Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 1981-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3.00 in standard proof condition to over $150 for high-grade specimens with perfect surfaces. While you won’t retire on this find, discovering one in an old collection or an unsealed proof set is a great way to start your journey into numismatics.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Typical Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 68 (Near Perfect) | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| PR 69 (Superb Gem) | $25.00 – $35.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect) | $150.00+ |
Understanding the 1981-S Type 1 Proof Dime
If you have found a shiny, mirror-like dime dated 1981 with a small “S” mint mark, you are looking at a proof coin minted in San Francisco. Unlike the dimes you find in your pocket change, these were specially struck for collectors and never intended for general circulation.
To determine if yours is a rarity or a common keeper, many collectors use a top coin identifier app to get an instant reading on the strike type. The 1981-S is unique because the U.S. Mint changed the design of the “S” mint mark mid-year, creating two distinct varieties for collectors to hunt.
The “Type 1” is known as the “Filled S” variety. On these coins, the mint mark looks a bit blob-like or congested, with the loops of the “S” appearing almost filled in with metal. If you aren’t sure which one you have, the CoinKnow app can help you zoom in on the mint mark to see the tiny details that distinguish it from the clearer Type 2 version.
That Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Varieties
Collectors are often confused about why one 1981-S dime is worth more than another. It all comes down to the punch used to create the mint mark. By 1981, the mint mark punch used for San Francisco coins had become worn and degraded. This resulted in the Type 1 “Filled S.”
Later in the year, the Mint introduced a new, clearer punch, known as the Type 2 “Clear S.” Because the Type 2 was introduced later, it is generally considered the scarcer of the two. However, the Type 1 remains a staple for anyone trying to complete a full set of Roosevelt Dimes.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
When comparing your find to current market data, you can view the 1981 Roosevelt Dime price trends to see how the S-mint proofs stack up against the P and D business strikes. While business strikes are common, a Type 1 proof in its original packaging still holds a premium.
| Feature | Type 1 (Filled S) | Type 2 (Clear S) |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Mark Appearance | Indistinct, blurred edges | Sharp, clear loops and serifs |
| Rarity | Very Common for the year | Slightly Scarcer |
| Collector Demand | Moderate | High |
Grading and Quality Factors for 1981-S Dimes
The value of your 1981-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime is almost entirely dependent on its grade. Professional graders look for scratches, “milk spots” (hazy white spots common on modern proofs), and the depth of the cameo contrast.
Deep Cameo (DCAM) coins are the most prized. These coins have frosted portraits of FDR that stand out sharply against a pitch-black, mirror-like background. If you see a coin that looks black and white rather than just shiny silver, you might have a high-value DCAM specimen.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Using the CoinKnow app allows you to compare your coin’s luster against high-resolution photos of graded examples. This is crucial because even a tiny hairline scratch that is invisible to the naked eye can drop the value of a proof coin significantly. Always handle these coins by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints!
Market Value and Investment Potential
Is it worth getting a 1981-S Type 1 dime professionally graded? In most cases, the answer is no unless the coin is absolutely flawless. Grading costs typically range from $20 to $50 per coin, which exceeds the value of most Type 1 dimes.
However, if you believe you have a “Perfect 70” specimen, the investment might pay off. A PR70 Deep Cameo can sell for hundreds of dollars at major auctions because registry set collectors compete to own the highest-graded examples available.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
For most casual hunters, the current 1981-S Type 1 market value remains stable in the $3 to $10 range for raw, ungraded coins found in original United States Proof Sets. These sets are a great way to own the coin without paying massive premiums.
| Sales Venue | Expected Price (Type 1) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | $1.00 – $3.00 | Wholesale/Buy price |
| eBay (Raw) | $4.00 – $8.00 | Includes shipping costs |
| Auction (NGC/PCGS MS70) | $150.00+ | Requires professional slab |
What to Look for: Errors and Varieties
Beyond the Type 1 and Type 2 distinction, keep an eye out for mint errors. While rare in proof sets, they do occur. Look for “clipped planchets” where a piece of the coin is missing, or “doubled dies” where the lettering or the date appears to be doubled.
If you find a dime in your change that looks like a proof but is very worn, it’s known as an “impaired proof.” These have much lower value, often only worth their face value of 10 cents, though collectors might still pay 50 cents just for the novelty of a San Francisco coin in the wild.
The CoinKnow database can help you identify these obscure errors. By scanning your coin through your phone’s camera, you can quickly see if the “S” mint mark matches the typical Filled S profile or if there’s something more unusual going on with the strike.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Summary of the 1981-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1981-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime is a fascinating piece of history from a year when the U.S. Mint was transitioning its technology. While it is the “common” version of the two proof varieties from that year, its beauty as a proof coin makes it a must-have for any Roosevelt series fan.
Remember to check your coin’s condition carefully. A high-grade PR69 or PR70 coin is where the real money is made. For the average American who finds one in a drawer or an inherited set, it represents a fun entry point into the world of coin collecting and a solid, if small, profit.
Keep your coins protected in PVC-free flips or capsules to ensure they don’t develop the dreaded “milk spots” that can eat away at their value over time. Happy hunting!
FAQ
Q: How can I tell for sure if my 1981-S is a Type 1 or Type 2?
A: Look closely at the “S” mint mark with a magnifying glass. If the loops are filled in and the “S” looks like a solid clump of metal, it is a Type 1. If the “S” has clear holes in the top and bottom loops and sharp ends, it is a Type 2.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is there any silver in a 1981-S Roosevelt Dime?
A: No, the 1981-S proof dime is made of a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper and 25% nickel). The U.S. Mint did not produce silver dimes for general proof sets in 1981.
Q: Why is the Type 2 usually worth more than the Type 1?
A: The Type 2 “Clear S” was introduced later in the production cycle, resulting in a lower mintage numbers compared to the Type 1. Collectors value rarity, so the lower supply of Type 2 coins drives up their price.
Q: Can I find a 1981-S Type 1 dime in my pocket change?
A: It is very rare but possible. These are “proof” coins intended for collectors. If someone breaks open a proof set and spends the coins, they can end up in circulation. These are called “impaired proofs” and usually have lost their mirror finish.