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The 1985-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $1,500 for perfect Deep Cameo specimens. While you won’t find this specific “S” mint mark coin in your pocket change, it remains a favorite for collectors looking to complete their modern sets.
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR65 (Typical Proof) | $3.50 – $5.00 |
| PR69 DCAM (Near Perfect) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR70 DCAM (Perfect Grade) | $85.00 – $1,500.00+ |
History and Identifying the 1985-S Proof Dime
If you have stumbled upon a 1985 dime that looks exceptionally shiny, as if it has a mirror-like finish, you likely have a proof coin. Proof coins are specially minted for collectors and were never intended for general circulation. If you are unsure what kind of treasure you have found, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a collector proof in seconds.
The 1985-S Roosevelt Dime was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the dimes minted in Philadelphia or Denver that year, which were produced by the hundreds of millions for daily commerce, the San Francisco Mint produced a more limited number specifically for the 1985 Proof Set. These coins feature the “S” mint mark located just above the date on the obverse (front) side of the coin.
Because these coins were sold in protective plastic lenses, finding one today usually means it is still in excellent condition. However, if a proof set was broken open and the coin was spent, it may show scratches or “hairlines” that significantly reduce its value. Many casual collectors use CoinKnow to track the market fluctuations of these proof coins, as even a small difference in surface quality can double the price.
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The Significance of the Deep Cameo (DCAM) Designation
When researching the 1985-S Proof Roosevelt Dime, you will frequently see the letters “DCAM” or “Ultra Cameo” attached to the grade. This stands for Deep Cameo, a term used by grading services like PCGS and NGC to describe coins with a heavy contrast between the frosted design elements and the polished, mirror-like fields.
In 1985, the Mint had perfected the technique of sandblasting the dies to ensure that every coin produced had this striking contrast. As a result, almost all survived 1985-S dimes are technically Deep Cameos. However, the quality of that frosting can vary. Collectors pay a premium for “perfect” specimens that show no spotting or milk spots, which are common issues with 1980s proof sets.
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For those looking to sell, it is vital to check the current market prices for high-grade 1985 dimes to see if your coin warrants the cost of professional grading. Most 1985-S dimes are worth less than the cost of shipping and grading fees unless they are truly flawless PR70 specimens.
1985-S Proof Dime Price Comparison Chart
To understand the market better, we have compiled a table showing how the price scales with the grade of the coin. Most coins found in original government packaging will fall into the PR68 or PR69 category.
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| Condition Grade | Market Price Range | Rarity Status |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 DCAM | $3 – $6 | Common |
| PR67 DCAM | $8 – $12 | Abundant |
| PR69 DCAM | $18 – $30 | Very Common |
| PR70 DCAM | $350 – $1,550 | Rare / Exceptional |
Why Condition Matters Most for Proof Dimes
For a business-strike coin, wear and tear are expected. But for a 1985-S proof dime, even the slightest fingerprint can be devastating. Because the surfaces are so reflective, the oils from human skin can actually “eat” into the metal over decades, leaving permanent stains. This is why professional collectors never touch the surface of a proof coin.
If you have found a 1985-S dime in a bin of loose change, it is considered “impaired.” An impaired proof is still worth more than its ten-cent face value, but usually only around $1 to $2. The real value lies in coins that have been kept in their original boxes or sent off to be slabbed in plastic holders.
While the “S” mint mark is exciting, don’t forget to check your regular pocket change for the Philadelphia and Denver versions. You can find more details on the 1985 P and D dime value to see if your everyday change holds hidden profit. Many hobbyists use CoinKnow to keep a digital inventory of their find, ensuring they never overlook a valuable grade.
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Common Errors and Varieties in 1985 Dimes
While the 1985-S is a proof coin, the 1985 series as a whole has some interesting errors that collectors look for. In the proof series, the most “common” error is actually a lack of quality control—specifically, coins that show significant “milk spotting” or hazy surfaces. These are technically damage rather than mint errors, but they drastically lower the value.
On the business strike side (P and D mint marks), you might find “off-center” strikes or “broadstrikes.” An off-center strike occurs when the coin blank is not perfectly centered between the dies, resulting in a coin that is missing part of the design. A broadstrike happens when the collar that holds the coin in place fails, causing the dime to expand outwards like a pancake.
For those specifically hunting the 1985-S, look for “doubled die” obverse errors. While none have been officially recognized as major rarities for this specific year, subtle doubling on the letters of “LIBERTY” or the date can sometimes be found. Tools like CoinKnow allow you to zoom in on high-resolution photos to compare your coin against known error specimens.
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| Error Type | Estimated Value Bonus |
|---|---|
| Off-Center Strike (10%+) | +$20 – $50 |
| Broadstrike | +$15 – $30 |
| Die Crack (Obverse/Reverse) | +$5 – $15 |
Summary: Should You Get Your 1985-S Dime Graded?
Deciding whether to spend $25 or more to have a coin graded is the most common question for new collectors. For the 1985-S Roosevelt Dime, the answer is usually “no” unless the coin is absolutely perfect. Because the San Francisco Mint produced over 3.3 million Proof Sets in 1985, the supply of high-grade coins is quite high.
To be worth the investment, the coin must likely grade as a PR70 DCAM. In this perfect state, the coin is a true rarity as very few coins survive without a single microscopic flaw. If your coin has even one tiny scratch or a dull spot in the frost, it will likely grade as a PR69, making it worth less than the cost of the grading service itself.
Before spending money on professional services, take your coin to a local coin shop or use a digital identifier to get a second opinion. Most 1985-S dimes serve as beautiful, affordable additions to a personal collection rather than high-stakes investment pieces.
FAQ
Q: Does the 1985-S dime contain silver?
A: No, the 1985-S Roosevelt Dime is a copper-nickel clad coin. The U.S. Mint did not produce silver proof sets in 1985. It has a core of pure copper and an outer layer made of a 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy.
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Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1985 dime?
A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above the year “1985.” You will see a small “P” (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco).
Q: Is a 1985-D dime worth anything?
A: Most 1985-D dimes found in circulation are only worth their face value of 10 cents. However, in uncirculated (MS67 or higher) condition, they can be worth $20 to $50 or more to specialized collectors.
Q: How many 1985-S dimes were made?
A: The San Francisco Mint struck 3,362,821 proof Roosevelt dimes in 1985. While this sounds like a lot, it is a very small number compared to the hundreds of millions produced for circulation in Philly and Denver.