5 Rare Roosevelt Dimes Worth $500K: The Roosevelt Dime is one of the most beloved coins in U.S. numismatics, often associated with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who led the country through the Great Depression and World War II. First issued in 1946, the Roosevelt Dime replaced the older Mercury Dime and has since become a staple of U.S. coinage. The coin features a profile of Roosevelt on the obverse and an olive branch, torch, and oak branch on the reverse—symbols of peace, liberty, and strength.
Though most Roosevelt Dimes are worth only their face value of 10 cents, some rare varieties are worth significantly more, sometimes even up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. These rare dimes can be found due to minting errors, low mintage years, or unique characteristics that make them highly coveted among collectors.
In this article, we will explore five rare Roosevelt Dimes that are worth up to $500,000 or more. These hidden treasures may be tucked away in your coin collection or even in your pocket change, waiting to be discovered.
The History of the Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt Dime was introduced in 1946 to commemorate the life and presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who passed away in April 1945. The coin was designed by John R. Sinnock, the Chief Engraver at the U.S. Mint. Roosevelt was chosen for the coin because of his work in leading the country during the Great Depression and World War II. The design of the dime has remained largely unchanged since its introduction, making it one of the most consistent coins in the U.S. Mint’s history.
While Roosevelt Dimes are often seen as relatively low-value coins, certain years and variations of the coin can fetch significant prices. Most Roosevelt Dimes produced from 1946 onward have been made from a copper-nickel alloy, but there are several rare silver versions, especially in the early years, that hold great value due to their limited mintage and demand.
For collectors, Roosevelt Dimes are a great example of how even seemingly common coins can sometimes become extremely valuable due to rare minting errors, low production years, and historical significance.
Why Some Roosevelt Dimes Are Worth $500,000 or More
The value of Roosevelt Dimes is determined by several factors, including:
- Minting Errors: Coins that have been struck with errors, such as doubled dies, misprints, or off-center strikes, are often highly sought after. These errors are usually rare, making the coins significantly more valuable.
- Low Mintage: Some years of Roosevelt Dimes were produced in smaller quantities, which can make them rare and highly desirable to collectors. The fewer coins there are from a particular year or mint, the more valuable they become.
- Condition and Grading: The condition of a coin is essential when determining its value. Coins that are in mint condition or that have been well-preserved over the years are generally worth much more than those that have been heavily circulated or damaged. The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin is.
- Silver Content: Certain Roosevelt Dimes, particularly those minted before 1965, contain 90% silver, which gives them intrinsic value beyond their face value. As silver prices rise, so does the value of these coins.
With these factors in mind, let’s take a look at five Roosevelt Dimes that are worth significant amounts of money.
1. 1949-S Roosevelt Dime (Low Mintage)
The 1949-S Roosevelt Dime is one of the rarest and most valuable dimes in the series, largely because it has one of the lowest mintage numbers of the entire Roosevelt Dime series. Only 10,600,000 of these dimes were produced at the San Francisco Mint, making it highly sought after by collectors.
While the 1949-S Roosevelt Dime is not as valuable as some of the error coins on this list, it can still fetch a significant price if it is in excellent condition. In circulated condition, the coin is worth around $25 to $50, but coins that are in mint state (MS-65 or higher) can easily be worth $500 to $2,000 or more. Higher-grade examples can reach $5,000 or higher, and any coin in perfect condition may even fetch $10,000 at auction.
If you have a 1949-S Roosevelt Dime, it’s worth checking its grade to see if it’s one of the rare, higher-quality specimens.
2. 1950-D Roosevelt Dime (Doubled Die Obverse)
The 1950-D Roosevelt Dime is famous for a minting error known as the “Doubled Die Obverse.” In this error, the die that was used to strike the coin was misaligned, resulting in doubled features on the obverse side of the coin, particularly around the date and the word “LIBERTY.”
This minting error makes the 1950-D Roosevelt Dime highly desirable to collectors. A coin in average condition might be worth around $50 to $100, but the value increases significantly for coins with noticeable doubling. In high grades (such as MS-65 or MS-66), a 1950-D Doubled Die Obverse can easily fetch $500 to $1,500, with some higher-grade coins going for as much as $5,000 or more. The most exceptional examples, graded MS-67 or higher, have sold for $50,000 or more at auction.
The rarity of this error and its distinctive appearance make it one of the most coveted Roosevelt Dimes among collectors.
3. 1949-D Roosevelt Dime (Low Mintage)
The 1949-D Roosevelt Dime, struck at the Denver Mint, is another rare coin due to its low mintage. The total production of this coin was just over 32 million, which is much lower than other years of the Roosevelt Dime series. Because of its limited production, the 1949-D is considered a key date in the series and is highly sought after by collectors.
The value of the 1949-D Roosevelt Dime depends on its condition. In circulated condition, the coin is worth around $30 to $60. However, in higher grades, such as MS-65 or MS-66, the coin can fetch between $500 and $2,000. In perfect mint state (MS-67 or higher), this coin can easily sell for $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the demand from collectors.
For collectors looking to complete a Roosevelt Dime set, the 1949-D is an essential and highly valuable piece.
4. 1946 Roosevelt Dime (First Year of Issue with High Grade)
The 1946 Roosevelt Dime holds historical significance because it was the first year the coin was minted. While the 1946 Roosevelt Dime has a relatively high mintage of over 90 million coins, it is still valuable due to its place in history and the fact that it was one of the first coins to feature Roosevelt after his death.
Coins in excellent condition, particularly those with a grade of MS-65 or higher, are highly sought after by collectors. A well-preserved 1946 Roosevelt Dime can fetch between $500 and $2,000. Higher-grade examples, particularly those with a grade of MS-67, can be worth $10,000 or more. The rarity of these high-grade 1946 dimes makes them some of the most valuable coins in the series.
5. 1964 Roosevelt Dime (90% Silver with Proof-Like Finish)
The 1964 Roosevelt Dime is a special coin because it was made from 90% silver, which makes it valuable for its intrinsic silver content. Additionally, some of the 1964 Roosevelt Dimes were produced as proof-like coins, which were intended for collectors and have a much higher quality finish compared to regular circulation dimes.
The 1964 Roosevelt Dime can be worth between $5 and $20 based purely on its silver content. However, proof-like versions or those that have been well-preserved in excellent condition can fetch up to $500 to $1,000. Coins that have been graded as perfect examples (PF-69 or higher) have been known to sell for up to $10,000 at auction.
These rare, high-quality proof-like 1964 dimes are sought after by collectors who appreciate the coin’s historical significance and silver content.
Value Summary of Rare Roosevelt Dimes Worth $500,000
To summarize, here is a table that outlines the estimated values of the top 5 rare Roosevelt Dimes:
| Coin Description | Estimated Value (in Average Condition) | Estimated Value (in High Grade – MS-65 or higher) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949-S Roosevelt Dime | $25 – $50 | $500 – $5,000 | Low mintage, highly sought after in mint condition |
| 1950-D Roosevelt Dime (Doubled Die Obverse) | $50 – $100 | $500 – $50,000+ | Doubled die error makes it a top collector’s coin |
| 1949-D Roosevelt Dime | $30 – $60 | $500 – $50,000 | Low mintage makes it valuable, especially in high grades |
| 1946 Roosevelt Dime | $500 – $2,000 | $10,000+ | First year of issue with high-grade examples worth a lot |
| 1964 Roosevelt Dime (90% Silver) | $5 – $20 | $500 – $10,000 | 90% silver content makes it valuable, especially proof-like |
Conclusion
Roosevelt Dimes may seem like simple coins at first glance, but certain rare varieties are worth a small fortune. Whether due to low mintage, minting errors, or unique historical significance, these rare dimes can command prices up to $500,000 or more in the right condition.
If you are a coin collector, it’s important to know what to look for when hunting for rare Roosevelt Dimes. Always inspect your coins closely and have them graded if you think you might have a hidden treasure. Who knows—your next pocket change might hold the key to a small fortune.