1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime Value: Worth & Identification

The 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical Proof condition to over $1,200 for rare high-grade Cameo specimens. Whether you are cleaning out a drawer or inherited a collection, understanding the subtle differences between “Types” is the key to unlocking its true market value.

Condition/Grade	Estimated Value (USD)
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (High Grade)	$250.00 – $1,200.00+

What Exactly is a 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime?

If you have a 1979 dime with an “S” mint mark, you are looking at a Proof coin, specifically minted in San Francisco for collectors. Unlike the dimes you find in your pocket change, these were struck twice with polished dies to create a mirror-like finish. To identify your coin quickly, you can use a top coin identifier app to see if your “S” mark matches the Type 1 or Type 2 variety.

In 1979, the San Francisco Mint changed the “S” mint mark punch halfway through the year. The “Type 1” is known as the “Filled S.” This is because the punch was worn down, making the “S” look blob-like, thick, and almost filled in at the center. It is the more common of the two types from that year, but its value fluctuates heavily based on how pristine the coin remains.

Many people use CoinKnow to organize their collections and track which variety they have. Knowing the difference between a “Filled S” and a “Clear S” is the first step toward getting an accurate appraisal of your coin’s worth in today’s competitive collector market.

Grading and 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime Price Tiers

The value of your dime is heavily dependent on its numerical grade, ranging from PR 60 to a perfect PR 70. Most 1979-S Type 1 dimes found in original government proof sets will fall into the PR 67 to PR 69 range. Because millions were minted, collectors only pay premium prices for coins that are flawless under 10x magnification.

You can check current market trends for 1979-S dime auction results and prices to see how much high-grade pieces have sold for recently. While a PR 69 is quite common, a PR 70 (perfect) is a different story entirely, often commanding hundreds of dollars due to its scarcity.

Most casual collectors will find that their coins are worth a few dollars. However, if the coin has a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect—where the portrait of Roosevelt is frosty white and the background is a deep, dark mirror—the value increases significantly. CoinKnow users often upload high-resolution photos to get a better sense of whether their coin has that coveted DCAM contrast.

Grade (Proof)	Type 1 (Filled S) Value	Type 2 (Clear S) Value
PR 67	$4.50	$8.00
PR 68	$7.00	$12.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$18.00	$35.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo	$350.00	$600.00+

Identifying the Filled S vs. Clear S Varieties

The most common question among beginners is how to tell the 1979-S Type 1 apart from the Type 2. The Type 1 “Filled S” looks like a solid block with very little definition in the loops of the letter. The “S” seems to blend into the field of the coin. This was the result of a tired mint mark punch that had been used for years.

In contrast, the Type 2 “Clear S” has distinct, sharp edges. You can clearly see the openings in the top and bottom loops of the “S.” Generally, the Type 2 is rarer and more valuable. However, a high-grade Type 1 is still a prize for any Roosevelt collector. If you are unsure, look up 1979 Roosevelt dime valuation data to compare visual examples of both types.

Using a magnifying glass or a jewelry loupe is essential for this task. Many people use the CoinKnow app’s zoom feature to get a clear look at the mint mark without needing professional equipment. If the mint mark looks messy or “blobby,” you likely have a Type 1 coin.

The Rare 1979-P and 1979-D Roosevelt Dimes

While the 1979-S is the focus for most variety hunters, the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mintages are also important. These were made for general circulation. Unlike the “S” proofs, which come in sets, “P” and “D” dimes are usually found in change. Most are only worth their 10-cent face value, but “Full Band” (FB) examples are the exception.

A “Full Band” dime refers to the horizontal bands on the torch on the reverse side. If those lines are fully separated and distinct, the coin is much more valuable to collectors. For a 1979-D dime, a high MS 67 grade with Full Bands can be worth over $50, whereas a standard circulated version is just a dime.

It is rare to find a 1979-P or D in high grade today because of how much they circulated. However, if you find one that looks like it just came from the mint, it is worth putting aside. Coin collectors love “condition rarities,” where a common coin is valuable simply because it survived in perfect shape.

Mint Mark	Mintage	Max Auction Record
1979-P	315,484,000	$2,400 (MS 67 FB)
1979-D	390,958,162	$1,100 (MS 67 FB)
1979-S Type 1	3,677,175 (Total S)	$1,250 (PR 70 DCAM)

How to Handle and Store Your 1979-S Proof Dime

Because proof coins like the 1979-S Type 1 have such sensitive, mirror-like surfaces, they are easily damaged. Even a single fingerprint can cause permanent damage over time due to the oils in your skin. If you find one of these dimes, you should always handle it by the edges or wear lint-free cotton gloves.

Storing your coin in a PVC-free flip or a hard plastic capsule is the best way to preserve its value. Many 1979-S dimes are still in their original purple or blue Mint lenses. If yours is still in the original packaging, it is often best to keep it there unless you are planning to send it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.

A drop in grade from PR 70 to PR 68 might seem small, but it can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars. Using a tool like CoinKnow helps you keep trace of your inventory and current market valuations so you know when it might be time to sell or “slab” (professionally grade) your treasure.

Is the 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime a Good Investment?

Investing in modern proof dimes is generally a long-term game. Because the 1979-S Type 1 was produced in large quantities (over 3 million sets), common examples will likely never be worth a fortune. However, the market for “Top Pop” (highest possible grade) coins remains strong.

Collectors who are building a complete Roosevelt Dime “Registry Set” often compete for the highest-graded Type 1 and Type 2 varieties. This competition keeps the prices of PR 70 specimens high. If you are looking for a coin that will hold its value, look for the Deep Cameo designation, as the visual appeal of these coins makes them much easier to resell later.

While the Type 1 is slightly less valuable than the Type 2 (which had a much smaller production run at the end of 1979), it remains a staple of late 20th-century numismatics. It represents a specific moment in U.S. Mint history where production methods were transitioning, making it a fascinating piece for any history buff or coin enthusiast.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 1979-S dime is a Type 1 or Type 2?

A: Look closely at the “S” mint mark. The Type 1 (Filled S) is thick and blobby with minimal space in the loops. The Type 2 (Clear S) has crisp, clear loops and the ends of the “S” are bulbous and distinct.

Q: Is a 1979 dime made of silver?

A: No, the 1979 Roosevelt dime is made of a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper core). The U.S. stopped making circulating silver dimes after 1964.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1979-S dime?

A: The mint mark is located just above the date on the bottom right of Roosevelt’s bust on the “heads” (obverse) side of the coin.

Q: What is the most valuable 1979-S Type 1 ever sold?

A: While prices fluctuate, a 1979-S Type 1 dime in PR 70 Deep Cameo condition has historically sold for upwards of $1,200 at major auctions. Standard versions usually sell for $3 to $20.

Q: Should I clean my 1979-S dime to make it worth more?

A: Never clean your coins! Cleaning a proof coin will create tiny scratches called “hairlines” that drastically reduce its value. Collectors prefer a coin with its original luster, even if it has some natural toning.