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The 1999-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in typical proof condition to over $50 for high-grade silver specimens. While your pocket change usually consists of circulation strikes from Philadelphia or Denver, finding an “S” mint mark dime means you have a coin specifically struck for collectors.
| Coin Variety | Grade (PR69) | Grade (PR70) |
|---|---|---|
| 1999-S Clad Proof | $5 – $7 | $25 – $35 |
| 1999-S Silver Proof | $12 – $15 | $55 – $75 |
Identifying Your 1999-S Roosevelt Dime
If you have stumbled upon a dime dated 1999 with a small “S” next to the date, you aren’t looking at a standard coin meant for buying a soda. The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint, which exclusively produced Proof coins during this year. Proof coins are struck using special polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details. If your coin looks incredibly shiny, it is likely a proof.
To truly understand what you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the two main versions of this dime. In 1999, the mint released both a copper-nickel “clad” version and a 90% silver version. While they look similar at first glance, the silver version is significantly more valuable to collectors and investors.
Many everyday Americans find these coins in estate collections or inherited jars. Because they were never intended for circulation, seeing one in the wild is rare. If you are unsure of the surface quality, the CoinKnow app can provide high-resolution comparisons to help you determine if your coin remains in pristine “Deep Cameo” condition, which is a requirement for the highest market values.
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Clad vs. Silver: 1999-S Proof Varieties
The biggest factor in 1999-S Roosevelt Dime value is the metal composition. The standard clad version is made of a core of pure copper bonded to outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. You can usually identify these by looking at the edge of the coin; if you see a brown or orange copper stripe, it is a clad coin. These were sold in the standard 1999 Proof Set.
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The silver version, however, is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. These were only sold in the special Silver Proof Sets. The edge of a silver dime will be solid silver-white with no copper stripe visible. Because silver is a precious metal, these coins have a “melt value” that acts as a floor for their price, though collector demand usually pushes the price much higher than the raw silver content.
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Checking the 1999 dime value across all mint marks shows that while Philadelphia and Denver coins are worth face value, the silver 1999-S is the star of the year. Investors often hunt for these in “PR70” condition, which represents a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under magnification.
| Composition | Weight | Silver Content | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cupronickel Clad | 2.27 grams | 0% | 2,543,727 |
| 90% Silver | 2.50 grams | 0.0723 oz | 804,565 |
Grading and the “Deep Cameo” Distinction
When researching 1999 dime values, you will often see the term “DCAM” or “Deep Cameo.” This refers to the contrast between the shiny, reflective fields (the flat parts) and the frosted, white appearance of the portrait of Roosevelt. In 1999, the San Francisco Mint had perfected this process, so most coins discovered today will have some level of cameo.
However, a coin that has been handled by human hands or spent time in a pocket will lose this frosting. This is where professional grading comes in. A coin graded PR69 is nearly perfect, while a PR70 is the “holy grail.” Even a tiny hairline scratch can drop the value significantly. If you aren’t sure how to spot these tiny marks, the CoinKnow app uses AI to analyze surface conditions and give you an idea of the potential grade.
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Collectors pay a premium for “Perfect 70” coins because they are the best examples that will ever exist. For the 1999-P Roosevelt Dime current market data, the prices are much lower because they aren’t proof coins, highlighting why the 1999-S Deep Cameo is so special for those building a high-end collection.
The Rarity of the 1999-S Silver Dime
The 1999-S silver proof dime is significantly rarer than its clad counterpart. With a mintage of just over 800,000, it is one of the lower-mintage modern Roosevelts. Because these were mostly kept in protective plastic cases from the mint, most survivors are in excellent condition.
The beauty of the silver proof is in its luster. Unlike the duller grey of the nickel-clad coins, the silver 1999-S has a brilliant, white shine that doesn’t fade easily if kept in a cool, dry place. If you find one that has begun to “tone” (develop colors like blue, gold, or purple on the edges), it might actually be worth even more to specialized collectors who enjoy natural oxidation.
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Tips for Selling Your 1999-S Roosevelt Dime
If you’ve identified that you have a valuable 1999-S dime, your next step is determining the best way to sell it. For coins that are raw (not in a graded plastic slab), local coin shops are a great starting point for a quick appraisal. However, don’t expect to get the full “book value” as the shop needs to make a profit.
For high-end PR70 specimens, online auction houses or specialized eBay listings are often better venues. Before listing, check the latest sold prices on the CoinKnow app to ensure your expectations align with the current market. Remember that the condition of the protective holder matters almost as much as the coin itself; a cracked or scratched case can sometimes deter buyers who want a perfect display piece.
| Condition | Estimated Value (Clad) | Estimated Value (Silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Ungraded / Raw | $1.00 – $3.00 | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Certified PR69 DCAM | $7.00 | $15.00 |
| Certified PR70 DCAM | $30.00 | $75.00 |
FAQ
Q: Why does my 1999 dime have an S on it?
A: The “S” mint mark means the coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. These coins were only sold in Proof Sets for collectors and were not released into general circulation.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: How do I tell if my 1999-S dime is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver color with no copper stripe, and the coin weighs exactly 2.5 grams, it is the 90% silver variety. If you see a copper-colored stripe, it is the clad variety.
Q: Is a 1999-S dime worth getting professionally graded?
A: It is only worth grading if you believe the coin is a “Perfect 70.” A PR69 grade often sells for less than the cost of the grading fees. If your coin has even the tiniest scratch, it is best to keep it in its current holder.
Q: Can I find a 1999-S dime in my pocket change?
A: While extremely rare, it can happen if someone accidentally spends a proof set. If you do find one, it will likely be “impaired,” meaning it has scratches and wear, which significantly reduces its value to around $1-$2.