1998-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Most Recent Prices and Rarities

The 1998-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $500 for flawless Deep Cameo specimens. While you won’t find this specific coin in your pocket change, it is a staple of modern collections and remains a favorite for its stunning mirror-like finish.

Coin Grade	Estimated Value
PR 65 (Proof)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$10.00 – $15.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$45.00 – $125.00
Silver Variation (PR 70)	$150.00 – $500.00+

Understanding the Basics of the 1998-S Roosevelt Dime

If you have stumbled upon a shiny dime dated 1998 with an “S” mint mark, you aren’t looking at an ordinary coin. The US Mint produced these specifically for collectors at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” or “D” dimes you use at the grocery store, these were never meant for circulation. They were sold in “Proof Sets,” which are packages provided directly by the government to hobbyists.

Because these coins were handled with extreme care, they usually look much nicer than a standard dime. If you want to check if yours is a high-grade specimen, using the top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard proof and a silver proof. Many people use CoinKnow to quickly scan their coins and get an instant idea of what they are looking at.

The 1998-S dime is composed of either a copper-nickel “clad” material or 90% silver. To the naked eye, they look similar, but the value difference is significant. Collectors look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect, where the portrait of FDR is frosted and the background is a dark, reflecting mirror. Finding one without any scratches is the key to a high valuation.

Clad vs. Silver: Identifying Your 1998-S Dime Value

The most important factor in determining the price of your 1998-S dime is its composition. In 1998, the Mint produced millions of clad proof dimes (copper and nickel) and a smaller number of silver proof dimes. The silver version is part of the “Silver Proof Set” and contains 0.0723 ounces of pure silver.

You can check the edge of the coin to see its material. If you see a solid silver edge, it’s the valuable silver version. If you see a copper stripe, it’s the standard clad version. Even for common dates, the market value for 1998 Roosevelt dimes varies based on this metal content.

The silver versions are naturally more desirable because they have intrinsic bullion value in addition to their collector value. If you use CoinKnow, you can easily track the current silver spot price to see how it affects your coin’s bottom line. Perfect “PR 70” silver dimes can reach impressive prices at auction compared to their clad counterparts.

Composition Type	Mintage	Base Value
1998-S Clad Proof	2,086,507	$2.00 – $10.00
1998-S Silver Proof	878,792	$15.00 – $35.00

How Grading Impacts the 1998-S Mint Mark Dime

In the world of coin collecting, the “grade” is everything. For proof coins like the 1998-S, “PR” (Proof) is the prefix used rather than “MS” (Mint State). A coin graded PR 70 is considered “perfect” under 5x magnification, meaning there are no visible hairlines, scratches, or spots.

A PR 69 is almost identical to the naked eye but might have a tiny microscopic flaw. The price gap between a PR 69 and a PR 70 can be hundreds of dollars. For example, the premium value of high-grade 1998 dimes often hinges on whether the coin has the “Deep Cameo” designation.

If you have a collection and you’re not sure which ones to send to professional graders like PCGS or NGC, the CoinKnow app can help you see high-resolution examples of what a PR 70 looks like. High-grade coins are typically kept in their original plastic lenses from the Mint or in professional “slabs” to maintain their condition and value over time.

Rare Errors and Varieties for the 1998-S Dime

While 1998 wasn’t a year known for massive design overhauls, error hunters still keep their eyes peeled. Errors on proof coins are quite rare because the quality control at the San Francisco Mint is significantly higher than at the Philadelphia or Denver facilities. However, “doubled dies” or “struck through” errors can occasionally happen.

A “doubled die” would show slight thickening or clear doubling in the lettering or the date. If you find one on a proof coin, it is an extremely valuable anomaly. Because proof coins are struck twice with specially polished dies, an error is a major breakdown in the process.

Most “errors” reported by casual finders are actually just post-mint damage or environmental toning. If your dime has turned a rainbow color, this is called “toning.” Some collectors will pay extra for attractive toning, while others prefer the stark black-and-white contrast of a traditional Deep Cameo.

Feature to Look For	Why it Matters
Deep Cameo Contrast	Increases visual appeal and demand.
Full Torch Lines	Standard on proofs, but essential for detail.
Precious Metal Content	Silver coins have a “floor” price based on melt.

Collecting Modern Roosevelt Dimes as an Investment

Is the 1998-S Roosevelt Dime a good investment? For most casual collectors, it’s more of a hobbyist piece than a retirement plan. However, for those who focus on “Registry Sets”—competitive collections where people try to own the highest-graded version of every coin—these dimes are vital.

The supply of 1998-S dimes is relatively high, with over 2.9 million total proof units produced across both metal types. However, as sets are broken up and coins are lost or damaged, the population of perfect PR 70 specimens stays small. This scarcity in top grades drives the price up for serious investors.

If you are just starting out, buying a complete 1998 Proof Set is often the best way to get this coin. It’s affordable and gives you a snapshot of American coinage from that year. You can use apps to track the price trends of these sets over time to see if the market is heating up or cooling down for late-90s collectibles.

Where to Sell Your 1998-S Roosevelt Dime

If you believe you have a valuable 1998-S Silver Proof or a perfect grade clad dime, you have several options for selling. For common proof versions, local coin shops might only offer a small amount over face value because they likely have plenty in stock.

For higher-valued coins, eBay is the most popular platform. You can see what other people are actually paying by filtering for “Sold Listings.” If your coin is professionally graded (slabbed), you may even consider a specialized auction house if it’s a rare silver PR 70.

Always remember that “asking price” is not the same as “value.” Many people list coins for thousands of dollars hoping for a bite, but the true value is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay. Using tools like CoinKnow helps you stay grounded with real-market data so you don’t get misled by unrealistic online listings.

Sale Platform	Best For
Local Coin Shop	Quick cash, common pieces.
eBay / Online	Reaching a wide audience of collectors.
Major Auctions	Certified, high-grade rarities (PR 70).

Final Thoughts on the 1998-S Dime

The 1998-S Roosevelt Dime is a beautiful example of modern US Mint craftsmanship. Whether you have the silver version or the copper-nickel clad version, it represents a moment in history when coin production was nearing its peak efficiency. It’s an accessible coin for beginners and a necessary one for completionists.

Keep your 1998-S dime in its protective holder to prevent scratches or “haze,” a cloudy film that can sometimes develop on proof surfaces. With proper care, this little piece of history will remain a shiny highlight of your collection for decades to come.

FAQ

Q: Why does my 1998 dime have an ‘S’ but I found it in change?

A: It is very rare to find an “S” mint mark dime in circulation. If you did, it’s called an “impaired proof.” This means someone took it out of a collector set and spent it. Because it has been circulated, its value drops significantly, usually to just a few cents above face value (or its silver weight).

Q: How much silver is in a 1998-S Silver Roosevelt Dime?

A: The silver version is 90% silver and 10% copper. It contains approximately 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver. To find the “melt value,” multiply the current price of silver by 0.0723.

Q: How can I tell the difference between ‘S’ Clad and ‘S’ Silver without a scale?

A: Look at the edge of the coin. A clad dime will have a distinct copper-colored stripe around the edge. A silver proof will be solid silver all the way through, looking like a bright white-silver ring on the edge.

Q: Is a 1998-P or 1998-D dime worth anything?

A: The P (Philadelphia) and D (Denver) dimes from 1998 were made for general circulation. Unless they are in absolutely perfect mint condition (MS 67 or higher) or have a major mint error, they are generally only worth their face value of ten cents.