The 1985-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $500 for rare, high-grade specimens. While you won’t find this specific “S” mint mark coin in your pocket change, many people discover them in inherited collections or old proof sets and wonder about their market value.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $250.00 – $550.00 |
Understanding the Unique 1985-S Roosevelt Dime
If you have found a dime with an “S” mint mark dated 1985, you are holding a “Proof” coin. Unlike the dimes minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) for everyday spending, the 1985-S was struck specifically for collectors at the San Francisco Mint. To determine if yours is a high-value rarity, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard proof and a high-grade Deep Cameo specimen.
The San Francisco Mint produced 3,362,821 of these dimes in 1985. While three million might sound like a lot, it is a tiny fraction compared to the billions of dimes struck for circulation that year. These coins were originally sold in plastic-encased “Proof Sets” alongside a penny, nickel, quarter, and half dollar.
Because these were never intended to be spent at the grocery store, they usually remain in excellent condition. However, if a coin is removed from its protective case and handled, it can develop scratches or fingerprints that significantly lower its value. If you aren’t sure about the condition of your collection, the CoinHix app provides instant visual recognition to help you categorize your finds accurately.
Key Features of the 1985-S Proof Dime
To properly evaluate a 1985-S Roosevelt Dime, you must understand what makes it different from a regular dime. Proof coins are struck using polished dies and specially prepared planchets (the metal discs). This results in a mirror-like background (fields) and frosted foreground details (the portrait of Roosevelt).
The “S” mint mark is located just above the date on the bottom right of the obverse side. In 1985, the technology for creating these proofs was quite advanced, meaning most 1985-S dimes exhibit a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect. This is the sharp contrast between the shiny background and the white, frosted image of FDR.
When analyzing 1985 series Roosevelt dime auction records, you will notice that the “S” variant is generally more sought after than the high-mintage P and D business strikes, purely because of its aesthetic beauty and commemorative nature.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel (Clad) |
| Edge | Reeded (118 reeds) |
| Weight | 2.27 grams |
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
Grading and Value Factors for 1985-S Dimes
The value of your 1985-S Roosevelt Dime is almost entirely dependent on its numerical grade, which ranges from 1 to 70. For proof coins, collectors generally only care about coins that grade PR 65 (Proof 65) or higher. A coin with even the slightest scratch or “hairline” visible under magnification will struggle to sell for more than a few dollars.
A PR 69 Deep Cameo is a near-perfect coin and is very common for 1985. These usually sell for $10 to $20. However, the “holy grail” for this year is the PR 70 Deep Cameo. This is a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. Because so few coins achieve this perfect score from professional grading services like PCGS or NGC, the price jumps into the hundreds of dollars.
If you are looking for more comprehensive 1985 dime value data across all mint marks, you should compare the proof “S” coins with their “P” and “D” counterparts. While “P” and “D” dimes are usually only worth face value, a proof “S” always carries a premium. Using a tool like CoinHix can help you track these price fluctuations in real-time as the market changes.
Rare Errors and Varieties to Watch For
While the 1985-S Roosevelt Dime is fairly consistent in quality, error hunters are always on the lookout for anomalies. Errors on proof coins are significantly rarer than errors on common circulation coins because proof sets undergo much stricter quality control at the San Francisco Mint.
One potential error is a “Double Die,” where the coin is struck twice, leaving a ghost-like secondary image on the lettering or the date. Another rare occurrence is the “Clipped Planchet,” where a portion of the circular coin is missing because it was cut improperly from the metal sheet.
If you believe you have found an error, do not clean the coin. Cleaning a coin—even with a soft cloth—creates micro-scratches that destroy its collector value. Instead, use the high-resolution camera feature in CoinHix to zoom in and compare your coin to known error samples.
| Error Type | Estimated Rarity | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Double Die Obverse | Very Rare | $50 – $100+ |
| Off-Center Strike | Extremely Rare (Proof) | $200+ |
| Proof Strike on Wrong Metal | Ultra Rare | $1,000+ |
How to Store and Sell Your 1985-S Dime
Because the value of the 1985-S Roosevelt Dime is so tied to its “mirror” finish, storage is critical. If your dime is still in its original plastic United States Mint proof set, it is best to leave it there. Breaking the set can actually lower the value unless you are certain the coin will grade at a perfect PR 70.
If the coin is already loose, the best way to preserve it is in a PVC-free “flip” or a plastic capsule. Hard plastic holders protect the delicate surfaces from “hazing,” which is a cloudy film that can develop over decades if a coin is exposed to air or humidity.
When it comes time to sell, minor proof coins are best sold in bulk or as part of a complete set to local coin shops. However, if you have a coin you suspect is a PR 70 or a rare error, online auction platforms or specialized numismatic auction houses are your best bet. Always check your coin’s potential against current market listings to ensure you get a fair price.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1985-S Roosevelt Dime made of silver?
A: No. By 1985, all standard proof dimes were made of a copper-nickel clad composition. The U.S. Mint did not start producing Silver Proof Sets again until 1992.
Q: Why is there an “S” on my dime?
A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. This mint mark indicates that the coin was produced as a Proof coin intended for collectors, rather than for general circulation.
Q: Can I find a 1985-S dime in my spare change?
A: It is very unlikely, but possible. Occasionally, someone will break open a proof set and spend the coins. If you find one in circulation, it will likely be scratched and “impaired,” meaning it is worth only a small premium over its 10-cent face value.
Q: How much is a perfect 1985-S Roosevelt Dime worth?
A: A perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo 1985-S dime can sell for between $250 and $550 depending on the current demand and the grading company that certified it.