The 2010-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $50 for high-grade specimens. While modern dimes found in your pocket change usually only carry face value, the “S” mint mark signifies a special strike intended for collectors rather than daily transactions.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $35.00 – $65.00 |
| Silver Proof Variety | $8.00 – $12.00 |
Identifying the 2010-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
If you have discovered a shiny dime with a mirror-like finish and a small “S” next to the date, you have found a proof coin from the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the billions of dimes struck in Philadelphia or Denver for general circulation, these coins were sold in official sets to enthusiasts. Identifying these treasures is easier than ever if you use a top coin identifier app to scan the surface details and confirm the mint mark.
The 2010-S Roosevelt Dime features the classic profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse. On the reverse, you will find an olive branch, a torch, and an oak branch, symbolizing peace, liberty, and victory.
Because these coins were never meant to spend time in a cash register, finding one in your spare change is rare. It usually means someone broke open a collector set and spent the contents. If you think you’ve found an error or a particularly high-grade version, the CoinKnow app can help you determine if it is worth sending to a professional grading service.
Clad vs. Silver 2010-S Roosevelt Dime Value
In 2010, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct versions of the proof dime: the standard copper-nickel clad version and the 90% silver version. Knowing which one you have is crucial for determining the current market value for 2010 Roosevelt dimes.
The clad version has a copper core, which is usually visible as a reddish stripe on the edge of the coin. The silver version, however, will have a solid silver-colored edge. Silver proofs are naturally more valuable because of their precious metal content, regardless of the collector demand.
| Coin Composition | Mintage Weight | Base Metal Value |
|---|---|---|
| Clad (Copper-Nickel) | 2.27 grams | Face Value ($0.10) |
| 90% Silver | 2.50 grams | ~$2.00 (Varies with Spot) |
The CoinKnow app is an excellent tool for beginners to distinguish between these two compositions using visual guides. Most 2010-S silver dimes are sold as part of the “Silver Proof Set,” and they remain a staple for modern coin folders across the country.
Grading and the Impact of Deep Cameo Finishes
When discussing the 2010-S Roosevelt Dime value, the term “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) frequently appears. This refers to the contrast between the frosted, white-looking portrait of Roosevelt and the deeply mirrored background (the fields). Collectors pay a significant premium for coins that exhibit this “black and white” look with no visible scratches or “hairlines.”
A coin graded PR 70 (Proof 70) is considered perfect under 5x magnification. For a 2010-S dime, achieving this grade can skyrocket the price from a few dollars to over fifty dollars. If your coin has even a tiny fingerprint or a light scratch from being handled, the grade will drop significantly.
You can find detailed 2010-S dime price guide information that tracks how these grades fluctuate at major auctions. Because millions were minted, only the absolute best examples (the top 1%) command high prices in today’s market.
Mintage Figures and Rarity Factors
While the 2010-S isn’t the rarest dime in history, its production numbers are much lower than the “P” and “D” business strikes. In 2010, the San Francisco Mint struck roughly 1.7 million clad proof dimes and about 585,045 silver proof dimes.
| Mint Mark & Type | Approximate Mintage |
|---|---|
| 2010-P (Philadelphia) | 571,000,000 |
| 2010-D (Denver) | 548,000,000 |
| 2010-S Clad Proof | 1,715,310 |
| 2010-S Silver Proof | 585,045 |
This disparity in numbers proves why seeing an “S” on your coin is an immediate reason for excitement. While 571 million dimes came out of Philly, less than a million silver ones came out of San Francisco. Using the CoinKnow app can help you keep track of these mintage figures so you never accidentally spend a low-mintage coin.
Where to Sell Your 2010-S Roosevelt Dime
If you have a 2010-S dime and want to turn it into cash, you have several options. For standard clad proofs, selling to a local coin shop might result in a “bulk” offer, as these are common. However, if you have a certified PR 70 Deep Cameo or a silver version, online marketplaces like eBay or Heritage Auctions are your best bet.
Before selling, ensure your coin is protected in a plastic flip or capsule. Any oil from your skin can permanently stain the proof surface, instantly lowering its value. Always check recent “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices to see what people are actually paying.
Modern coins like the 2010-S are often sold in groups. Collectors looking to complete a “Year Set” for 2010 will want a high-quality “S” mint dime to fill their album. Keeping the coin in its original US Mint packaging is the best way to preserve its maximum value over time.
FAQ
Q: Why is my 2010 dime shiny but doesn’t have an “S”?
A: If it doesn’t have an “S,” it is likely a standard “P” or “D” strike that is simply “uncirculated” or “mint state.” These are very common and usually only worth 10 cents unless they have a major mint error.
Q: How can I tell if my 2010-S dime is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver/white color, it is likely the 90% silver proof. If you see a orange or reddish copper stripe, it is the clad version. You can also weigh it; silver dimes weigh 2.5 grams, while clad ones weigh 2.27 grams.
Q: Is it worth getting a 2010-S Roosevelt Dime professionally graded?
A: Only if you believe the coin is a perfect PR 70. Grading fees usually cost between $20 and $40 per coin. If the coin’s market value is only $10, you would lose money by grading it.
Q: What is the most expensive 2010-S dime ever sold?
A: Perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo specimens occasionally sell for $50 to $100 depending on the current demand and the specific auction house. Errors, though extremely rare for proof coins, could potentially sell for more.