1973-D Roosevelt Dime Value: Most are Peanuts, Some are Gold

The 1973-D Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its face value of $10 cents in worn condition to over $1,500 for rare high-grade specimens. While most of the dimes you find in your pocket change today are only worth ten cents, knowing what to look for can turn a simple find into a nice payday.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.10 – $0.15
Uncirculated (MS60 – MS63)	$1.00 – $5.00
Choice Uncirculated (MS65)	$10.00 – $30.00
Gem Quality (MS67+)	$150.00 – $1,500.00+

History and Production of the 1973-D Dime

In 1973, the Denver Mint was incredibly busy, striking over 340 million Roosevelt dimes. Because these coins were produced in such massive quantities for general circulation, they are not rare in the traditional sense. Most of the 1973-D dimes you encounter will show signs of heavy wear, scratches, and dulling from decades of being passed from hand to hand.

If you’re unsure about the condition of a coin you just found, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common spender and a collector’s piece. By 1973, the U.S. Mint had long since moved away from silver, meaning these coins are composed of a copper-nickel clad “sandwich.”

While they lack intrinsic precious metal value, the CoinKnow app helps collectors identify the subtle strike characteristics that make specific 1973-D dimes more valuable. In the early 70s, quality control at the Denver Mint varied, and finding a perfectly struck coin was more difficult than one might think.

How Condition Impacts 1973-D Roosevelt Dime Worth

The “D” mint mark on your dime stands for Denver, and its presence is vital for cataloging. Most people want to know the 1973 Roosevelt dime value and rarity based on its physical state. In the world of numismatics, we use a 70-point scale to grade coins.

A coin in “Circulated” condition has visible wear on Roosevelt’s hair and the torches on the reverse. These are worth face value. However, “Uncirculated” or “Mint State (MS)” coins look like they just came out of a fresh roll. These are the coins that collectors pay premiums for, especially if they have a “Full Torch” (FT) designation.

Grade Designation	Description	Price Range
Good (G4) to Fine (F12)	Heavy wear, flat details	$0.10
About Uncirculated (AU58)	Slight wear on high points	$0.25 – $0.50
Mint State 63 (MS63)	Lustrous with few marks	$2.00 – $8.00
Mint State 67 (MS67)	Superb luster, nearly perfect	$400.00+

The Importance of “Full Torch” Detail

For the Roosevelt dime series, the ultimate prize for a collector is the “Full Torch” (FT) or “Full Bands” (FB) designation. This refers to the horizontal bands at the top and bottom of the torch on the reverse side of the coin. On most 1973-D dimes, these bands are mushy or blended due to weak strikes.

If you find a 1973-D dime where the horizontal lines of the torch are perfectly separated and distinct, you have a high-value item. Check out the 1973-D MS grading and auction data to see how much of a difference this small detail makes. A standard MS67 might sell for a few hundred, but an MS67 Full Torch can skyrocket.

Using tools like CoinKnow can help you zoom in on these high-resolution details. Most casual observers miss the bands entirely, but for a professional grader at PCGS or NGC, it is the difference between a $10 coin and a $1,000 coin.

Common 1973-D Dime Errors to Watch For

While most 1973-D dimes are standard, errors from the Denver Mint can significantly increase their market price. Common errors include “Off-Center Strikes,” where the design isn’t centered on the coin blank, and “Broadstrikes,” where the coin is flatter and wider than usual because it wasn’t contained by the collar during striking.

Another fascinating error is the “Dipped” or “Clipped Planchet,” where a piece of the coin is missing in a crescent shape. Collectors of “Mechanical Errors” love these pieces. Even a small error can turn a common 1973 dime into a $20 to $50 item instantly.

Die cracks are also prevalent. Look for raised lines of metal that shouldn’t be there, particularly near the date or the word “LIBERTY.” These aren’t usually worth a fortune, but they are a fun way to start a specialized collection without spending a lot of money.

Where to Sell Your 1973-D Roosevelt Dimes

If you believe you have discovered a high-grade 1973-D dime or a significant error, you have several options for selling. For common uncirculated coins, local coin shops are a good start, though they may only offer a small premium over face value.

For top-tier grades (MS66 and above), online auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections are the best venues. eBay is also a popular choice for mid-range coins and errors, but ensure you take high-quality photos to attract serious bidders.

Before listing, always use CoinKnow to compare your coin against certified examples. This ensures you don’t undersell a potential gem or waste money on grading fees for a coin that is only worth its weight in copper and nickel.

Selling Venue	Best For	Estimated Fees
Local Coin Shop	Quick cash, common coins	Varies (Low payout)
eBay	Mid-range errors and MS63-65	13% – 15%
Heritage Auctions	Certified MS67+ and Rare Errors	Seller Commissions apply

Frequently Asked Questions about the 1973-D Dime

Q: Is the 1973-D dime made of silver?

A: No. The U.S. Mint stopped making circulating dimes in 90% silver after 1964. The 1973-D dime is a “clad” coin, made of a core of pure copper and an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. It has no silver value.

Q: What does the “D” mint mark mean?

A: The “D” stands for the Denver Mint. In 1973, Roosevelt dimes were also minted at Philadelphia (no mint mark) and San Francisco (S mint mark, which were Proof coins for collectors).

Q: How can I tell if my 1973-D dime is valuable without a professional?

A: Look at the luster. If the coin shines like a mirror and has no scratches on Roosevelt’s cheek, it might be an Uncirculated grade. Check the reverse torch for sharp lines. If it’s just a dirty dime from your pocket, it’s likely worth only 10 cents.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1973-D Roosevelt Dime?

A: High-grade specimens in MS68 condition have sold for over $1,000 at professional auctions. Most of these super-valuable coins are certified by PCGS or NGC to prove their pristine condition.

Q: Are there any 1973-D dimes with “No S” errors?

A: No, the “No S” error is famous in the 1968, 1970, 1975, and 1983 Proof sets. Because the 1973-D dime was supposed to have a “D” mark, there is no corresponding “No S” error for this specific Denver issue.