1973-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Most Valuable Versions and Worth

The 1973-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2 in typical proof condition to over $500 for specimens with rare grading designations. While these coins were not released for general circulation, finding one in an old family collection or a forgotten proof set can still yield a surprising profit for lucky owners.

Coin Condition	Estimated Value
PR65 (Typical Proof)	$2.00 – $5.00
PR69 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $35.00
PR70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$350.00 – $650.00

Understanding the History of the 1973-S Roosevelt Dime

If you’ve recently inherited a coin collection or found a shiny, mirrored dime in a plastic case, you likely have a 1973-S Roosevelt Dime. Unlike the dimes you spend at the grocery store, this specific coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. In 1973, the U.S. Mint produced over 2.7 million of these proof dimes. To determine exactly what you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard strike and a proof strike in seconds.

The Roosevelt Dime series began in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his passing. By 1973, the composition had long since changed from 90% silver to a copper-nickel clad “sandwich.” While the 1973-S doesn’t contain precious silver, its value is driven by its pristine condition and “Cameo” effect. When examining your coins, it is helpful to download CoinKnow, which allows you to scan your collection and organize your finds digitally. This is especially useful because 1973-S dimes were only sold in 6-coin Proof Sets, meaning they were never meant to touch dirty palms or sit in cash registers.

The 1973-S is unique because it represents an era where the San Francisco Mint focused entirely on proof coinage. Because these were handled with extreme care by the Mint, most surviving examples are in excellent shape. However, the value of a 1973-S Roosevelt Dime can fluctuate based on market demand and the specific “frostiness” of the design. You can check current 1973-S Roosevelt Dime price trends to see how the market is valuing these specimens today.

Identifying the “S” Mint Mark and Proof Features

The most important feature to look for is the small “S” mint mark located just above the date. On a 1973 dime, this mark indicates it was struck in San Francisco. However, the “S” mark alone doesn’t make it valuable; it is the “Proof” finish that collectors crave. Proof coins are struck using specially polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and a sharply detailed portrait of FDR. To get a better sense of how these visual qualities affect price, you can view the 1973-S Roosevelt Dime appraisal data online.

When looking at your 1973-S dime, check for the “Cameo” effect. A “Cameo” (CAM) coin has a light frost on the portrait of Roosevelt, creating a beautiful contrast against the shiny field. Even better is the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo,” where the frost is thick and white, making the image pop off the coin. Most 1973-S dimes found in original boxes are standard proofs, but those with intense contrast are the ones that fetch hundreds of dollars at auction.

If you aren’t sure if your coin qualifies as a Deep Cameo, tools like CoinKnow can provide high-resolution references for comparison. Many casual collectors mistake a very shiny dime for a proof, but the “S” mint mark is the definitive giveaway for this year. Keep in mind that if the coin has scratches (known as “hairline” scratches), the value drops significantly, as proof collectors demand perfection.

Grading and Value Tiers for 1973-S Roosevelt Dimes

In the world of coin collecting, the “Grade” is everything. Grading is measured on a scale of 1 to 70. For a 1973-S dime, which was protected in a plastic case from birth, grades typically range from PR65 to PR70. A PR70 is a “perfect” coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification. While a PR68 might only be worth $10, a PR70 Deep Cameo is incredibly rare and can sell for over $500 because so few survived 50 years without a single microscopic speck of dust or oxidation.

Grade Designation	Market Value	Rarity
Proof (No Cameo)	$1 – $3	Common
Cameo (CAM)	$5 – $15	Moderate
Deep Cameo (DCAM)	$25 – $500+	Rare in High Grade

If you find a 1973-S dime that has been broken out of its plastic case and spent like normal money, it is considered “Impaired.” An impaired proof has lost its mirror finish and is usually only worth its face value of 10 cents, or perhaps a small premium of 25 cents to a curious buyer. This is why it is vital to keep your 1973-S coins in their original Mint packaging or professional coin flips.

Potential 1973-S Error Dimes to Look For

While 1973-S dimes are known for their high quality, errors can still happen. Collectors are always on the hunt for “variety” or “error” coins that slipped past the inspectors at the San Francisco Mint. One thing to look for is a “Double Die” error, where the lettering or the date appears to be doubled. While not common for the 1973-S, discovering an undocumented error could turn a $2 coin into a $100 treasure.

Another rare occurrence is a “re-punched mint mark” (RPM). This happens when the “S” was punched into the die twice, creating a slight shadow or offset of the letter. Because the San Francisco Mint had very high standards for proof coins, these errors are exponentially rarer than those found on “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) dimes meant for pocket change. Using CoinKnow to zoom in on the mint mark can help you spot these tiny discrepancies that the naked eye might miss.

Finally, look for “off-center strikes” or “broadstrikes.” An off-center strike occurs if the coin was not perfectly aligned when the hammer die hit it. If you have a 1973-S proof dime where the design is pushed to one side and a crescent of blank metal is visible, you are looking at a very valuable error. These are highly sought after by specialists and can reach prices high above the standard catalog value.

The Difference Between 1973-S, P, and D Dimes

It is crucial for beginners to understand that the 1973-S is just one of three versions minted that year. The Philadelphia Mint produced 315 million dimes with no mint mark (1973-P), and the Denver Mint produced 455 million dimes with a “D” mark. These billions of coins are “business strikes” and are generally only worth 10 cents unless they are in absolutely pristine, uncirculated condition.

Mint Facility	Mint Mark	Mintage	Main Purpose
Philadelphia	None	315,670,000	Circulation
Denver	D	455,030,000	Circulation
San Francisco	S	2,760,339	Collectors Only

The “S” version is different because it was never intended to be used at a vending machine. If you find a 1973-D or 1973-P dime in your change, it is almost certainly worth just 10 cents. However, if you find a 1973-P or D that looks as shiny as a mirror and has no scratches, it might be a “Mint State” (MS) coin. While common, an MS67 grade 1973-D can actually be worth more than a common 1973-S proof because it is harder to find a perfect circulation coin than a perfect proof coin.

How to Store and Sell Your 1973-S Dime

If you believe you have a high-value 1973-S Roosevelt Dime, especially one that looks like a Deep Cameo, you must handle it with care. Never touch the flat surfaces of the coin with your fingers; the oils from your skin can leave permanent fingerprints that eat into the metal over time. Always hold it by the edges. To preserve its value, place it in a PVC-free plastic holder or a 2×2 cardboard “flip.”

When it comes time to sell, you have several options. For common proofs worth $2-$5, local coin shops or eBay are your best bet. If you think you have a PR70 Deep Cameo worth hundreds of dollars, you should consider having it professionaly graded by services like PCGS or NGC. A certified grade is often required to reach those top-tier prices. Before spending money on grading fees, use apps to get a baseline idea of what you have so you don’t spend $30 to grade a $2 coin.

Collectors often look for “Full Torch” (FT) or “Full Bands” (FB) on Roosevelt Dimes, which refers to the level of detail on the reverse side of the coin. On the 1973-S, because it is a proof, the bands on the torch are almost always fully separated. However, checking for this detail is a good habit to get into for all dimes in your collection.

FAQ

Q: Is the 1973-S Roosevelt Dime made of silver?

A: No. After 1964, the U.S. Mint stopped using silver for dimes. The 1973-S Roosevelt Dime is made of a copper-nickel clad composition. It may look “silvery” because of its polished proof finish, but it contains no actual silver.

Q: Where can I find a 1973-S dime?

A: These coins are typically found in 1973 United States Proof Sets. Occasionally, they are found in individual coin auctions or “junk” bins at coin shops if they have been removed from their original packaging.

Q: What makes a 1973-S dime worth $500?

A: Only a “Perfect” PR70 Deep Cameo grade qualifies for this high price. This means the coin has zero flaws under a microscope and possesses a very high contrast between the frosted portrait and the mirror-like background.

Q: Does a “no mint mark” 1973 dime mean it’s rare?

A: No. A 1973 dime with no mint mark was made in Philadelphia. Over 315 million were produced, and they are very common in everyday circulation, generally worth only 10 cents.