Top 5 Roosevelt Dime Error Coins: The Roosevelt dime has been a familiar part of American pocket change for decades. Small, silver colored, and often overlooked, this ten cent coin rarely attracts attention from the average person. Yet within this everyday coin lies the potential for surprising value. Certain minting errors have transformed ordinary Roosevelt dimes into highly sought after collectibles worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
As we move toward 2026, interest in error coins continues to grow. Collectors are paying closer attention to unusual strikes, missing mint marks, doubled images, and off center designs. Many of these coins were discovered years after they entered circulation, often sitting unnoticed in jars or drawers.
In this article, we explore the top five Roosevelt dime error coins that could be worth thousands in 2026. We will examine their history, how the errors occurred, how to identify them, and why they continue to rise in value.
The History of the Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt dime was first introduced in 1946, shortly after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt was honored for his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, as well as for his support of the March of Dimes campaign to fight polio.
Designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, the coin features Roosevelt’s profile on the obverse and a torch flanked by olive and oak branches on the reverse. Since its release, the Roosevelt dime has remained largely unchanged in design, making error variations easier to identify.
From 1946 to 1964, dimes were struck in 90 percent silver. Beginning in 1965, the composition changed to a copper nickel clad structure due to rising silver prices. Both silver and clad versions can contain valuable errors.
Why Error Coins Are Valuable
Error coins are created when something goes wrong during the minting process. These mistakes are not intentional. They occur due to mechanical problems, die damage, planchet defects, or human oversight.
Because mints operate with strict quality control, most defective coins are caught and destroyed. When one slips through and enters circulation, it becomes a rarity.
Collectors value error coins for several reasons:
They are unique or produced in extremely small quantities.
They demonstrate unusual minting processes.
They offer visual differences that are easy to spot.
They add diversity and excitement to collections.
As interest in coin collecting grows, especially through online marketplaces and auctions, demand for high quality error coins continues to increase.
1968 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
One of the most famous modern dime errors is the 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime. Proof coins are specially made for collectors and usually carry a mint mark indicating where they were produced. In 1968, proof dimes from the San Francisco Mint were supposed to feature an S mint mark.
However, a small number were struck without the S.
This mistake occurred because the mint mark was accidentally omitted from the die used to produce the coins. As a result, a limited number of proof dimes entered collector sets without any mint mark at all.
Only a few dozen examples are known to exist. In high grade condition, these coins have sold for more than 20,000 dollars. Even lower grade specimens can fetch thousands.
To identify one, look for a 1968 proof dime with a mirror like finish and no mint mark above the date.
1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Even rarer than the 1968 version is the 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime. In fact, this is one of the rarest modern U.S. coins ever produced.
Like the 1968 error, this coin was part of a proof set and was mistakenly struck without the S mint mark. Only two confirmed examples are known today.
Because of its extreme rarity, the 1975 No S proof dime has sold for well over 400,000 dollars at auction. While most collectors will never encounter one, its existence proves how valuable modern mint errors can become.
If discovered in pristine proof condition, its value could potentially climb even higher by 2026 due to increased collector demand.
1982 No P Roosevelt Dime
The 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime is one of the most accessible high value error dimes. In 1980, the Philadelphia Mint began adding the P mint mark to dimes. However, in 1982, a batch of coins was struck without the P.
This error happened because the mint mark punch was not properly added to a working die. Thousands of these coins entered circulation before the mistake was discovered.
While not as rare as the proof errors, high grade examples can sell for several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on condition.
To check for this error, examine a 1982 dime carefully. If there is no mint mark above the date and the coin is from regular circulation rather than a proof set, it could be valuable.
1965 Silver Transitional Error Dime
In 1965, the U.S. Mint officially switched from silver to clad dimes. However, during the transition, a few leftover silver planchets from 1964 were accidentally used to strike 1965 dated coins.
The result was the 1965 Silver Roosevelt Dime.
These dimes appear normal at first glance. The key difference lies in their weight and composition. A silver dime weighs approximately 2.5 grams and lacks the visible copper stripe along the edge that clad coins display.
Only a small number of confirmed examples exist. These transitional errors have sold for several thousand dollars, especially when authenticated by professional grading services.
Collectors continue searching for these coins, as some may still be hidden in old collections.
Off Center and Double Die Errors
Beyond missing mint marks and silver transitions, dramatic strike errors can also command high prices.
Off center strikes occur when the planchet is not properly aligned during minting. The design appears shifted, leaving part of the blank planchet visible. Severe off center Roosevelt dimes in excellent condition can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the percentage of misalignment.
Double die errors happen when the die used to strike the coin has a doubled image due to misalignment during production. This creates visible doubling in the lettering or design elements.
Strong doubled die Roosevelt dimes, particularly from earlier years, are highly collectible and can bring significant premiums.
Quick Reference Table
| Error Coin | Year | Type of Error | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 No S Proof | 1968 | Missing mint mark | 10,000 to 20,000+ dollars |
| 1975 No S Proof | 1975 | Missing mint mark | 400,000+ dollars |
| 1982 No P | 1982 | Missing mint mark | 300 to 3,000 dollars |
| 1965 Silver Transitional | 1965 | Wrong metal planchet | 5,000 to 10,000 dollars |
| Off Center or Double Die | Various | Strike error | 200 to several thousand dollars |
Values vary depending on condition, rarity, and market demand in 2026.
How to Check Your Dimes
If you want to search for valuable Roosevelt dime errors, follow these steps:
Examine the date carefully under good lighting.
Check for the presence or absence of mint marks above the date.
Look at the edge for a copper stripe which indicates clad composition.
Use a digital scale to verify weight when checking for silver transitional errors.
Inspect lettering and design elements for signs of doubling.
A magnifying glass or coin loupe can make a significant difference when spotting subtle details.
The Role of Professional Grading
If you believe you have discovered a rare error coin, professional authentication is essential. Reputable grading services evaluate authenticity, assign a grade, and encapsulate the coin for protection.
Certification increases buyer confidence and often boosts resale value. In the case of high end errors such as the 1975 No S proof, authentication is absolutely critical.
Never clean a coin before submitting it for grading. Cleaning can permanently reduce its value.
Why 2026 Could See Higher Prices
Several factors may push Roosevelt dime error prices higher in 2026.
Growing interest in modern coins has expanded the collector base.
Online auction platforms increase global competition.
Limited supply ensures strong demand.
Economic uncertainty sometimes drives investment in tangible assets like rare coins.
As more collectors learn about these errors, competition for high quality examples is likely to intensify.
Final Thoughts
The Roosevelt dime may appear ordinary, but certain error versions are anything but common. From the legendary 1975 No S proof to the widely collected 1982 No P circulation error, these coins demonstrate how small minting mistakes can lead to significant financial rewards.
While the chances of finding a six figure rarity are slim, valuable discoveries still happen. Many collectors have found rare coins in pocket change, inherited collections, or bank rolls.
Take a closer look at your dimes. With patience, knowledge, and attention to detail, you might uncover a small silver colored treasure worth far more than ten cents.