2002-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Is Your Proof Coin Worth Money?

The 2002-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $50 for high-grade deep cameo specimens. While these coins were never intended for general circulation, finding one in your change or an old collection is a treat for any everyday collector.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo (Clad)	$10.00 – $15.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Clad)	$35.00 – $55.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Silver)	$60.00 – $85.00

Understanding the 2002-S Proof Roosevelt Dime

If you have stumbled upon a dime from 2002 with a small “S” mint mark, you are looking at a Proof coin. Unlike the billions of dimes struck in Philadelphia or Denver for daily spending, “S” marked coins were minted exclusively in San Francisco for collectors. To get a high-speed assessment of your find, many hobbyists use a top coin identifier app to distinguish between regular strikes and these special proofs.

In 2002, the San Francisco Mint produced more than 3.2 million clad proof dimes. Because they were sold in protective plastic sets, most have survived in excellent condition. When you use CoinKnow to manage your collection, you’ll notice that these coins are praised for their mirror-like backgrounds and frosted details.

Proof coins are struck twice using polished dies, resulting in a sharpness that regular pocket change simply doesn’t have. If yours looks exceptionally shiny, it is likely one of these collector versions. Even if it has a few scratches, it still carries a premium over its face value.

Clad vs. Silver 2002-S Proofs

It is crucial to determine if your 2002-S Roosevelt Dime is the “Clad” version or the “Silver” version. In 2002, the Mint issued two different types of proof sets. The regular set contained a dime made of copper and nickel, while the “Silver Proof Set” contained a dime made of 90% silver.

The current 2002 dime market price depends heavily on this metal composition. Silver dimes are heavier and have a white, brilliant edge, whereas clad dimes show a copper-colored stripe along the side.

Coin Type	Composition	Weight
2002-S Clad Proof	Copper-Nickel Clad	2.27 grams
2002-S Silver Proof	90% Silver, 10% Copper	2.50 grams

If you aren’t sure which one you have, CoinKnow can help you identify visual markers. The silver coins generally have a more “liquid” look to the luster.

Grading and the Deep Cameo Effect

When discussing the 2002-S Roosevelt Dime value, “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) is the gold standard. This refers to the contrast between the shiny, mirror-like “fields” (the flat background) and the frosty, matte “devices” (Roosevelt’s portrait and the torch).

Collectors look for coins that have virtually no flaws. Because these were handled with care at the mint, a grade of PR 69 is common. However, a perfect PR 70 is much rarer and can command a high price at auction. You can check the 2002 Roosevelt dime price data to see how much of a jump there is between a 69 and a 70.

For an everyday American, a 2002-S dime found in a “junk bin” or a loose drawer might have fingerprints or light hairline scratches. These flaws will drop the grade to PR 60 or PR 63, which means the coin is likely worth only its silver melt value or a couple of dollars.

Collecting the Modern Roosevelt Series

The Roosevelt Dime has been a staple of American currency since 1946. By 2002, the design had been refined for modern striking technology. While many people ignore modern dimes, the “S” mint mark series remains a popular entry point for new collectors.

Using an app like CoinKnow makes it easy to track which years you’ve collected. Since the 2002-S is part of the “State Quarters Era,” many people bought these sets and later broke them open, meaning these dimes occasionally enter circulation.

If you find one in your pocket change, it is technically an “Impaired Proof.” While its collector value drops if it is scratched from circulating, it is still a “find” that most people would keep in a separate jar.

Finding Rare Errors on 2002 Roosevelt Dimes

While errors on proof coins are extremely rare because of the Mint’s strict quality control, they do exist. Collectors look for “Double Dies” or “Off-center strikes.” If a 2002-S was struck incorrectly, its value could skyrocket into the hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Most “errors” reported by beginners are actually post-mint damage (scratches or chemical stains). However, if you see doubling in the letters of “LIBERTY” or the date, it is worth having the coin looked at by a professional.

Error Type	Potential Value
Doubled Die Obverse	$50 – $200+
Clipped Planchet	$20 – $50
Proof Strike Thru	$30 – $100

Keep an eye out for any oddities. Modern minting is very precise, so any deviation from the norm is usually worth a second look.

FAQs

Q: Why does my 2002 dime have an ‘S’ mint mark?

A: The ‘S’ mint mark stands for the San Francisco Mint. It indicates that the coin was produced as a “Proof” for collectors, rather than for general circulation.

Q: How can I tell if my 2002-S dime is silver?

A: Look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver/white color, it is likely 90% silver. If you see a copper or orange stripe, it is a copper-nickel clad coin. You can also weigh it; silver dimes weigh 2.5 grams, while clad ones weigh 2.27 grams.

Q: Is a 2002-S dime worth selling?

A: If it is a silver proof or a perfect PR 70 clad proof, it is definitely worth selling to a collector. If it is a circulated clad proof (scratched), it might only be worth $1 to $2, which is better than 10 cents but maybe not worth the effort of a formal auction.

Q: Where is the mint mark located on the 2002 dime?

A: The mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above the date, near Roosevelt’s neck.