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The 1983-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $1,000 for rare, high-grade specimens. While you won’t find this specific “S” mint mark coin in your pocket change, it remains a favorite for collectors and curious finders alike due to its beautiful mirror-like finish.
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $400.00 – $1,100.00 |
Understanding the 1983-S Mint Mark and History
If you have stumbled upon a 1983 dime with a small “S” located just above the date, you are looking at a Proof coin. Unlike the billions of dimes minted in Philadelphia or Denver for daily commerce, the San Francisco Mint produced these specifically for collectors. In 1983, the U.S. Mint struck over 3 million of these dimes as part of the annual Proof Sets.
Because these coins were never intended to buy a soda or pay for parking, they generally survive in very good condition. To determine if your find is a true gem, many hobbyists use a top coin identifier app to get an instant digital appraisal. Using CoinKnow can help you distinguish between a common shiny dime and a high-value proof.
The 1983-S Roosevelt Dime features the classic profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse and a torch flanked by olive and oak branches on the reverse. While the design hasn’t changed much since 1946, the “S” version is easily distinguishable by its sharp strike and frosted details against a reflective background.
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Identifying the High-Grade 1983-S Value
When it comes to the 1983-S Roosevelt Dime value, the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation is what truly drives the price. A Deep Cameo coin has a heavy contrast between the frosty white image of Roosevelt and the shiny, mirror-like “field” or background.
Most 1983-S dimes you find in original sets will be graded PR 67 or PR 68. These are common and usually sell for the price of a cup of coffee. However, “Perfect 70” grades are the holy grail. You can track the current market trends for 1983 Roosevelt Dimes to see how quickly prices can jump when a coin is flawless.
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| Designation | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cameo | Moderate contrast | $2 – $4 |
| Deep Cameo | High contrast/Mirror finish | $5 – $1,000+ |
Why the 1983-S Dime is Different from P and D Mints
To understand the rarity, we must look at the production numbers. In 1983, the Philadelphia Mint moved over 600 million dimes into circulation, and Denver produced over 700 million. By comparison, only 3,279,126 proof dimes were made in San Francisco.
The circulation strikes from this year are also very valuable in high grades because it was a year where the U.S. Mint did not issue official Uncirculated Mint Sets. This made it very difficult for collectors to find “perfect” business-strike coins. If you are comparing your proof to a regular coin, checking the specific 1983 dime valuation guide will reveal that even non-proof 1983 dimes can be worth hundreds if they are in “Mint State.”
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Using the CoinKnow app allows you to take a photo of your coin to see if you have the “S” proof or the rarer P and D mint varieties in high grades. Most people who find an “S” dime today find them because someone broke open a proof set and spent the coins. Even with some light scratches, an “S” dime is worth keeping.
Rare 1983-S Error Dimes to Watch For
While most 1983-S dimes are standard proofs, errors do occur during the minting process. One of the most common things to look for is a “Double Die” obverse or reverse. This happens when the die used to strike the coin has a doubled image, which then transfers to the metal.
Another rare occurrence is a “clipped planchet” or an “off-center strike.” Since proof coins are inspected more strictly than regular coins, finding a 1983-S error is exceptionally rare and can multiply the value by hundreds of dollars.
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If you suspect you have an error, don’t clean the coin! Cleaning a coin destroys its numismatic value instantly. Instead, use a tool like CoinKnow to compare your coin against known error specimens. A genuine 1983-S strike error is a true museum-quality piece.
| Error Type | Rarity | Estimated Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Off-Center Strike | Extremely Rare | $50 – $200 |
| Repunched Mint Mark | Rare | $10 – $30 |
| Die Crack | Occasional | $5 – $15 |
How to Grade Your 1983-S Roosevelt Dime
Grading is the process of determining the physical condition of a coin. For the 1983-S, grading is almost entirely focused on “Proof” grades (PR). A grade of PR 63 would mean the coin has several visible scratches or “hairlines” from being handled or wiped with a cloth.
A grade of PR 69 is nearly perfect, with only a tiny flaw visible under a magnifying glass. PR 70 is the perfect score. Because these were struck with polished dies, any contact with other coins or human fingers will lower the grade significantly.
If you have a pristine-looking dime, it might be worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A 1983-S Roosevelt Dime in a PR 70 Deep Cameo holder is a centerpiece for any modern dime collection and maintains a very high market demand.
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Storing and Protecting Your Investment
Since the 1983-S Roosevelt Dime is a proof coin, its value is tied to its shiny surface. Once that surface is compromised by moisture, oils from your skin, or “PVC damage” from cheap plastic flips, the value drops.
Serious collectors store these in archival-quality flips or air-tight capsules. If you found your dime in an original purple U.S. Mint Proof Set box, it is often best to leave it in the original plastic lens. Breaking it out “raw” can expose it to the elements and decrease the potential 1983-S Roosevelt Dime value.
Always handle your coins by the edges. Never touch the face of the coin, as the sulfur and oils in your skin will eventually cause black spots or “toning” that can be unattractive on a proof surface.
| Storage Method | Protection Level | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Loose in a jar | Low (will scratch) | No |
| Cardboard Flip | Medium | Yes |
| Air-Tite Capsule | High | Yes – Best |
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 1983-S dime in my daily change?
A: It is very rare, but not impossible. Usually, if an “S” dime is in circulation, it is because someone spent a coin collection. These are called “impaired proofs” and are usually worth about 50 cents to a dollar.
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Q: Is the 1983-S dime made of silver?
A: No. The 1983-S Roosevelt Dime is a copper-nickel clad composition. The U.S. Mint did not start making silver proof sets again until 1992.
Q: What is the most expensive 1983-S dime ever sold?
A: The record prices are usually for PR 70 Deep Cameo specimens, which have sold in major auctions for over $1,000. Most everyday examples, however, stay in the $3 to $30 range.
Q: How can I tell the difference between a proof and a regular dime?
A: Look for the “S” mint mark, but also look at the finish. Proofs have a mirror-like background that is so reflective you can almost see your face in it, whereas regular dimes have a duller, “satiny” finish.