The Ultimate Guide to Valuable Roosevelt Dimes: How to Identify & Sell $20,000+ Coins

Introduction to Roosevelt Dime Rarities

Since their introduction in 1946, certain Roosevelt dimes have become five and six-figure treasures due to mint errors, condition rarities, and silver content. This expanded guide reveals the top 4 most valuable varieties, how to authenticate them, and expert strategies for selling at maximum profit.

Top 4 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes

1. 1956 Proof Deep Cameo (Type 1 Silver) – $19,975 Gem

• Composition: 90% silver
• Grade: PR69 (PCGS/NGC)
• Key Features:
  • Frosted devices on mirror fields (Cameo contrast)
  • Type 1 reverse (smaller torch details)
  • Only 50-100 exist in PR69+ condition
• Identification Tips:
  ✓ Weighs 2.50g (silver content)
  ✓ Edge shows continuous silver color (no copper line)
  ✓ “S” mint mark below torch

![1956 Proof DCAM close-up showing cameo contrast]

Selling Strategy:

• For PR69: Heritage Auctions (target registry set collectors)
• For PR67: eBay 7-day auction (highlight “Type 1 reverse”)
• Grading Cost: **75∗∗(worthitforcoins>75∗∗(worthitforcoins>5,000)

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2. 1949 Type 1 Full Band (FB) – $13,200 Condition Rarity

• Grade: MS68 (PCGS)
• Why Valuable:
  • First year of series with Full Band designation
  • Horizontal lines on torch must be fully separated
  • Only 3 graded MS68 by PCGS
• Circulated Values:
  • AU55: $150
  • MS65: $1,200

Authentication Steps:

1. Verify no mint mark (Philadelphia issue)
2. Check for full horizontal torch bands under 10x magnification
3. Weigh: 2.50g (silver)

Best Selling Platform:

• PCGS Set Registry dealers pay premiums for FB examples

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3. 1983 No S Proof – $10,560 Modern Rarity

• Grade: PR70 (PCGS)
• Error Details:
  • Missing “S” mint mark on proof coin
  • Only 5-10 confirmed specimens
  • Deep Cameo contrast required
• Spotting Fakes:
  ✓ Proof surface should be mirror-like
  ✓ Edge shows copper-nickel clad layer

Selling Approach:

• Raw examples: CoinTalk Forums (error specialists)
• Graded coins: Stack’s Bowers Auction
• Avoid eBay for high-value errors (risk of fraud)

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4. 1954 Proof Deep Cameo – $9,400 Silver Beauty

• Grade: PR68 (PCGS)
• Market Insight:
  • Low mintage of 233,300 proofs
  • Most have toned – pristine examples rare
  • Strong demand for early silver proofs

Grading Factors:

• Cameo Contrast: Frosting must cover 90%+ of devices
• Surface Quality: No hairlines or spots

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Step-by-Step Selling Guide

1. Authentication & Grading

• For coins >$1,000:
  • Submit to PCGS/NGC ($50-150 per coin)
  • Choose Modern tier for 1983 coins
  • Select Silver tier for pre-1965 coins
• For raw coins:
  • Get free evaluation at CONECA.org
  • Use PCGS Photograde for condition estimate

2. Choosing the Right Marketplace

Coin Value	Best Platform	Tips
<$500	eBay / Facebook Groups	Shoot video under natural light
500−500−5,000	GreatCollections	Highlight population data
$5,000+	Heritage Auctions	Use their imaging service

3. Maximizing Your Profit

• Timing: Sell during coin show seasons (Spring/Fall)
• Presentation: For raw coins, use 2×2 cardboard holders
• Research: Check PCGS Auction Prices for comparables

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Where to Find These Rare Dimes

Hunting Grounds

1. Old Proof Sets (1950-1964 for silver proofs)
2. Bank Rolls (Ask for customer-wrapped silver rolls)
3. Estate Sales (Look for original blue/gray mint boxes)

Tools You Need

• 10x Loupe ($5-20 on Amazon)
• Pocket Scale (0.01g accuracy)
• LED Light (5000K temperature)

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Market Trends (2024)

• Silver proofs up 18% since 2020
• Full Band dimes gaining registry demand
• Modern errors appreciating fastest

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FAQ

Q: How to tell if my 1983 dime is really “No S”?
A: Must show:
✓ Proof surfaces
✓ No trace of removed mint mark
✓ Matching die markers to known examples

Q: Are cleaned silver dimes valuable?
A: Yes, but worth 50-70% less – never clean coins!

Q: Where’s the best place to sell a 1956 proof?
A: Heritage FUN Auction (January) when collectors have fresh budgets

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“I Found a Rare Dime – Now What?” Checklist

1. Handle by edges only (fingerprints reduce value)
2. Photograph under natural light (both sides, edge)
3. Compare to PCGS CoinFacts images
4. Get professional opinion before selling

Grading Timeline: 4-6 weeks (express available for +$50)

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Want More? Download our FREE Dime Error Cheat Sheet at [DimeHuntingPro.com]

Like & Share to help fellow collectors! #RareDimes #CoinHunting #SilverCoins

PS: That old proof set in your attic could hold a $20,000 dime – check today! 🚀

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