The 1962 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2 in worn condition to over $1,200 in rare, high-grade mint state. Most examples you find in pocket change or old jars are valued primarily for their 90% silver content, making them a great find for any casual collector.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good to Fine (Circulated) | $2.00 – $2.50 |
| Extremely Fine (AU) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS60-MS65) | $6.00 – $35.00 |
| High Grade (MS67+) | $150 – $1,200+ |
Identifying the 1962 Roosevelt Dime No Mint Mark
If you have a 1962 Roosevelt Dime and you cannot find a mint mark, don’t worry—it doesn’t mean your coin is a fake or a mistake. In the world of US coinage, the absence of a mint mark on a 1962 dime simply means it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. During this era, Philadelphia was the primary minting facility and did not use a “P” mark on its dimes.
Checking your coin’s details is easy if you use the best coin identifier app to confirm its origin and variety. You should look on the reverse side (the back) of the coin, near the base of the torch. If the space to the left of the torch is blank, you have a Philadelphia-minted coin.
Because 1962 was part of the “silver era,” these coins are highly sought after by “stackers”—investors who collect silver bullion. Unlike modern dimes made of copper and nickel, the 1962 version is 90% silver and 10% copper. This intrinsic metal value ensures that the coin will always be worth significantly more than its ten-cent face value, regardless of its condition. If you are unsure about the specific grade of your find, the CoinHix app can help you compare your coin to high-resolution images of known grades.
Current Market Prices for 1962 Philadelphia Dimes
The market price for a 1962 silver dime fluctuates based on the current spot price of silver. However, for collectors, the numismatic value (the value based on rarity and condition) often exceeds the metal price. For a standard circulated 1962 dime, you can generally expect to receive between $2 and $3.
When examining your collection, it is helpful to look at a detailed 1962 Roosevelt silver dime price guide to see how much a specific grade might be worth. While millions of these coins were minted, those that have remained in pristine, “uncirculated” condition represent only a small fraction of the total population.
| Grade Name | Technical Grade | Retail Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | Fine 12 | $2.15 |
| About Uncirculated | AU 58 | $4.50 |
| Mint State | MS 63 | $10.00 |
| Choice Mint State | MS 65 | $25.00 |
| Superb Gem | MS 67 | $150.00 |
The “Full Bands” Detail and Its Impact on Value
Serious Roosevelt Dime collectors look for a specific designation called “Full Bands” (FB) or “Full Torch” (FT). This refers to the horizontal lines or bands on the torch located on the coin’s reverse side. If these lines are crisp, clear, and fully separated without any blending, the coin is considered a “Full Bands” example.
Collectors are willing to pay a massive premium for a 1962 dime with Full Bands in MS 67 grade. Striking these fine lines was difficult for the mint, making high-definition torches very rare. A standard MS 67 1962 dime might sell for $150, but a “Full Bands” version could easily fetch $500 to $1,000 at auction.
To determine if your coin has this feature, you will need a magnifying glass or a high-quality macro photo. Use the CoinHix app’s zoom functionality to inspect the central and outer bands of the torch. If any part of the line is mushed or worn away, it will not receive the FB designation from grading services like PCGS or NGC.
Rare 1962 Dime Errors to Look For
Error coins are the “holy grail” for many hobbyists because they are unique. In 1962, the minting process occasionally resulted in mistakes that passed through inspection. One common error found on these dimes is the “Double Die Obverse” (DDO) or “Double Die Reverse” (DDR). This happens when the die used to stamp the coin has a doubled image, making the letters or numbers look like they have a shadow or second layer.
Another interesting error is the “Clipped Planchet.” This occurs when the circular metal disc (the planchet) is cut incorrectly, leaving a crescent-shaped bite taken out of the edge of the coin. Depending on the size of the clip, these can be worth $20 to $50.
“Off-center strikes” are also highly valued. This happens when the coin is not aligned correctly with the dies, resulting in only a portion of the design being visible on the metal. A 1962 dime that is 20% off-center can be worth over $100 to the right collector. If you find something that looks “weird,” don’t clean it—cleaning a coin can destroy its value. Instead, use a tool like CoinHix to see if other users have found similar errors.
| Error Type | Estimated Rarity | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Double Die Obverse | Uncommon | $25 – $75 |
| 10% Off-Center | Rare | $50 – $100 |
| Blank Planchet | Very Rare | $30 – $60 |
Why Silver Content Matters Most
For most people who find a 1962 Roosevelt Dime in an old piggy bank, the most important factor is the silver. This was one of the last years the US Mint used silver for circulating dimes (they switched to a nickel-copper “clad” composition in 1965). Each 1962 dime contains roughly 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver.
Even if the coin is scratched, worn, or bent, it is still worth its “melt value.” When silver prices rise, the value of your 1962 dime rises with it. This creates a “price floor”—the coin will never be worth just ten cents as long as silver is valuable. This makes them a favorite for silver stackers who want to own precious metals in a recognizable, government-issued form.
To calculate the melt value, you can multiply the current spot price of silver by 0.07234. However, coin shops will usually buy them at a small discount (often called “junk silver” prices) to cover their profit margins. It is always best to check the current market rates on a mobile app before heading to a dealer to ensure you are getting a fair price.
Tips for Selling Your 1962 Roosevelt Dime
If you have determined that your dime is a high-grade specimen or a rare error, you should consider having it professionaly graded. However, for most circulated 1962 dimes, professional grading is not worth the cost, as the fees (often $30 or more) would exceed the value of the coin.
For standard silver dimes, your best selling options are local coin shops, reputable online marketplaces, or even local silver buyers. If you have a large quantity of them, you can often sell them as “rolls” (50 dimes). A full roll of 1962 silver dimes can be worth over $100. Always keep your coins in a cool, dry place to prevent tarnishing, and never use silver polish on them, as this creates tiny scratches that ruin the numismatic value.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1962 dime is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge without any copper-colored stripe, it is likely silver. Also, silver dimes have a higher-pitched “ring” when dropped gently on a hard surface compared to the “thud” of a modern copper-nickel dime.
Q: What does “No Mint Mark” mean?
A: On a 1962 Roosevelt Dime, the absence of a mint mark means it was minted in Philadelphia. It is not an error; it was standard practice at the time.
Q: Is a 1962 dime worth more than a 1961 or 1963 dime?
A: Generally, no. All silver Roosevelt dimes from the early 1960s have very similar values based on their silver content and mintage numbers. Rarity comes from condition (grade) rather than the specific year.
Q: Should I clean my 1962 dime to make it look newer?
A: No! Never clean a collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original “luster” and creates microscopic abrasions that reduce the coin’s value to collectors. A tarnished silver coin is often worth more than a polished one.
