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The 1989-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade specimens. While you won’t find this specific coin in your pocket change, many Americans discover them in inherited sets or old collections and wonder if they’ve hit the jackpot.
| Grade/Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Typical Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $400.00 – $1,250.00 |
Identifying the 1989-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1989-S Roosevelt Dime is a unique piece because it was never released into general circulation. If you are looking at a shiny dime with a tiny “S” mint mark next to the date, you are likely holding a Proof coin. These were struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors using specially polished dies and planchets. If you are unsure about the authenticity of your coin, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm if your dime is a genuine proof strike or just a shiny business strike from Philadelphia or Denver.
The “S” mint mark is the key identifier here. Unlike the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) dimes that were made by the hundreds of millions for spending at the grocery store, the “S” version was part of a limited production run of 3,220,194 units. These were sold by the U.S. Mint in plastic-sealed Proof Sets. If yours is out of its original packaging, it is considered “impaired,” but it still holds premium value over a standard ten-cent piece.
When evaluating these coins, collectors look for a “mirror-like” background (the field) and a frosted texture on the portrait of FDR. This contrast is known as “Deep Cameo” or “Ultra Cameo.” Before you head to a coin shop, you can use CoinKnow to get a quick estimate of your coin’s potential grade and current market trends.
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Understanding 1989-S Dime Value and Grading
Value in the coin world is almost entirely dependent on the “Grade” or the state of preservation. Because 1989-S dimes were handled with care by the Mint, most are found in very high grades. However, there is a massive price jump between a “near-perfect” coin and a “perfect” coin. A PR 69 (meaning it has almost no visible flaws) is quite common, but a PR 70 (a flawless coin) is a true rarity that drives high auction prices.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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You can check the 1989 dime price guide data to see how the S-mint proof compares to the business strikes of the same year. Generally, while billions of P and D dimes exist, the S-mint remains the “crown jewel” for 1989 Roosevelt Dime enthusiasts.
| Mint Color/Designation | Rarity Factor | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cameo (CA) | Common | $2 – $4 |
| Deep Cameo (DCAM) | High Demand | $10 – $50 |
| Perfect PR 70 DCAM | Extremely Rare | $450+ |
Why the 1989-S Mint Mark Matters
The San Francisco Mint has a long history of producing high-quality coinage. By 1989, the mint had perfected the “Deep Cameo” striking process. When you hold a 1989-S dime, you should see a stark white, frosted appearance on Roosevelt’s head and the torch on the back, set against a background that looks like a dark mirror. This visual appeal is why the “S” mint mark is so sought after by those building “Year Sets.”
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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If you find a 1989-S dime that looks dull or scratched, it has likely been “broken out” of its set and used as regular money. Even in this “circulated proof” state, it is still worth more than ten cents. Many people use CoinKnow to track these minor variations and determine if their find is worth the cost of professional grading with services like PCGS or NGC.
For more technical details on the various 1989 issues, you may want to review this detailed 1989 Roosevelt dime value report which breaks down the differences between the Philly, Denver, and San Francisco strikings.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Common Errors Found in 1989 Roosevelt Dimes
While the 1989-S is a proof coin and subject to strict quality control, errors do occasionally slip through. The business strikes (P and D) are more common for errors, but proof errors are highly valuable because they shouldn’t exist. Look for “Double Dies,” where the lettering or the date looks like it has a faint shadow or was stamped twice.
Another error to look for is the “Off-Center Strike.” While very rare in proof sets, a dime that isn’t perfectly circular or has a missing rim on one side can be worth hundreds of dollars. Because these coins are so shiny, it can be hard to see small errors with the naked eye. CoinKnow allows you to zoom in on high-resolution images to compare your coin against known error types.
| Error Type | Likelihood | Estimated Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die Obverse | Very Low | $50 – $100 |
| Repunched Mint Mark | Moderate | $10 – $20 |
| Blank Planchet | Rare | $30 – $60 |
Tips for Selling Your 1989-S Roosevelt Dime
If you decide to sell your 1989-S dime, don’t just take it to a generic pawn shop. They will likely only offer you “face value” or a few cents more. To get the best price, you should look for local numismatic shops or reputable online auction sites like eBay or Heritage Auctions. Packaging is also important; if the coin is still in its original U.S. Mint plastic case, keep it there! Removing it can lower the grade due to fingerprint oils or dust.
For those who have a large collection of 1980s dimes, it helps to organize them by mint mark and condition before seeking an appraisal. High-grade PR 70 coins should always be sent for professional certification to maximize their value. A certified “Perfect 70” can sell for over $1,000, whereas an uncertified one will rarely break the $50 mark.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Summary of the 1989-S Collector Market
The market for Roosevelt dimes is steady but quiet. Unlike the “hype” surrounding silver quarters or Morgan dollars, dimes are an affordable entry point for new collectors. The 1989-S is a perfect example of a coin that is accessible but offers a “lottery ticket” potential for those who happen to own a flawless specimen.
Whether you found one in an old drawer or bought a proof set at a garage sale, the 1989-S dime remains a beautiful piece of American minting history. Keep it protected, watch for errors, and use modern tools to stay updated on what collectors are currently paying.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1989-S Roosevelt Dime made of silver?
A: No. Unlike dimes made before 1965, the 1989-S dime is a “clad” coin made of a copper-nickel alloy. While it looks very shiny, it does not contain any actual silver bullion.
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Q: Why is my 1989 dime so much shinier than a regular dime?
A: You likely have a Proof coin. These were made using polished blanks and special strikes to create a mirror-like finish for collectors. If it has an “S” mint mark, it was definitely produced as a proof.
Q: How can I tell if my 1989-S dime is a PR 70?
A: A PR 70 grade is essentially “perfect.” Under 5x magnification, there should be no scratches, no “milk spots,” and no dullness anywhere on the coin. Most coins have tiny imperfections invisible to the naked eye that keep them at a PR 68 or PR 69.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 1989 Roosevelt Dime?
A: The mint mark is located on the front (obverse) of the coin, just above the date. Look for a small “S,” “P,” or “D.”