The 2007-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in typical proof condition to over $100 for perfect specimens. While most modern dimes you find in your pocket change are made of copper and nickel, this specific “S” mint mark version is a special 90% silver treasure issued by the U.S. Mint for collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Silver Proof) | $5.00 – $7.00 |
| PR 69 (Near Perfect) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $45.00 – $115.00 |
Understanding the 2007-S Silver Roosevelt Dime
If you have stumbled upon a shiny 10-cent piece dated 2007 with a small “S” below the date, you might have something more valuable than just ten cents. Most Americans don’t realize that the San Francisco Mint produces special silver versions of our circulating coinage specifically for annual proof sets. Using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm if your dime is the silver variety or the standard copper-nickel version.
The 2007-S Silver Roosevelt Dime was not released into general circulation. It was sold by the Mint as part of the “Silver Proof Set.” These coins are struck on specially polished blanks using multiple strikes to create a mirror-like background and “frosted” details on the portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Because they were handled with care and sold in plastic lenses, most survive in excellent condition today.
For many casual hunters, the biggest thrill is finding one of these in a “coinstar” return slot or an old jar of change. This usually happens when someone breaks open a collector’s set and spends the coins at face value. If you find one, the first thing you should do is check its “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) contrast. Using the CoinKnow app can help you photograph the coin to see if it maintains the high-quality finish required for a premium price.
How to Identify a Silver vs. Clad 2007 Dime
Before getting excited about the value, you must confirm the metal content. In 2007, the San Francisco Mint produced both “Clad” proof dimes (made of copper-nickel) and “Silver” proof dimes (90% silver, 10% copper). Because both have the “S” mint mark, you need a way to tell them apart.
The easiest method is the “edge test.” Look at the side of the coin. A standard dime will show a distinct copper-colored stripe running through the center. A 2007-S Silver Dime will have a solid, brilliant silver edge with no brown or orange layers visible. This difference in composition is the primary reason why the 2007 dime value for silver proofs is so much higher than its base-metal counterparts.
Another definitive method is weighing the coin. A standard clad dime weighs approximately 2.27 grams, while a silver dime weighs approximately 2.50 grams. If you don’t have a jeweler’s scale, the CoinKnow app provides visual guides on how to spot the “whiter” luster of silver compared to the “grayer” tint of nickel. Collectors pay a premium for silver because of its intrinsic precious metal value and its historical significance.
| Metals Comparison | 2007-S Clad Proof | 2007-S Silver Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 91.67% Copper / 8.33% Nickel | 90% Silver / 10% Copper |
| Weight | 2.27 grams | 2.50 grams |
| Edge Color | Copper/Brown Stripe | Solid White Silver |
Condition and Grading the 2007-S Silver Dime
Because these coins were never meant for pockets, the “grade” or condition is everything. Professional graders at PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. A grade of PR 70 (Proof 70) is considered a perfect coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification. For the 2007-S Silver Dime, there is a massive price jump between a PR 69 and a PR 70.
A PR 69 specimen might only sell for $15, but a perfectly graded PR 70 can fetch over $100 depending on the current market demand. Most silver dimes found in sets are PR 68 or PR 69. If you find one that has been touched by fingers or has scratches, it is considered “Impaired,” and its value will drop closer to its raw silver melt value (roughly $2.00 to $3.00 depending on the silver market).
The current auction data for high-grade 2007 dimes shows that collectors are increasingly looking for “Deep Cameo” designations. This means the contrast between the shiny field and the white frosting is extremely sharp. When scanning your collection with CoinKnow, look for any haziness or “milk spots” on the surface, as these chemical reactions can lower the grade and the potential resale price.
The Role of Silver Melt Value
Even if your 2007-S Silver Dime is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth more than ten cents because of its 90% silver content. One silver dime contains approximately 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver. When silver prices rise, the baseline value of this coin rises regardless of its condition as a collectible.
For most everyday Americans, this “melt value” provides a safety net. While a standard dime from 2007 is only ever worth ten cents if it’s worn out, the silver version will always be traded for a multiple of its face value at coin shops and bullion dealers.
| Market Factor | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Silver Spot Price | High (determines the minimum price) |
| PCGS/NGC Certification | Very High (adds $20-$80 premium) |
| Eye Appeal | Moderate (toning can add value) |
Collecting the 2007-S as Part of a Set
Modern coin collecting often involves completing “registry sets.” Many collectors want one of every Roosevelt Dime ever made in the highest possible grade. This “completionist” mindset is why a 2007-S Silver Dime in perfect condition is so sought after. It’s a necessary piece for anyone building a 21st-century silver dime collection.
If you are just starting out, keeping your 2007-S dime in its original US Mint plastic packaging is the best way to preserve its value. Taking it out and putting it in a cardboard folder can expose it to air and moisture, which leads to “toning” or discoloration. While some collectors love colorful rainbow toning, many modern silver collectors prefer the bright, “white” look of a freshly minted coin.
Before you decide to sell, check recent sold listings on eBay or use professional valuation tools. Values can fluctuate monthly based on how many “Perfect 70” coins are currently appearing on the market. If you have a group of these coins, you might find that selling them as a complete 2007 Silver Proof Set is more lucrative than selling the dime individually, as you capture the value of the silver quarters and half dollar as well.
Where to Sell Your 2007-S Silver Dime
If you’ve confirmed you have a silver dime and want to cash in, you have several options. For a quick sale, a local coin shop is your best bet, though they will usually pay “wholesale” prices (likely the silver melt value or a few dollars more). They need to make a profit, so don’t expect the full “book value” you see online.
For high-grade coins (PR 69 or PR 70), selling through an online auction or a dedicated coin platform will reach more specialized collectors willing to pay a premium. Make sure to take high-quality, clear photos. Using an app like CoinKnow can help you identify if your coin has specific errors or exceptionally high eye appeal that could justify a higher asking price.
Always remember that rarity and demand drive the market. While 2007-S silver dimes are not “rare” in the sense of a 1916-D Mercury Dime, their 90% silver content and beautiful proof finish make them a staple of modern American numismatics. Whether you keep it as an investment in silver or sell it to a collector, it’s a wonderful piece of American minting history to hold in your hand.
| Selling Channel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Store | Instant Cash | Lower payout |
| Online Auctions | High market price | Fees and shipping |
| Bullion Dealer | Fast bulk sale | Only pays for silver weight |
FAQ
Q: Is every 2007-S dime made of silver?
A: No. The San Francisco Mint (S) made two versions in 2007: a “Clad Proof” (made of copper-nickel) and a “Silver Proof.” Only the silver proof version contains 90% silver. You must check the edge of the coin to be sure.
Q: Why is my 2007-D/P dime not worth $5?
A: Dimes with “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mint marks were made for general circulation. Over 2 billion were made, so they are generally only worth their face value of 10 cents unless they have a major mint error.
Q: Can I find a 2007-S Silver Dime in my pocket change?
A: It is very rare, but it happens. This usually occurs when someone accidentally spends a collector’s set. Because they look different (very shiny), they are often pulled out of circulation quickly by people who notice the mirror-like finish.
Q: What is the “melt value” of a 2007-S Silver Dime today?
A: It depends on the current price of silver. Since the coin contains roughly 0.072 ounces of silver, if silver is $25 per ounce, the melt value is about $1.80. Check a live silver ticker for the most accurate daily price.