely used, though they still remain on paper bills.

8. 1983 Type 2 No S Proof Deep Cameo Clad Roosevelt Dime

FDR was placed on the dime because he had just passed away, and one of his biggest causes was the March of Dimes—a nonprofit dedicated to fighting polio, the disease that took his legs and weakened his health.

The 1983 No S Proof Deep Cameo Type 2 Clad Roosevelt Dime (PR 70 DCAM) was a rare San Francisco Mint error, selling for $10,560 on November 2, 2014.

The March of Dimes’ official name is the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, but the nickname came from Eddie Cantor, who played on the title of the March of Time radio show. In 1938, he encouraged people to donate for FDR’s birthday on January 30.

9. 1956 Type 1 Proof Deep Cameo Silver Roosevelt Dime

Eddie Cantor’s idea was simple—people could buy 10-cent pins during FDR’s birthday week to support the March of Dimes. Studios, nightclubs, and businesses joined in, running ads, dances, and events, donating part of their earnings. At first, they only raised $17.50 in two days.

The 1956 Type 1 Proof Deep Cameo Silver Roosevelt Dime (PR 69) was a rare Philadelphia Mint coin, selling for $19,975 on October 3, 2016.

But by January 29, the White House fund had $268,000—and back then, dimes were still silver! The March of Dimes later helped develop the polio vaccine and used promotional posters featuring the children it supported, starting with Donald Anderson.

10. 1954 Cameo Proof Deep Roosevelt Dime

The March of Dimes received huge support from the media, especially through radio ads and movie promotions. In theaters, short promotional clips were shown before films, encouraging moviegoers to donate to the fight against polio.

The 1954 Proof Deep Cameo Roosevelt Dime (PR 68) was a rare Philadelphia Mint coin, selling for $9,400 on April 23, 2014.

Outside theaters, 10-cent pins were sold to raise funds, while some studios even donated part of their profits. It was a smart move—FDR was beloved, and the public admired his fight against polio, the very disease that weakened him.

Some Tips for Coin Collectors

Research: You have to search key dates, mint marks, and errors when you buy or invest in coins.
Grade: You can ensure the graded of the coins by reputed services like PCGS or NGC command higher prices always.
Buy from Reputable Dealers: You confirm authenticity by buying from trusted sources.
Storage: You save your coins in holders or albums to maintain their condition.

Roosevelt dimes may seem humble, but the rarest examples are anything but ordinary. Whether you are searching for a 1975 No-S proof or a 1949-S key date, these coins provide a charming glimpse into American history and numismatics.

Conclusion:

Roosevelt dimes may seem like everyday coins, but their rarest versions hold incredible value and historical significance. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, these dimes offer a unique glimpse into American history and numismatics. Keep an eye out for key dates, mint marks, and errors—you never know what treasure you might find!