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The 2018-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $4 in standard Proof condition to over $45 for high-grade Silver Proof specimens. While you won’t find these in your pocket change, they are popular additions to modern collections due to their mirror-like finish and historical significance.
| Condition / Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR69 Clad Proof | $4 – $7 |
| PR70 Clad Proof (Perfect) | $15 – $25 |
| PR69 Silver Proof | $12 – $18 |
| PR70 Silver Proof (Perfect) | $40 – $55 |
| Reverse Proof (Special Set) | $10 – $20 |
Why the 2018-S Roosevelt Dime Is Special
If you have stumbled upon a Roosevelt Dime with an “S” mint mark dated 2018, you have found something intended for collectors rather than grocery stores. The San Francisco Mint exclusively produced proof versions of the dime this year. Unlike the “P” or “D” dimes you use to buy a candy bar, these coins were struck using polished dies and specially prepared blanks to create a high-contrast, cameo effect.
Many people use a top coin identifier app to quickly distinguish between standard circulation strikes and these special mint releases. Because these coins were sold in protective plastic lenses by the U.S. Mint, they usually remain in pristine condition. However, if a set was broken open and the coins spent, they may show slight wear.
Using tools like CoinKnow can help you determine if your coin is the standard copper-nickel “clad” version or the more valuable 90% silver version. Knowing the difference is crucial because the silver content alone makes the “S” silver proof worth significantly more than its face value. Even for modern coins, the precision of the strike makes the 2018-S a standout piece in any Roosevelt collection.
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Understanding 2018-S Clad vs. Silver Proof Values
The 2018-S dime comes in two primary metal compositions. The “Clad” version is made of the same copper-nickel alloy as everyday dimes. These were included in the standard 2018 Proof Set. While beautiful, their value is mostly tied to their grade and the fact that they were not released for circulation.
The “Silver” version is much more desirable. These were struck in 90% silver and 10% copper as part of the Silver Proof Set. For those tracking current Roosevelt Dime market trends and prices, the silver variants always command a premium due to their precious metal content and lower mintage numbers.
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| Feature | Clad Proof | Silver Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Cupro-Nickel | 90% Silver |
| Weight | 2.27 grams | 2.50 grams |
| Edge Color | Copper Stripe visible | Solid Silver white |
The 2018-S Reverse Proof Roosevelt Dime
2018 was a landmark year for the San Francisco Mint as it celebrated its 150th anniversary. To commemorate this, the Mint released a special “San Francisco Mint Silver Reverse Proof Set.” This set included a Roosevelt Dime with a “Reverse Proof” finish—meaning the background is frosted and the design elements (like FDR’s portrait) are mirror-like.
This is the opposite of a standard proof coin. These coins are quite rare compared to the millions of dimes struck in Philadelphia and Denver. If you are looking for specific 2018 dime mintage and value data, you will notice that the Reverse Proof has a much smaller “population” in high grades.
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Collecting these requires a keen eye. Because they were only available in a specific set, finding one “in the wild” is nearly impossible. If you do find one, it is likely worth at least $10 to $20, even if it has minor handling marks. When using CoinKnow, you can photograph the coin to confirm the unique finish attributes that define a Reverse Proof.
Grading the 2018-S: Why PR70 Matters
In the world of modern coin collecting, the grade is everything. Since almost all 2018-S dimes were kept in protective sets, most are in “Proof” (PR) condition. Professional graders like PCGS or NGC use a scale from 1 to 70. A PR69 is almost perfect, while a PR70 is a flawless coin under 5x magnification.
The price jump between a PR69 and a PR70 for a 2018-S dime can be significant. Collectors strive for the “70” grade because it represents the pinnacle of the minting process. A PR70 Clad dime might sell for $20, while a PR70 Silver version can easily fetch over $50 at auction.
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| Grade (Deep Cameo) | Clad Price | Silver Price |
|---|---|---|
| PR 67 | $3 | $9 |
| PR 68 | $5 | $12 |
| PR 69 | $7 | $18 |
| PR 70 | $25 | $55 |
How to Identify a 2018-S Dime in Your Collection
To find out if your dime is a 2018-S, look at the right side of the coin, just above the date. You will see a tiny letter “S.” This stands for the San Francisco Mint. If you see a “P” (Philadelphia) or a “D” (Denver), the coin is a common circulation strike worth exactly ten cents unless it has a major error.
Once you find the “S,” check the edge of the coin. If the edge shows a distinct orange/copper stripe, it is a clad proof. If the edge is brilliant white/silver, you have the silver version. Most collectors use CoinKnow to log their finds and track the value of their growing collections over time.
Because these coins are so modern, they lack the historical “wear and tear” of older silver dimes. Instead, collectors look for “milk spots” (cloudy white spots) or “haze” that can develop on the surface. A 2018-S dime without any spotting is highly desirable and much easier to resell to a coin shop or online buyer.
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Summary of Mintage Figures for 2018 Dimes
While the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced billions of dimes for daily transactions, the San Francisco Mint’s output was tightly controlled for collectors. This disparity in mintage is why the “S” mint mark is the only one you should consider having professionally graded.
| Mint Mark / Type | Approximate Mintage |
|---|---|
| 2018-P (Philadelphia) | 1,114,000,000 |
| 2018-D (Denver) | 1,155,500,000 |
| 2018-S Clad Proof | ~500,000 |
| 2018-S Silver Proof | ~430,000 |
| 2018-S Reverse Proof | ~200,000 |
As seen in the table, the 2018-S series is relatively scarce. If you have any of these, you are holding a piece of the U.S. Mint’s numismatic history, far removed from the common change found under a car seat.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 2018-S dime in my pocket change?
A: While extremely rare, it is possible if someone accidentally spent a proof set. These are called “impaired proofs.” They usually look much shinier than normal dimes but will likely be scratched or worn, lowering their value to $1-$2.
Q: Is the 2018-S dime real silver?
A: Only the coins specifically from the Silver Proof Set or the Reverse Proof Set are 90% silver. The standard 2018-S dimes found in regular proof sets are copper-nickel clad. Check the edge of the coin to confirm the metal.
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Q: How much is a 2018-P or 2018-D dime worth?
A: Unless they have a significant mint error (like being struck on the wrong metal), 2018-P and 2018-D dimes are only worth their face value of $0.10. Collectors only pay premiums for these if they are in perfect, uncirculated MS67+ condition.
Q: What is a Deep Cameo (DCAM) finish?
A: DCAM is a term used by grading services to describe proof coins with a heavy contrast between the frosted design and the mirror-like fields. Almost all 2018-S dimes are struck as Deep Cameo.
Q: Should I get my 2018-S dime graded?
A: Only if it appears to be a perfect PR70. The cost of grading (usually $20-$40 per coin) often exceeds the value of a PR69 coin. Use a magnifying glass to check for any tiny scratches before sending it in.