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The 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $6 in typical Proof condition to over $100 for high-grade specimens with perfect surfaces. While you won’t find this specific coin in your pocket change, it is a prized possession for many casual collectors who discover them in inherited sets.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR65 (Proof Standard) | $6.00 – $8.00 |
| PR69 (Near Perfect) | $12.00 – $15.00 |
| PR70 (Deep Cameo) | $45.00 – $110.00 |
Identifying Your 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime
If you have stumbled upon a shiny dime from 2002, the first thing you need to determine is whether it is the standard copper-nickel version or the special silver proof edition. In 2002, the United States Mint produced millions of dimes for circulation in Philadelphia and Denver, but the San Francisco Mint (S mint mark) produced two versions of proof coins for collectors: a base-metal version and a 90% silver version.
To verify what you have, you can use a top coin identifier app to analyze the luster and edge of the coin. A silver dime will have a brilliant white edge, whereas a standard dime will show a distinct copper stripe around the rim. The 2002-S silver dime is part of the annual Silver Proof Set, meaning it was never intended to be spent in a grocery store.
If you find one of these in the “wild,” it was likely removed from its protective plastic case by someone who didn’t realize its numismatic value. Using a tool like CoinKnow can help you quickly distinguish between the common “clad” proof and the much more valuable silver variant. Collectors specifically look for the “S” mint mark located just above the date on the bottom right of the obverse.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The Silver Content and Intrinsic Value
The primary reason the 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime holds more value than a standard dime is its metal composition. Unlike the dimes in your wallet, which are made of copper and nickel, this coin is struck on a planchet consisting of 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives the coin an “intrinsic” or “melt” value that fluctuates with the daily price of silver.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth at least its weight in silver. However, because these are collector items, they almost always trade for a premium above the silver spot price. When researching the 2002 silver dime price guide, you will notice that the market value is significantly higher than the few dollars’ worth of raw silver contained within the coin.
As of current market trends, the silver content alone makes it worth many times its ten-cent face value. For those who enjoy tracking investments, CoinKnow offers a great way to monitor how the rising price of silver impacts the total value of your collection. Keeping the coin in its original government packaging is the best way to preserve this silver luster and ensure you get the maximum price when selling.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Coin Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 2.50 Grams |
| Silver Content | 0.0723 Troy Ounces |
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
Grading and the “Deep Cameo” Distinction
When you look at a 2002-S Silver Dime, you will notice a striking contrast between the frosted images (Roosevelt’s portrait) and the mirror-like background. This is known as a “Cameo” effect. In the world of professional coin grading, the highest designation is “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” (UCAM).
A 2002-S Silver Dime that receives a PR70 Deep Cameo grade from a service like PCGS or NGC is considered perfect. These coins are flawless even under 5x magnification. The current auction prices for 2002 Roosevelt Dimes show that while perfect 70s are rare, they are the “holy grail” for modern dime collectors.
Most 2002-S silver dimes found today will grade between PR67 and PR69. Because the US Mint’s modern production techniques are so advanced, perfection is common. Therefore, a PR68 is usually only worth its silver value plus a small premium, whereas a PR70 can command a significant price jump because registry set collectors compete to own the “best of the best.”
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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2002-S Silver Dime Mintage and Rarity
Is the 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime rare? In terms of mintage numbers, the San Francisco Mint struck 892,229 silver dimes in 2002. While nearly 900,000 might sound like a lot, compare that to the hundreds of millions of dimes struck in Philadelphia and Denver that same year.
This relatively low mintage is what keeps the 2002-S Silver Dime in high demand among people completing their Silver Proof Roosevelt sets. Because these coins were sold directly to collectors in sets, they didn’t suffer the wear and tear of circulation. However, “broken” sets (where a dealer or owner takes the dime out to sell individually) are common.
If you are unsure if your coin is part of this mintage, CoinKnow can help you identify the specific characteristics of San Francisco strikes. The 2002-S is particularly beloved because it represents the modern era of the Roosevelt design, which has remained largely unchanged since 1946, featuring the profile of FDR on the obverse and the torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the reverse.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Mintage Year | Mint Mark | Total Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 2002-S (Silver) | S (San Francisco) | 892,229 |
| 2002-S (Clad) | S (San Francisco) | 2,319,766 |
Tips for Selling Your Silver Dime
If you find yourself in possession of a 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime and want to turn it into cash, you have several options. First, never clean the coin. Even a light rubbing with a cloth can leave “hairlines” that drastically reduce the grade and value of a proof coin. Collectors prefer the original “haze” or toning over a cleaned, scratched surface.
Local coin shops are a good place for a quick sale, though they will likely offer you “wholesale” prices so they can make a profit. For the best return, consider listing the coin on online marketplaces or using a dedicated coin community. Mentioning that the coin is the 90% silver version is key, as many buyers overlook 2002 dimes thinking they are just common change.
Before selling, check the latest price trends. Knowing your coin’s potential grade and current silver spot price will give you leverage during a negotiation. Most “everyday” silver dimes from the 2000s are sold in bulk or as individual units to people looking to fill holes in their folders.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 2002-S dime is silver without a scale?
A: The easiest way is the “Edge Test.” Look at the side of the coin. If you see a solid silver/white color with no copper stripe, it is highly likely to be the 90% silver version. You can also perform a “ping test” by gently tapping it (be careful!); silver has a higher-pitched, longer ring than clad coins.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is a 2002-P or 2002-D dime worth anything?
A: Generally, no. These are circulation strikes. Unless they are in absolutely “Mint State” condition (MS68 or higher) or have a major mint error, they are only worth their face value of 10 cents.
Q: Why does my 2002-S Silver Dime look blurry?
A: You are likely seeing the “frosting” on the design. This is intentional! The US Mint uses sandblasting or laser etching on the dies to create a matte finish on the raised parts of the coin, which contrasts with the mirror-like fields. This is the hallmark of a high-quality Proof coin.
Q: Should I get my 2002-S Silver Dime professionally graded?
A: Only if you believe it is a perfect PR70. The cost of grading (usually $20-$40 per coin) often exceeds the value of a PR68 or PR69 coin. Use a high-resolution magnifying glass to look for any tiny nicks; if you see even one, it won’t hit the PR70 mark.