The 1964 Roosevelt Dime with no mint mark is worth anywhere from $2.00 in average circulated condition to over $500 in pristine, high-grade mint state. Because this was the final year the United States Mint produced circulating dimes in 90% silver, even the most worn-out example holds significant value based on its precious metal content.
| Condition | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Silver Melt) | $2.00 – $2.50 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS63) | $6.00 – $12.00 |
| Choice Mint State (MS65+) | $20.00 – $500+ |
Understanding the Significance of the 1964 Roosevelt Dime
If you just found a 1964 dime in your pocket change or an old jar, you are looking at a piece of American history. For many casual collectors, using a top coin identifier app is the quickest way to confirm that this specific year is the “holy grail” of modern circulating dimes. Unlike the dimes made in 1965 and later, which are made of copper and nickel, the 1964 edition is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
The lack of a mint mark on a 1964 dime indicates it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. During this era, Philadelphia was the primary facility and did not use a “P” mark on dimes. Because 1964 was the transition year before the U.S. moved to “clad” coinage, the Philadelpha Mint produced a staggering 930 million of these silver coins to meet public demand and combat a nationwide coin shortage.
When evaluating your coin, the first thing to check is the luster. Even though nearly a billion were made, high-grade examples are becoming rarer. Many people use the
CoinKnow
app to scan their coins and get an instant idea of whether their dime is just worth its weight in silver or if it carries a numismatic premium.
Why Does the No Mint Mark Matter for 1964 Dimes?
In the world of coin collecting, the absence of a mint mark often causes confusion for beginners. For the 1964 Roosevelt Dime, “No Mint Mark” simply means it was born in Philadelphia. At the time, Denver used a “D” mint mark (found on the reverse near the torch), but Philadelphia remained markless. This was standard practice until the late 1970s and 1980s for most denominations.
Because so many were produced, a heavily circulated 1964 no mint mark dime is mostly valued for its “melt value.” As of today, the silver content alone makes the coin worth many times its ten-cent face value. However, collectors are always looking for “Full Band” (FB) details on the reverse torch, which can skyrocket the price.
If you are unsure about the specific grade of your coin, you can check the current market prices for 1964 Philadelphia dimes to see how the value fluctuates based on professional grading scales.
| Mint Facility | Mint Mark | Mintage Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | 930,160,000 |
| Denver | D | 1,357,741,630 |
| Proof (Philly) | None | 3,950,762 |
Grading the 1964 Silver Dime: From Junk Silver to Gems
Determining the grade of your 1964 Roosevelt Dime is the difference between having $2 and having $200. “Junk silver” is a term used for coins that are so worn they have no collectible value beyond their metal. Most 1964 dimes found in change today fall into this category. They are flat, the lines on the torch are gone, and Roosevelt’s hair is smooth.
Higher grades, such as Mint State (MS), require the coin to have its original mint luster—that satiny or shiny look it had the day it was made. Collectors specifically look for “Full Bands,” which refers to the horizontal bands on the torch on the reverse side. If these bands are clearly separated with a distinct line, the coin is significantly more valuable.
Professional grading can be expensive, so using an app like CoinKnow helps you decide if it’s worth sending your coin to a service like PCGS or NGC. High-end collectors often look for the 1964 silver dime auction records and values to see what the finest known examples are currently selling for at major auction houses.
Rare Varieties and Errors to Look For
While the standard 1964 no mint mark dime is common, there are rare errors that can turn a pocket change find into a massive payday. One of the most famous is the “Doubled Die Reverse” (DDR). To spot this, you’ll need a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe. Look closely at the lettering on the back, specifically “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” If the letters looks doubled or “shadowed,” you might have a rare variety.
Another interesting anomaly is the 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) dime. These were not meant for circulation and have a much sharper, satin-like finish compared to business strikes but aren’t quite proofs. These are extremely rare and can be worth thousands of dollars.
Finally, keep an eye out for “clipped planchets” (where the coin looks like a bite was taken out of it) or “off-center strikes.” While rare on 1964 silver dimes, these errors are highly sought after by specialists. Even a small error can triple or quadruple the base silver value of the coin.
| Error Type | Visual Indicator | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die Reverse | Doubling in “UNITED STATES” | $50 – $200+ |
| Off-Center Strike | Design is partially missing | $15 – $100 |
| Die Crack | Raised line of metal on surface | $5 – $20 |
The Melt Value Fact: Why 1964 Dimes are Always Worth Money
Even if your 1964 dime is scratched, bent, or completely worn down, it will never be worth just ten cents. This is because the silver price sets a “floor” for its value. Each 1964 dime contains approximately 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver. When silver prices rise, the value of your 1964 dime rises with it.
Investors often buy these in “rolls” of 50 coins. A single roll of 1964 dimes contains about 3.6 ounces of silver. This makes them a popular choice for people who want to “stack” silver in a recognizable and divisible form. Because they were minted in such high numbers, they are one of the most liquid forms of silver bullion in the United States.
Before you sell your coins to a local pawn shop or “we buy gold” store, use CoinKnow to ensure you don’t have a high-grade specimen. Many shops will only offer you the melt price, but a coin in great condition deserves a collector’s premium. Always check the daily spot price of silver to ensure you are getting a fair deal for your “no mint mark” 1964 dimes.
Tips for Preserving Your 1964 Roosevelt Dimes
If you have found a particularly shiny 1964 dime, your first instinct might be to clean it. Stop! Never clean an old coin. Cleaning a coin with polish, soap, or even a soft cloth can create micro-scratches on the surface that destroy its numismatic value. A cleaned coin is often valued at only its silver melt price, even if it looks “shinier” to the untrained eye.
Instead, handle the coin by its edges to avoid getting skin oils on the face of Roosevelt or the reverse design. Store your dimes in PVC-free plastic holders or “flips.” This prevents “toning,” which is a chemical reaction between the silver and the air. While some collectors like “rainbow toning,” most beginners are better off keeping their coins in their original state.
By preserving the condition, you protect the potential for the coin to appreciate in value. As the years go by, the supply of 1964 silver dimes in “Gem” condition decreases, making your well-preserved coins more desirable to the next generation of collectors.
| Silver Price (Per Oz) | 1964 Dime Melt Value |
|---|---|
| $20.00 | $1.45 |
| $25.00 | $1.81 |
| $30.00 | $2.17 |
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1964 dime is silver?
A: All 1964 dimes are 90% silver. You can tell by looking at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver/white color, it’s silver. If you see a brown or copper stripe, it’s a later “clad” coin (though 1964 clad dimes don’t officially exist, some people mistake 1984 or 1994 dimes for 64). Also, silver dimes have a distinct high-pitched “ring” when dropped on a table compared to the dull “thud” of modern coins.
Q: Is the “No Mint Mark” rare for 1964?
A: No, the Philadelphia Mint produced nearly a billion 1964 dimes without mint marks. It is one of the most common silver coins in existence. However, its value remains high because of its silver content and its status as the last year of silver production.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1964 dime?
A: If your dime has a mint mark, it will be located on the reverse (back) of the coin, to the left of the base of the torch. A “D” means it was minted in Denver. If there is nothing there, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Q: Should I get my 1964 dime graded?
A: For most 1964 dimes, the answer is no. Professional grading costs between $20 and $50 per coin. Unless your dime is in perfect, flawless condition with “Full Bands” on the torch, it is likely not worth the expense. Use a coin app or consult a local dealer first to see if it’s a candidate for a high grade.
Q: Can I find 1964 silver dimes in my pocket change?
A: It is rare but possible! Most silver was pulled from circulation in the late 1960s, but occasionally someone spends an old collection, and a silver dime finds its way into a cash register. Always check your change for that bright silver edge!