2016-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Collector Prices and Varieties

The 2016-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $4 in standard proof condition to over $35 for high-grade Silver Proof specimens. While you won’t find these in your pocket change during a grocery run, discovering one in a collection or a forgotten mint set is an exciting find for any casual collector.

Version Type	Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
2016-S Clad Proof	PR 69 Deep Cameo	$4 – $6
2016-S Clad Proof	PR 70 Deep Cameo	$15 – $20
2016-S Silver Proof	PR 69 Deep Cameo	$12 – $15
2016-S Silver Proof	PR 70 Deep Cameo	$35 – $50

Understanding the 2016-S San Francisco Mint Dime

If you have found a Roosevelt dime with a small “S” mint mark to the right of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s neck, you are holding a “Proof” coin. Unlike the dimes minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) for daily circulation, the San Francisco Mint specifically produces these for collectors. If you are unsure what you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the different finishes and mint marks instantly.

Proof coins are struck using special polished dies and planchets (the metal discs), resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details. In 2016, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct versions: the standard copper-nickel clad version and a special 90% silver version.

Because these were originally sold in protective plastic lenses as part of annual Proof Sets, they are almost always found in pristine condition. However, if a coin is removed from its case and handled, it can quickly lose its “Deep Cameo” contrast and premium value. For those tracking their collection on the go, the CoinKnow app provides real-time updates on how these proof sets are performing in the secondary market.

The Value of 2016-S Clad Proof Roosevelt Dimes

The standard 2016-S Clad Proof Dime is composed of a copper core with a nickel coating, just like the dimes you use at the vending machine. Despite being “special,” they were minted in large enough quantities—over 600,000 sets—that they remain very affordable for most people.

To achieve a high value, the coin must be professionally graded as “Proof 70 Deep Cameo” (PR70 DCAM). This means the coin is flawless under 5x magnification. Most collectors prefer these perfectly graded specimens to fill their albums.

If you are looking for specific 2016 Roosevelt dime price data for the clad versions, you will find that a PR69 grade usually sells for just a few dollars, essentially covering the cost of the original set. It is the perfect grade “70” that commands a premium from registry set collectors.

Grade	Clad Proof Value	Rarity Note
PR 65-68	$1.00 – $3.00	Common in sets
PR 69 DCAM	$5.00	Very easy to find
PR 70 DCAM	$18.00	Investment grade

2016-S Silver Proof Dime Worth and Composition

The 2016-S Silver Proof is the “big brother” of the 2016 dime series. It contains 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver. This means that even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth its “melt value,” which fluctuates with the price of silver.

Identifying this coin is crucial. You can check the edge of the coin: if it shows a solid silver-colored stripe without a copper “sandwich” line, it is likely the silver version. Alternatively, a precision scale would show the silver dime weighing 2.50 grams, compared to the 2.27 grams of a clad dime.

Using the CoinKnow app’s scanning feature can help you visualize These differences and keep a catalog of your silver holdings. The 2016-S dime value and market trends suggest that as silver prices rise, these proof coins become even more desirable to investors who want both precious metal content and numismatic beauty.

Why Condition and “Deep Cameo” Finish Matters

In the world of modern coins, “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) is the gold standard. This refers to the intense contrast between the shiny, mirror-like “fields” (the flat parts of the coin) and the thick, white frosting on the “devices” (Roosevelt’s portrait and the torch on the reverse).

A 2016-S dime that lacks this contrast—perhaps because it was cleaned or handled with bare hands—will drop significantly in value. Oils from your skin can actually “dull” the frosting over time. If you find a dime that has been circulated (found in a coin jar), it is likely a “Proof Impaired,” meaning it was spent as regular money.

Even if a coin looks shiny to the naked eye, professional graders at companies like PCGS or NGC look for microscopic hairlines. A single scratch can take a coin from being worth $40 down to just its silver melt value. Therefore, always handle these coins by the edges or keep them in their original US Mint packaging.

Silver Grade	Market Price	Silver Content
PR 68 DCAM	$8.00	90% Silver
PR 69 DCAM	$14.00	90% Silver
PR 70 DCAM	$45.00+	90% Silver

Collecting Modern Roosevelt Dimes as a Hobby

Many “everyday” collectors enjoy building a set of Roosevelt Dimes because most of them are affordable. Since the design hasn’t changed since 1946 (featuring the torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the back), it’s a consistent and recognizable series.

The 2016-S is considered a “modern” issue, and while it isn’t rare like a 1916-D Mercury Dime, it represents a specific era of US Mint technology. The detail on the 2016 strikes is exceptionally sharp compared to the worn-out dies often seen in the 1970s and 80s.

If you’re just starting, use tools like CoinKnow to track which years and mint marks you’ve already found. It’s a great way to gamify the experience of searching through change or buying small lots at local coin shows. You might start with a 2016-S and eventually find yourself hunting for the elusive 1996-W dime!

2016-S Dime Errors to Look Out For

While errors on proof coins are extremely rare due to the strict quality control at the San Francisco Mint, they are not impossible. Collectors occasionally find “doubled dies,” where the lettering or the date appears to be doubled.

Another possible error is a “Planchet Flaw,” where the metal itself has a crack or a lamination peel. However, most things people mistake for errors on 2016-S dimes are actually just post-mint damage (scratches from being dropped or cleaned).

Checking your coin under a jeweler’s loupe (10x magnification) is the best way to spot these anomalies. If you think you’ve found a genuine error on a 2016-S Silver Proof, the value could skyrocket from $15 to several hundred dollars, as error collectors pay a massive premium for proof-strike mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell if my 2016-S dime is silver or clad?

A: The easiest way is to look at the edge. A clad dime will have a visible copper stripe. A silver dime will have a solid silver-colored edge. Additionally, the silver version weighs 2.50 grams, while the clad version weighs 2.27 grams.

Q: Can I find a 2016-S dime in my pocket change?

A: It is very rare, but it happens! These are “impaired proofs” that someone likely took out of a collector set and spent by accident. If found in circulation, they are usually only worth their face value ($0.10) for clad versions or silver melt value for silver versions.

Q: Is it worth getting my 2016-S dime professionally graded?

A: Only if it is absolutely perfect. Unless the coin is a candidate for a PR70 grade, the cost of grading (typically $20-$40 per coin) will be higher than the actual value of the dime. Most collectors buy these already graded.

Q: What is the mintage of the 2016-S Roosevelt Dime?

A: Approximately 601,000 clad sets and 400,000 silver sets were produced. This makes them common enough to be affordable, but they are not “rare” in the traditional sense of numismatics.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 2016 dime?

A: The mint mark (S, P, or D) is located just above the date, to the right of Roosevelt’s neck and below his chin.