1968 No S Roosevelt Dime Value: Most Valuable Error Guide

The 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $0.10 in circulated condition to over $40,000 for the rare Proof “No S” error. While most 1968 dimes in your pocket change are only worth their face value, a specific minting mistake has created a modern treasure that collectors desperately seek.

Condition / Variety	Estimated Value
Circulated (1968 Philadelphia/Denver)	$0.10 – $0.25
Uncirculated (MS65)	$2.00 – $8.00
1968-S Proof (Standard)	$3.00 – $10.00
1968 “No S” Proof Error	$15,000 – $48,000+

Understanding the 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime Error

If you have stumbled upon a 1968 dime without a mint mark, it is important to distinguish between a common coin and a legendary rarity. Most dimes minted in 1968 were produced in Philadelphia and naturally do not have a mint mark. However, the “No S” error specifically refers to Proof coins that were supposed to be struck at the San Francisco Mint.

To find out if your coin is the rare version, you can use a top coin identifier app to analyze the luster and strike quality. A “Proof” coin is struck twice on specially polished planchets, giving it a mirror-like finish and sharp details. In 1968, the Mint began moving the “S” mint mark from the reverse to the obverse (front) of the coin, just above the date.

A tiny handful of Proof dies were sent from Philadelphia to San Francisco without the “S” mint mark. Consequently, a small number of Proof sets were released containing a dime that lacked the “S” mark. Because these were Proof coins, they were never intended for circulation. If you find a 1968 dime in your loose change without a mint mark, it is almost certainly a common Philadelphia business strike worth ten cents.

How Much is a 1968 Dime Worth Today?

For the average collector, the value of a 1968 dime depends heavily on its “Mint State” (MS) grade. Most coins found in jars or piggy banks are considered “circulated,” meaning they have scratches and wear from being used in commerce. Since billions were produced, these common coins carry no significant premium.

However, high-grade specimens are a different story. Serious collectors look for “Full Torch” (FT) or “Full Bands” (FB) designations, where the horizontal lines on the torch on the reverse are perfectly distinct. You can check the latest 1968 Roosevelt dime price data to see how much a high-grade Mint State coin currently fetches at auction. Typically, an MS67 grade coin might sell for around $30 to $50.

If you are unsure whether your coin has the special “Proof” finish or is just a shiny uncirculated coin, CoinKnow can provide a quick visual comparison. The app helps users distinguish between the satin finish of a business strike and the deep, reflective mirror finish of a Proof coin, which is the first step in identifying the “No S” treasure.

Grade (Business Strike)	Approximate Value
MS63	$0.50
MS65	$5.00
MS67	$45.00
MS68	$400.00+

Identifying the Rare “No S” Proof Variety

Identifying the rare 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime requires a keen eye. These coins were only found in 1968 Proof Sets. A Proof set comes in a hard plastic case; if your 1968 dime is loose and worn, it is 99.9% likely to be a Philadelphia-minted coin. The rare error version must have the mirror-like fields and frosted devices characteristic of 1968 Proofs.

The estimated population of the 1968 No S dime is incredibly low—only about 12 to 20 specimens are known to exist. Because of this extreme rarity, any discovery of a new one would be national news in the numismatic community. Collectors often use tools like CoinKnow to zoom in on the area above the date to ensure there is no evidence of a removed mint mark.

If you suspect you have found one, it is vital to have it authenticated by a professional service like PCGS or NGC. Because the 1968 dime value for error coins is so high, many counterfeits exist where the “S” has been polished off. Authentic coins will show no scratch marks under high magnification in the area where the “S” should have been.

Mints and Mintage Figures for 1968 Dimes

In 1968, the United States Mint produced Roosevelt dimes at three different locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Knowing which mint produced your coin is the key to determining its scarcity. The 1968 Denver (D) and 1968 Philadelphia (no mark) are the common coins you find in daily life.

The Philadelphia Mint produced over 424 million dimes for circulation. None of these have a mint mark. The Denver Mint produced over 480 million pieces, all bearing the “D” mint mark. The San Francisco Mint exclusively produced Proof sets for collectors, with a mintage of just over 3 million.

Mint Location	Mint Mark	Mintage
Philadelphia	None	424,470,000
Denver	D	480,748,280
San Francisco (Proof)	S	3,041,506
San Francisco (No S Error)	None (Proof finish)	Estimated ~20

Key Characteristics to Look For

When examining your 1968 dime, look beyond just the mint mark. The condition of the coin, often called the “grade,” is the most significant factor in its market price. For a non-error 1968 dime to be worth more than a few cents, it must be in “About Uncirculated” or “Mint State” condition. This means the coin has never been used to buy anything and still looks like it just came from the mint.

A helpful tip for beginners is to look at the highest points of the design: Roosevelt’s cheek, the hair above his ear, and the leaves on the torch on the back. If these areas are flat or dull, the coin is circulated. CoinKnow provides a grading guide that allows you to compare your coin’s wear against high-resolution photos of graded specimens.

Finally, keep an eye out for other minor errors. While not as valuable as the “No S” variety, 1968 dimes can sometimes be found with “doubled dies” (where the letters look like they were printed twice) or “off-center strikes.” These minor errors can turn an ordinary 10-cent coin into a $10 to $50 collector’s item.

Summary of the 1968 Roosevelt Dime Value

In summary, the vast majority of 1968 Roosevelt dimes are worth exactly $0.10. If they are exceptionally clean and shiny (Uncirculated), they might fetch a few dollars. The real excitement lies in the “No S” Proof error, which is one of the most famous rarities in modern American numismatics.

Because these errors were only found in Proof Sets, you should check any old coin sets you have inherited or bought at estate sales. If you see a 1968 Proof Set where the dime has no “S” above the date, you may be holding a five-figure treasure. Always remember to handle such coins by the edges to preserve their condition and value.

Whether you are a casual hunter or a serious collector, understanding the distinction between a common Philadelphia dime and the Proof error is essential. Using digital tools and price guides will ensure you never accidentally spend a coin that could pay for a new car!

FAQ

Q: Does every 1968 dime without a mint mark have the “No S” error?

A: No. The Philadelphia Mint produced hundreds of millions of 1968 dimes without a mint mark for general circulation. Only coins with a “Proof” finish (mirror-like background) found in Proof Sets are eligible for the rare “No S” error classification.

Q: Is a 1968 dime made of silver?

A: No. The US Mint stopped using 90% silver for dimes in 1964. The 1968 Roosevelt dime is composed of a copper-nickel clad composition (a pure copper core with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel).

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1968 No S Dime?

A: The record price for a 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime is upwards of $48,000, sold at a major auction. The price depends heavily on the grade and the “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” contrast of the Proof finish.

Q: Where can I sell my 1968 Roosevelt dime?

A: If it is a common circulated coin, any bank will take it for face value. If you believe you have a high-grade uncirculated coin or a “No S” error, it is best to sell through a reputable auction house like Heritage Auctions or a certified local coin dealer after having the coin graded by PCGS or NGC.