1981-S Type 2 Roosevelt Dime Value: Is Your Coin a Rarity?

The 1981-S Type 2 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in typical proof condition to over $1,000 for top-tier specimens with deep cameo finishes. While common pocket change might only be worth its face value, this specific San Francisco proof variety is a celebrated treasure among collectors.

Condition/Grade	Estimated Value (USD)
PR65 (Average Proof)	$5 – $10
PR69 Deep Cameo (Choice)	$25 – $45
PR70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$500 – $1,200+

Understanding the 1981-S Type 2 Roosevelt Dime

If you have stumbled upon a shiny dime with an “S” mint mark from 1981, you might be holding something more valuable than ten cents. In 1981, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types of “S” mint marks on proof coins. If you’re unsure about what you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the mint mark to see those tiny, crucial details. The “Type 2” is the rarer of the two varieties, featuring a clear, sharp, and bulbous “S” compared to the messy, “blob-like” appearance of the Type 1.

Why does this matter? For everyday Americans, these coins represent a unique transition in the United States Mint’s history. Proof coins are specially made for collectors, struck twice with polished dies to create a mirror-like field. Because the Type 2 was a late-year replacement for a worn-out hub, its population is naturally lower than the Type 1. Many collectors use CoinKnow to track these specific varieties, as the market price for a “Clear S” is significantly higher than its blurry counterpart. Finding one in an old family collection or an abandoned proof set is like finding a small lottery ticket.

The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Mint Marks

The most critical step in determining the 1981-S Roosevelt Dime value is identifying the mint mark variety. The “Type 1” is often referred to as the “Filled S.” This mint mark looks like a rectangular blob with very little definition in the loops of the letter. It was the result of a hub that had been used for far too long, causing the image to distort. You can check the current Roosevelt Dime market trends to see how these standard proof strikes compare to circulation strikes from the same era.

The “Type 2,” or the “Clear S,” is quite different. It features a distinct, well-defined “S” with clear openings (serifs) at the top and bottom. The mint mark appears smaller and more centered. If your dime has this sharp, crisp “S,” the value jumps immediately. Identifying this requires a steady hand and a magnifying glass, or better yet, the high-resolution scanning features of CoinKnow. Most collectors refuse to complete their 1980s proof sets without this specific variety, which keeps the demand consistently high.

Feature	Type 1 (Filled S)	Type 2 (Clear S)
Appearance	Indistinct, Blob-like	Sharp, Clear Serifs
Rarity	Common	Scarce
Typical Value	$2 – $4	$15 – $50 (Average)

Why Condition and “Deep Cameo” Status Drive Prices

Professional coin grading is the primary factor in why one 1981-S dime might sell for $10 while another sells for $1,000. For proof coins like these, collectors look for a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) finish. This describes a sharp contrast between the frosted, white images of President Roosevelt and the mirror-like, dark background of the coin. If your coin looks like it was dipped in liquid chrome and the portrait stands out like snow on a dark pond, you likely have a Deep Cameo specimen.

Check the comprehensive 1981 dime price guide to see how grading affects the bottom line. A Type 2 dime graded as PR70 Deep Cameo—meaning it is perfectly flawless under 5x magnification—is exceptionally rare. Only a handful of these are certified each year by services like PCGS or NGC. For the average person, even a slightly imperfect “Clear S” is still worth significantly more than its face value. CoinKnow can help you estimate the grade of your coin by comparing it to their database of high-resolution images.

Historical Context: The San Francisco Mint in 1981

To understand the 1981-S Type 2 Roosevelt Dime value, you have to understand what was happening at the Mint. By 1981, the San Francisco Mint was exclusively focused on producing proof coins for collectors. The transition from Type 1 to Type 2 happened across all denominations that year, including pennies, nickels, quarters, and half dollars. However, the dime is one of the most sought-after because the small size of the coin makes the “Clear S” variety even harder to find in perfect condition.

This era was a turning point for US coinage as the Mint worked to improve the quality of its proof sets. The “Clear S” punch used for the Type 2 was actually the same punch used for the beginning of the 1982 proof coins. Because it was introduced late in the 1981 production cycle, fewer 1981-S dimes were struck with this superior die. If you find one in an original 1981 Proof Set box, don’t break it out! Keeping it in the original plastic holder helps preserve its value and proves it hasn’t been touched by human hands.

Mintage Category	Approximate Mintage
Total 1981-S Proof Dimes	4,063,083
Estimated Type 2 Ratio	~20% of total

How to Sell and Maximize Your Profit

If you’ve confirmed you have a Type 2 “Clear S” dime, your next question is likely: “How do I turn this into cash?” For coins worth under $50, local coin shops or eBay are your best bets. However, if your coin looks “perfect” (PR70), you should consider professional grading. A certified coin is much easier to sell because the buyer doesn’t have to guess about its authenticity or condition. Professional grading can instantly turn a $20 “raw” coin into a $500 certified treasure.

When selling online, high-quality photos are your best friend. Show the mint mark clearly so buyers can see it is indeed a Type 2. Avoid cleaning the coin at all costs! Even a light wipe with a cloth can leave micro-scratches that destroy its “Proof” status and slash the value. Many successful sellers use CoinKnow to research recent auction results so they don’t leave money on the table. Knowing the current market value ensures you can negotiate with confidence when walking into a coin shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 1981-S dime is a Type 2?

A: You need to look closely at the “S” mint mark. A Type 2 (Clear S) has distinct, bulbous ends and a clear field inside the loops of the letter. The Type 1 (Filled S) looks like a flat, solid blob with no clear opening in the middle.

Q: Is a 1981-P or 1981-D dime worth anything?

A: Generally, 1981 dimes from Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) found in pocket change are only worth their face value ($0.10). They are only valuable if they are in “Uncirculated” condition (MS65 or higher) or have a major mint error.

Q: Should I take my 1981-S dime out of the proof set?

A: It is usually better to leave the coin in its original government packaging. This protects the coin from oils on your skin and environmental damage, which is crucial for maintaining the “Deep Cameo” finish that collectors pay a premium for.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1981-S Type 2 Dime?

A: Prices for perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens have reached as high as $1,500 at major auctions. However, the vast majority of Type 2 dimes sell in the $15 to $50 range.

Q: Can I find a 1981-S Type 2 dime in my spare change?

A: It is very unlikely but not impossible. Proof coins are not intended for circulation, but sometimes people spend them by mistake. If you find a very shiny, mirror-like dime in change with an “S” mark, it’s worth a closer look!