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The 1968 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.10 in worn condition to over $40,000 for a rare “No S” proof error. While most coins found in pocket change are common, identifying specific minting varieties is the key to discovering a hidden treasure in your coin jar.
| Condition / Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (Mint State) | $1.00 – $15.00 |
| 1968-D (Denver Mint) | $0.10 – $25.00+ |
| 1968-S Proof (Standard) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| 1968 “No S” Proof Error | $15,000 – $48,000 |
Identifying Your 1968 Roosevelt Dime No Mint Mark
If you have a 1968 dime and you can’t find a mint mark, don’t panic. For the vast majority of these coins, the absence of a letter means it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. During this era, Philadelphia did not use a “P” mint mark on dimes. Millions of these were produced for general circulation, which is why you likely found one in your spare change today.
To get an instant answer on what you’re holding, you can use a top coin identifier app to scan the obverse and reverse of your coin. Most 1968 dimes without a mint mark are composed of a copper-nickel clad “sandwich,” rather than the silver used in earlier years.
If you are a serious hunter, the 1968 series is particularly famous because of the “No S” Proof error. While a standard no-mint-mark dime from Philly is common, a proof dime (which should have an “S”) missing its mark is a lottery ticket. CoinKnow can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a polished proof finish.
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Historical Context of 1968 Dime Production
The year 1968 was a transitional period for the United States Mint. Just a few years prior, the Coinage Act of 1965 removed silver from dimes and quarters due to a national shortage. By 1968, the public was fully adjusted to the new copper-nickel composition.
Because the Mint focused on mass production to meet commercial demand, hundreds of millions of 1968 Roosevelt Dimes were released. This high mintage means that a heavily circulated 1968 dime is usually only worth its face value of ten cents. However, collectors often look for high-grade specimens.
You can check current market trends for the 1968 Roosevelt Dime price by grade to see how much a pristine, uncirculated version might fetch at auction. Even a small amount of wear can drop the price significantly, so handling your coins by the edges is vital.
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| Mint Location | Mint Mark | Mintage Total |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | 424,470,400 |
| Denver | D | 480,748,280 |
| San Francisco (Proof) | S | 3,041,506 |
The Rare 1968 “No S” Proof Dime Error
The holy grail of 1968 dimes is the “No S” proof error. Proof coins are specially made for collectors, featuring mirror-like backgrounds and frosted details. In 1968, some proof dimes were accidentally struck at the San Francisco Mint without the “S” mint mark.
It is estimated that only a few dozen of these error coins exist. Because they are so rare, they command prices in the tens of thousands of dollars. To identify one, you must first confirm look for the mirror finish characteristic of a proof coin.
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If you think you’ve found a proof coin in a legacy collection, using CoinKnow to compare the luster against standard coins is a great first step. The 1968 dime value information suggests that these errors are among the most sought-after modern U.S. coins.
Grading the 1968 Roosevelt Dime
Condition is everything in coin collecting. A 1968 dime that looks shiny and “new” might still only be worth a few dollars if it has microscopic scratches. Professional grading services (like PCGS or NGC) use a 70-point scale to determine value.
“Circulated” coins have been used in vending machines and pockets. These are usually worth $0.10. “About Uncirculated” (AU) coins show a hint of wear on Roosevelt’s cheek but still have some luster. “Mint State” (MS) coins have no wear at all.
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For collectors, the “Full Torch” (FT) or “Full Bands” (FB) designation on the reverse of the dime is the ultimate prize. This refers to the horizontal lines on the torch being fully visible and distinct. A 1968 dime with Full Bands is significantly more valuable than one without.
| Grade | Description | Value (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| VG 8 (Very Good) | Heavily worn but clear | $0.10 |
| EF 40 (Extremely Fine) | Light wear on high points | $0.25 |
| MS 63 (Uncirculated) | Attractive, original luster | $2.00 |
| MS 67 (Superb Gem) | Nearly perfect condition | $50 – $100 |
Where to Find the Mint Mark on a 1968 Dime
Before 1968, mint marks on Roosevelt dimes were located on the reverse (back), next to the torch. However, starting in 1968, the U.S. Mint moved the mint mark to the obverse (front).
You can find the “D” or “S” mark just above the date, on the right side of Roosevelt’s neck. If you see no letter at all in that spot, it simply means your coin was minted in Philadelphia.
This change can be confusing for people who are used to looking at older silver dimes. If you are ever unsure where to look, CoinKnow provides high-resolution diagrams for every year, ensuring you never miss a rare mark or a valuable error.
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Double Dies and Other 1968 Dime Varieties
While the “No S” proof is the king of 1968 errors, there are other minor varieties that can add a few dollars to a coin’s value. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) or Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) coins occur when the die used to strike the coin has a doubled image.
On a 1968 dime, look for doubling in the letters of “IN GOD WE TRUST” or “LIBERTY.” You might need a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe to see these clearly. While they aren’t worth thousands, a nice doubled die can sell for $20 to $50 to the right collector.
Other common errors include “clipped planchets,” where the coin looks like a bite was taken out of the edge, or “off-center strikes,” where the design is pushed to one side. These are fun finds that turn a regular ten-cent piece into a conversation starter.
| Error Type | Rarity | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Off-Center (10-20%) | Scarce | $5 – $15 |
| Broadstruck | Uncommon | $10 – $20 |
| Die Crack | Common | $1 – $5 |
FAQ
Q: Is a 1968 dime made of silver?
A: No. The U.S. Mint stopped making dimes with 90% silver in 1964. All 1968 dimes made for circulation are “clad,” meaning they are made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Q: How can I tell if my 1968 dime is a rare “No S” proof?
A: A real 1968 “No S” proof will have a very shiny, mirror-like surface and sharp, crisp details. More importantly, questing for these should be done with care; most 1968 dimes without a mint mark are just common Philadelphia business strikes worth face value.
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Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1968 dime?
A: The mint mark is located on the front (obverse) of the coin, just above the date. You will see a “D” for Denver, an “S” for San Francisco (mostly proofs), or nothing at all for Philadelphia.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1968 dime?
A: A 1968 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dime, graded PR68 by PCGS, sold at auction for over $48,800. For standard business strikes, prices are much lower, usually only reaching high values in nearly perfect MS67 or MS68 grades.
Q: Should I clean my 1968 dime to make it more valuable?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or abrasive cloths creates micro-scratches that ruin its numismatic value. Collectors prefer a coin with its original “patina” or “toning,” even if it looks a bit dark or dirty.