The 1970-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $0.10 in circulated condition to over $2,500 for pristine “No S” proof errors. While most dimes found in pocket change today are only worth their face value, specific minting varieties and high-grade specimens from the San Francisco Mint can be quite valuable to collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS65) | $2.00 – $10.00 |
| Proof (PR69 Deep Cameo) | $15.00 – $45.00 |
| 1970 “No S” Proof Error | $500 – $2,500+ |
Understanding the History of the 1970-S Roosevelt Dime
If you have discovered a 1970 dime with a small “S” mark located just above the date, you are looking at a coin produced at the San Francisco Assay Office. During this era, the San Francisco Mint primarily focused on producing “Proof” coinage intended for collectors rather than general circulation. Using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and these special proof versions.
In 1970, the United States was transitioning its coinage production. While the Philadelphia and Denver mints pumped out hundreds of millions of dimes for everyday commerce, San Francisco struck just over 2.6 million proof dimes. These were typically sold in plastic-encased Proof Sets. However, over the decades, many of these sets were broken open, and some coins eventually found their way into local circulation.
The design features President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse, a tribute that began in 1946 following his passing. On the reverse, you will find an olive branch, a torch, and an oak branch, symbolizing peace, liberty, and victory. For modern hunters, the 1970-S is a fun find because it stands out from the common Philadelphia and Denver coins that dominate our wallets. If you aren’t sure about the quality of your find, the CoinHix app provides instant visual recognition to help you start your valuation journey.
The Holy Grail: 1970 No S Proof Dime Error
The most exciting aspect of the 1970-S Roosevelt Dime series is undoubtedly the “No S” error. In a legendary minting blunder, a few proof dies were sent from Philadelphia to San Francisco without the required “S” mint mark. These dies were used to strike proof dimes that appear identical to San Francisco proofs but completely lack the mint mark. Because these coins were only released within 1970 Proof Sets, they are incredibly rare and highly sought after by professionals.
It is estimated that only a few hundred of these “No S” dimes exist. Because they are proof coins, they will have a mirror-like, reflective surface and sharp, crisp details. If you find a 1970 dime without a mint mark that looks like an ordinary, dull coin, it is likely just a common Philadelphia strike. However, if it has that distinct, high-shine proof finish and no “S,” you may have hit the jackpot.
Given the high stakes, checking the current 1970 dime value for authenticated error coins is essential before selling. Professional grading is almost always required for this specific error to prove it isn’t just a heavily polished Philadelphia coin. Collectors are often willing to pay thousands of dollars for a certified “No S” specimen in a high grade.
| Variety | Mintage | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1970-P (No Mint Mark) | 345,570,000 | Common |
| 1970-D | 404,766,120 | Common |
| 1970-S Proof | 2,632,810 | Uncommon |
| 1970-S No S Proof | Estimated 500 | Extremely Rare |
Grading and Quality: Why Condition Matters
When determining the 1970-S Roosevelt Dime value, the “grade” is the single most important factor after identifying the mint mark. Grading follows a 70-point scale. For proof coins like the 1970-S, collectors look for “Cameo” (Cam) or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations. A Deep Cameo coin has a heavy frost on the portrait and a deep, black-hole-like polish on the flat fields, creating a beautiful contrast.
A standard 1970-S Proof in PR65 condition might only sell for a few dollars. However, as the grade climbs toward PR70 (a perfect coin), the price increases exponentially. Most 1970-S dimes found in proof sets today grade around PR67 or PR68. To reach the top tier of the market, the coin must be entirely free of hairline scratches or “milky” spots which often plague these older sets.
To get a better sense of where your coin fits, you can use CoinHix to compare your coin’s luster and strike quality against high-resolution gallery images. This is particularly helpful for beginners who might confuse a shiny circulated coin with a genuine proof strike. The technical 1970 silver and clad dime price data shows that even minor differences in surface preservation can lead to significant price swings at auction.
How to Identify a Genuine Proof 1970-S Dime
New collectors often ask how they can tell if their 1970-S dime is a “Proof” or just a clean Philadelphia coin. The first indicator is the “S” mint mark. If it has an “S,” it was born as a proof. If it doesn’t have an “S,” look at the edges of the coin. Proof coins are struck twice with higher pressure, resulting in very sharp, square edges and highly detailed features on Roosevelt’s hair and the reverse torch.
Another key identifier is the mirror finish. When you hold a proof dime up to a light, you should be able to see a clear reflection of your finger, much like looking into a darkened mirror. Standard dimes (business strikes) have a satin or “cartwheel” luster that scatters light rather than reflecting it directly. Even if a 1970-S has been circulated, those sharp edges and slightly deeper strikes remain visible to the trained eye.
If you are hunting through rolls of dimes, look for coins that seem “too shiny” or have a different “ring” when dropped gently on a wooden surface (though we don’t recommend dropping rare coins!). Using an app like CoinHix can streamline this process by allowing you to keep a digital inventory of your finds and cross-reference them with known varieties and error types instantly.
| Grade Detail | Visual Characteristics | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 | Reflective surfaces, minor hairlines | $3 – $6 |
| PR68 DCAM | Heavy contrast, nearly flawless | $25 – $50 |
| PR69 DCAM | Virtually perfect surfaces | $150 – $400 |
| PR70 DCAM | The museum-quality “Perfect” coin | $1,000+ |
Composition and Technical Specifications
It is a common misconception that 1970 dimes contain silver. By 1970, the United States Mint had fully transitioned away from silver for dimes and quarters. The 1970-S Roosevelt Dime is composed of a “clad” sandwich: a core of pure copper with an outer layer consisting of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This is why you will see a copper-colored stripe along the edge of the coin.
Because there is no precious metal content, the value of a standard 1970-S dime is purely numismatic. This means the value comes from its rarity and its appeal to collectors, rather than the melt value of the metal. If you find a 1970 dime that appears silver all the way through the edge, it could potentially be an “off-metal” strike error, which is extremely valuable, though no such verified errors for the 1970-S have been widely reported.
The weight of a standard clad dime is approximately 2.27 grams. If you have a scale at home, weighing your 1970-S can help confirm its authenticity. Variations in weight might indicate a counterfeit or a rare planchet error. Keeping track of these technical details is easy when you use modern coin collecting tools that help you organize your collection by date, mint, and weight.
Tips for Selling Your 1970-S Roosevelt Dime
If you believe you have a high-value 1970-S or the “No S” error, your first step should be authentication. Selling a “No S” dime on an auction site without professional certification from services like PCGS or NGC is difficult, as buyers need a guarantee of authenticity for high-priced items. For common 1970-S proofs, you can often sell them in local coin shops or at regional coin shows for a modest profit.
When selling, remember that “raw” (unprotected) coins are often viewed with skepticism by professional buyers. Keeping your 1970-S in a protective flip or a plastic coin holder will prevent the oils from your fingers from damaging the delicate mirror finish. Avoid cleaning your coin at all costs! Even a light wipe with a soft cloth can create microscopic scratches that will significantly lower the grade and the ultimate sale price.
Market trends for the 1970-S Roosevelt Dime vary based on collector demand for “Registry Sets.” These are competitions where collectors try to assemble the highest-graded set of a specific coin series. When a PR70 specimen hits the market, these collectors may drive the price up significantly. Staying informed on these trends through collector communities and valuation apps will ensure you don’t sell a potential treasure for cents on the dollar.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1970-S dime made of silver?
A: No, the 1970-S Roosevelt Dime is a clad coin made of copper and nickel. The last silver dimes intended for circulation were minted in 1964, though some special silver sets were made in later decades—but not for the year 1970.
Q: How many 1970-S No S dimes were made?
A: While there is no official Mint record of the error, experts estimate that roughly 500 to 1,200 of the “No S” 1970 proof dimes were struck and released before the error was caught.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1970 dime?
A: The mint mark (P, D, or S) is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above the date on the right side of Roosevelt’s neck.
Q: Can I find a 1970-S dime in my spare change?
A: It is possible but rare. Since the 1970-S was only issued in Proof Sets, one would have to be removed from its set and spent by someone for it to enter circulation. These are known as “impaired proofs.”
