1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime Value: Most Recent Price Guide

The 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in typical Proof condition to over $120 for perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens. While it looks like a normal dime at first glance, its high silver content and mirror-like finish make it a favorite for those hoping to find hidden treasure in their coin collections.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR65 (Standard Proof)	$5.00 – $7.00
PR68 (Near Perfect)	$10.00 – $18.00
PR69 (Exceptional)	$25.00 – $35.00
PR70 (Flawless)	$120.00+

Identifying the 1993-S Silver Proof Roosevelt Dime

If you have stumbled upon a shiny dime from the early 90s, the first thing you need to determine is if it is a standard business strike or a special proof. In 1993, the San Francisco Mint struck special silver proof dimes for collectors. To identify this specific coin, you must look for the “S” mint mark located just above the date.

Most Americans use a top coin identifier app to quickly discern the difference between a polished clad dime and a genuine silver proof. The silver version is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing exactly 2.50 grams, whereas the common copper-nickel version weighs 2.27 grams.

Using CoinKnow is an excellent way to verify these details. By simply snapping a photo, the app can help you identify if your coin features the “Deep Cameo” effect, where the portrait of Roosevelt looks frosty and white against a mirror-like black background. Professional collectors value this contrast highly, and CoinKnow can guide you on whether your find is worth sending to a grading service.

Historical Context and Mintage Figures

By 1993, the Roosevelt Dime had been in circulation for nearly half a century. While the U.S. Mint had shifted away from silver for general circulation in 1965, they continued to produce special silver sets for the hobbyist market. The 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime was not released into cash registers; it was sold as part of the 1993 Silver Proof Set.

Because these coins were never intended to be spent at a grocery store, almost all surviving examples are technically in “uncirculated” or “proof” condition. This limits the rarity of the coin at lower grades but makes “perfect” versions extremely competitive among high-end collectors. If you find one in a random drawer, it likely escaped from a broken-open proof set.

When comparing your find to other coins from that era, the 1993 Roosevelt Dime price data shows that the silver “S” mint mark coin is significantly more valuable than the standard “P” or “D” versions you find in your pocket change every day.

Mint Mark	Composition	Total Mintage
1993-P	Clad (Copper/Nickel)	731,880,000
1993-D	Clad (Copper/Nickel)	785,135,108
1993-S (Clad)	Clad (Copper/Nickel)	2,633,489
1993-S (Silver)	90% Silver	761,353

Determining the Grade of Your 1993 Silver Dime

The value of the 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime depends almost entirely on its grade. Since these coins were struck using special dies and handled with care at the mint, collectors expect them to be nearly perfect. A grade of PR63 (Proof 63) is considered low for this type of coin and will usually only fetch its silver melt value.

However, once you reach PR69 or PR70, the price jumps significantly. A PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) means the coin is flawless under 5x magnification. Even a single microscopic scratch or a fingerprint from someone touching the coin can drop the value from $100 down to $15. This is why keeping your silver coins in protective holders is vital.

For those unsure about the condition of their collection, checking a comprehensive guide to 1993 dime values can provide a clearer picture of how “common” your coin really is. Using CoinKnow can also allow you to compare your coin’s surfaces with high-resolution images of graded examples to see where yours fits on the scale.

Silver Melt Value vs. Numismatic Value

Because the 1993-S Silver Dime is made from 90% silver, it has an intrinsic value that is tied to the current spot price of silver. This provides a “floor” for the coin’s price. Even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth its weight in silver.

As of current market trends, the silver content alone usually makes the coin worth about $2.00 to $2.50. However, because it is a “Proof” coin, its numismatic (collector) value is generally higher than the raw silver price. Most buyers are willing to pay a premium of $5.00 or more for the aesthetic beauty of the San Francisco strike.

Silver Price per Ounce	Intrinsic Value of 1993-S Dime
$20.00	$1.45
$25.00	$1.81
$30.00	$2.17

The Rarity of Deep Cameo (DCAM) Finishes

When researching 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime values, you will frequently see the term “Deep Cameo” or “Ultra Cameo.” This refers to the contrast between the frosted devices (Roosevelt’s head and the torch on the back) and the mirror-like fields (the flat background).

In 1993, the technology at the San Francisco Mint was quite advanced, meaning a large portion of the 761,353 silver dimes produced had this contrast. However, maintaining that “deep” frost is difficult as dies wear down. Coins that exhibit an exceptionally heavy frosting are prized by registry set collectors who want the most beautiful examples possible for their displays.

If you believe your coin is a candidate for a PR70 DCAM grade, it is worth consulting with a professional or using an app like CoinKnow to look for “hairlines.” Hairlines are tiny scratches caused by cleaning a coin with a cloth. If a silver proof dime has been cleaned, its value as a collectible drops nearly to its silver melt value.

Where to Sell Your 1993 Silver Proof Dime

If you’ve identified your coin and want to turn it into cash, you have several options. For common PR65 to PR68 examples, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are your best bet. Because the value is relatively low ($5-$15), the cost of professional grading (which can be $30-$50 per coin) is usually not worth it.

However, if you have a flawless coin that you believe is a PR70, selling through a major auction house or a certified dealer is recommended. These high-grade coins are often sold to collectors who are looking to complete “Year Sets” or “Roosevelt Dime Series” collections.

While the 1993-S Silver Dime won’t allow you to retire early, finding one is a great “gateway” into the world of coin collecting. It teaches the importance of mint marks, metal composition, and the nuance of coin grading, all while holding a piece of American history that is actually made of precious metal.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 1993 dime is silver or clad?

A: Check the edge of the coin. A silver dime will have a solid silver-colored edge. A clad dime will show a copper stripe along the side. Additionally, the silver version weighs 2.5 grams, while the clad version weighs 2.27 grams.

Q: Does the 1993-S silver dime come in a regular coin roll?

A: Technically, no. These were only sold in special sets. However, “broken sets” occur when people spend these coins or when collections are stolen and spent by people who don’t know their value. It is rare but possible to find one in circulation.

Q: What is the most ever paid for a 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime?

A: Perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens have sold for over $500 in past years, though the current market has stabilized with prices usually falling between $120 and $180 for top-tier graded examples.

Q: Should I clean my 1993-S silver dime to make it worth more?

A: No! Never clean a proof coin. Even the softest cloth will create micro-scratches called hairlines, which significantly reduce the numismatic value. A “dipped” or cleaned coin will be labeled as “Details” by grading services, which kills its investment potential.