1974-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Is Your Proof Coin Worth Money?

The 1974-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2 in typical proof condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens. While most examples you find in old collections are common, certain “Deep Cameo” designations and rare errors can command a significant premium among serious numismatists.

Condition/Grade	Estimated Value (USD)
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$1.50 – $3.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo	$400.00 – $650.00

Identifying the 1974-S San Francisco Mint Dime

If you have a 1974 dime featuring an “S” mint mark, you aren’t looking at a coin intended for your pocket. The San Francisco Mint exclusively produced proof coins for collectors in 1974. These coins were polished to a mirror-like finish and sold in protective plastic sets. If you’ve found one in a jar of loose change, it is likely a “circulated proof,” meaning it was removed from its holder and spent like regular money.

To confirm what you have, you can use a top coin identifier app to get an instant digital appraisal. While the “S” mark is easily visible just above the date, the quality of the strike is what really determines the price. Proofs are struck twice with specially prepared dies, giving them sharper details than the Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (D) coins meant for everyday trade.

If your coin looks exceptionally shiny but has scratches, it’s probably a common proof. However, if the portrait of FDR looks frosty like a mountain peak while the background is dark and reflective, you might have a “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” strike. Finding these high-quality finishes is the goal for most hobbyists using the CoinKnow app to catalog their finds.

1974-S Roosevelt Dime Price Guide by Grade

When evaluating the 1974-S Roosevelt Dime value, condition is the single most important factor. Because these coins were made for collectors, the market is flooded with “generic” proofs. A dime graded Proof 65 is common and barely worth more than its face value after accounting for fees. However, the price leaps exponentially as you reach the perfect grade of Proof 70.

The highest prices are reserved for coins that have earned the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation from grading services like PCGS or NGC. These coins have an intense contrast between the frosted devices and mirror fields. You can check current market trends for 1974-S Roosevelt Dime auction records to see how much these top-tier specimens have sold for recently.

Grade Designation	Typical Sale Price
PR 67 DCAM	$8 – $12
PR 68 DCAM	$15 – $22
PR 69 DCAM	$25 – $45
PR 70 DCAM (Perfect)	$550 +

Why Certain 1974-S Dimes Are Rare

Most 1974-S dimes are not rare because the San Francisco Mint struck over 2.6 million proof sets that year. However, rarity is found in the “state of preservation.” Over decades, many of these coins were stored in damp basements or smoky rooms, causing the silver-colored copper-nickel surface to haze or spot. A 1974-S dime that has remained perfectly preserved for 50 years without a single microscopic scratch is a true rarity.

Collectors also look for “Toning,” which is a natural oxidation process that creates rainbow colors on the coin’s surface. While some people might think a blue or gold-colored dime is damaged, coin enthusiasts often pay 2x or 3x the standard 1974 dime value for attractive original toning. Using CoinKnow can help you identify if your coin’s colors are natural or “artificial,” which affects the price.

Another factor in rarity is the die state. Earlier strikes from a new set of dies are much sharper and more likely to achieve the “Deep Cameo” status. As the dies wear down during the minting process, the frosted effect fades, resulting in “standard” proofs that are much less valuable to high-end investors.

1974 Roosevelt Dime Error List and Varieties

While the 1974-S is a proof coin, errors can still happen. Collectors are always on the hunt for oddities that shouldn’t have left the San Francisco Mint. The most common “errors” people search for are actually just minor die cracks or planchet flaws, but a few significant varieties do exist in the 1974 series (including the P and D mint marks).

One interesting error to watch for is the “Off-Center Strike,” where the coin is not properly aligned with the dies. While extremely rare for proof coins like the 1974-S, finding one could mean a payday of several hundred dollars. More common are “Repunched Mint Marks” (RPMs), though these are far more frequent in earlier decades.

Error Type	Estimated Value
5% Off-Center Proof	$100 – $250
Double Die Obverse (Minor)	$20 – $50
Die Break (Cud)	$15 – $40

Does the 1974-S Dime Contain Silver?

One of the most frequent questions from casual finders is whether the 1974-S dime is made of silver. Unfortunately, the answer for all business-strike and standard proof 1974 dimes is no. The U.S. Mint stopped using 90% silver for dimes and quarters in 1964. By 1974, all dimes were made of a “clad” composition: a core of pure copper sandwiched between layers of copper-nickel.

You can verify this yourself by looking at the edge of the coin. If you see a distinct copper/orange stripe, it is a standard clad coin. If the edge is solid silver-white, you might have a rare “wrong planchet” error, though none are currently confirmed for the 1974-S proof line. Despite the lack of silver content, the CoinKnow app maintains that the value of these coins comes from their numismatic appeal and historical significance rather than melt value.

If you are looking for silver, you’ll need to look at dimes dated 1964 and earlier, or special silver proof sets issued in much later years. The 1974-S is purely a collector’s piece valued for its beauty and the prestige of the San Francisco Mint.

How to Sell Your 1974-S Roosevelt Dime

If you believe you have a high-grade 1974-S Roosevelt Dime, your first step should be to compare your coin against high-resolution photos of PR 69 and PR 70 specimens. Most coins found in “raw” or ungraded condition will not be the elusive PR 70 that sells for hundreds of dollars. If your coin has even the tiniest scratch (hairline) visible under a magnifying glass, it is likely a $2 to $5 coin.

For those with a potentially perfect coin, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is necessary to realize the full market value. However, grading costs roughly $25-$50 per coin, so only submit it if you are certain it is flawless. For common proofs, selling on platforms like eBay or at a local coin shop is the best route. Most local dealers may only offer you a dollar or two for a loose proof, as they already have plenty in stock.

Keep your dime in a PVC-free plastic flip or its original mint packaging to prevent “haze” from forming. A clean, bright 1974-S will always be easier to sell than one that has been handled with bare fingers, as the oils from your skin can permanently damage the delicate proof finish.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1974 dime with no mint mark rare?

A: No. A 1974 dime with no mint mark was struck in Philadelphia. Over 470 million were produced, and they are generally only worth their face value of 10 cents unless they are in perfect, uncirculated condition.

Q: What is the “S” on the 1974 dime?

A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. In 1974, this mint only produced “Proof” coins intended for collectors, not for general circulation.

Q: How can I tell if my 1974-S dime is a “Deep Cameo”?

A: A Deep Cameo (DCAM) coin will have a very stark contrast. The portrait of Roosevelt and the lettering will look like white frost, while the flat background behind him will look like a dark, black mirror.

Q: What is the most expensive 1974-S dime ever sold?

A: High-grade PR 70 Deep Cameo examples have sold at auction for over $600. Prices fluctuate based on the current demand among Registry Set collectors who compete to own the highest-graded coins possible.