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The 1968-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $0.10 in worn condition to over $500 for pristine, high-grade specimens. While most found in pocket change are only worth their face value, the “S” mint mark signifies a special production year that draws significant interest from numismatists and casual collectors alike.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average) | $0.10 – $0.15 |
| Proof-65 (PF65) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Proof-69 (PF69) | $15.00 – $30.00 |
| Proof-70 (PF70 Deep Cameo) | $400.00+ |
Understanding the 1968-S Roosevelt Dime History
If you’ve recently sorted through a jar of old coins and spotted a tiny “S” next to the date on a Roosevelt dime, you might be holding a piece of San Francisco history. In 1968, the United States Mint made a significant transition, moving the production of “Proof” sets—coins intended for collectors rather than circulation—to the San Francisco Mint.
Because San Francisco primarily produced these high-quality proof coins, seeing an “S” mark usually means the coin was never meant to buy a soda or pay for a parking meter. However, millions of these sets were broken open over the years, leading some “Proof” dimes to end up in general circulation. If you are unsure about the quality of your find, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard strike and a proof strike.
Professional collectors often look for the “Cameo” effect on these coins, where the portrait of FDR appears frosted against a mirror-like background. The CoinKnow app is a great tool for identifying these subtle visual differences that can double or triple the value of your coin.
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Is the 1968-S Dime Silver or Copper-Nickel?
One of the most common questions people ask when they find an old dime is, “Is it silver?” Unfortunately, for the 1968-S Roosevelt Dime, the answer is generally no. The U.S. Mint ceased the production of 90% silver dimes for general circulation and standard proof sets after 1964.
The 1968-S dime is composed of a “clad” sandwich: a core of pure copper with outer layers made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. You can easily verify this by looking at the edge of the coin; if you see a distinct orange or brownish copper stripe, it is a clad coin.
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However, because these were struck as proofs, they have a much sharper detail and a more reflective surface than the dimes struck in Philadelphia or Denver that same year. Modern 1968 dime auction results show that while the metal content isn’t precious, the historical “S” mint mark still carries a premium for those completing “S-Mint” collections.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel |
| Weight | 2.27 grams |
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Mark | S (San Francisco) |
Grading and Quality: Why Some Dimes Bring Big Money
In the world of coin collecting, condition is king. A 1968-S dime that has been jingling in a pocket for decades will likely be scratched and dull, making it worth only its ten-cent face value. However, a dime that has been kept in its original plastic mint packaging can be worth much more.
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Coin grading is measured on a scale from 1 to 70. For 1968-S dimes, we specifically look at “Proof” (PF) grades. A PF65 is considered a “Gem Proof,” looking beautiful to the naked eye with only tiny imperfections. A PF70 is perfection—no visible flaws even under 5x magnification.
Finding a perfect PF70 is rare, and these are the coins that command hundreds of dollars at professional auctions. You can check current market trends and 1968-S proof dime price guides to see how much a high-grade specimen might fetch today. The CoinKnow app can also provide high-resolution images to help you compare your coin to those that have sold for top dollar.
The Rare 1968 “No S” Proof Dime Error
If you want to find a “holy grail” in your pocket change, you need to look for the 1968 “No S” Proof Dime. This is one of the most famous errors in American numismatics. When the San Francisco Mint began striking proof sets in 1968, a small number of dimes were accidentally struck using a die that lacked the “S” mint mark.
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Because these were proof coins, they are very shiny and distinct. If you find a proof-quality 1968 dime that is missing the mint mark entirely, you could be looking at a coin worth between $10,000 and $20,000 depending on its condition.
Note that 1968 dimes from the Philadelphia mint also do not have a mint mark, but those are “business strikes” (dull, not shiny). The rare error version must be a high-gloss, mirror-like proof coin. If you think you’ve found one, using CoinKnow to get an initial AI-driven assessment is a smart first step before sending it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
| Variety | Rarity | Avg. Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1968-S Standard Proof | Common | $2 – $10 |
| 1968-S Deep Cameo | Scarce | $50 – $450 |
| 1968 “No S” Proof Error | Extremely Rare | $15,000+ |
What to Look for: Cameo vs. Deep Cameo
When inspecting your 1968-S Roosevelt Dime, pay close attention to the contrast. In the early days of proof production, the dies were treated to create a frosted finish on the raised parts of the design (like Roosevelt’s head). The first few hundred coins struck from a new die would have a very heavy frost.
Collectors refer to these as “Cameo” (CAM) or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM). In a Deep Cameo 1968-S dime, the portrait looks almost white, while the background (the “field”) looks like a dark, black mirror. These are much more valuable than standard “brilliant” proofs.
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If you have a collection of these dimes, it is worth sorting them by the level of frost. Even a small difference in the “whiteness” of the frosting can mean a massive jump in retail price. Many collectors keep multiple copies of the same year just to showcase these different finish variations.
Summary: Should You Keep Your 1968-S Dime?
So, is the 1968-S dime worth keeping? If it’s in average, circulated condition, it’s essentially a spender. However, if it still has that “fresh from the mint” shine, it is certainly worth a few dollars. If it appears to be a “No S” error or a perfect Deep Cameo specimen, it could be a life-changing find.
Always handle your coins by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints, which can damage the delicate proof finish. Store them in acid-free holders to preserve their value for the future. Whether you are a dedicated collector or just someone who found a shiny dime in a coin star machine, the 1968-S represents a fascinating era of U.S. Mint history.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1968 Roosevelt Dime?
A: The mint mark is located just above the date on the obverse (front) side of the coin. Look for a small “S” or “D”. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.
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Q: Are there any 1968-S silver dimes?
A: No official 1968-S silver dimes were produced. All standard and proof dimes from 1968 are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. If you find one that weighs significantly more than 2.27g, it might be an experimental error, but these are essentially non-existent.
Q: Why is my 1968-S dime so much shinier than other dimes?
A: Because the “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint, which produced Proof coins in 1968. These were specially struck twice with polished dies to create a mirror-like finish for collectors.
Q: Is a 1968 dime with no mint mark rare?
A: Usually, no. Dimes minted in Philadelphia in 1968 did not have a mint mark and were made by the hundreds of millions. Only the “Proof” version (highly mirror-like) without an “S” is the rare and valuable error.