The 1949-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2.50 in worn condition to over $150 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these silver treasures in your pocket change or an old jar is an exciting discovery for any casual collector or curious homeowner.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good to Very Fine (Circulated) | $2.50 – $4.50 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $6.00 – $12.00 |
| Mint State (MS60+) | $25.00 – $150.00+ |
| Full Band (Gem Quality) | $250.00 – $2,000.00+ |
History and Significance of the 1949-S Silver Dime
The Roosevelt Dime was introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt following his passing. By 1949, the United States Mint was in full production mode, but the San Francisco Mint (denoted by the “S” mint mark) produced a significantly lower number of coins compared to Philadelphia or Denver.
If you have discovered an old coin and want to confirm its identity, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between various mint marks and years instantly. The 1949-S is particularly special because it comes from an era when dimes were still made of 90% silver.
Modern dimes minted after 1964 are made of copper and nickel, making them worth exactly ten cents. However, the 1949-S is a “Silver Dime,” which means it has “melt value” regardless of its condition. To get a better idea of how your specific coin stacks up, you can use CoinHix to compare your coin images with high-resolution database photos.
Understanding the Silver Content and Melt Value
Before worrying about the “collector value,” you should know that every 1949-S Roosevelt Dime has an intrinsic value based on its metal content. These coins are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Because silver prices fluctuate, the base value of this coin changes daily.
As of today, the silver in a single dime is worth roughly $1.80 to $2.20. Even if the coin is scratched, bent, or heavily worn, you should never spend it for face value at a grocery store. It is always worth at least 15 to 20 times its original face value just for the metal.
Collectors looking for more specific data often consult professional resources. You can find detailed 1949 Roosevelt dime price details to see how the market is trending for these silver pieces. Knowing the difference between “junk silver” and a “collector’s piece” is the first step in profiting from your find.
Identifying the S Mint Mark on Your 1949 Dime
To determine if your coin is the 1949-S specifically, you need to look at the reverse (back) side of the coin. Locate the torch in the center. To the left of the base of the torch, you will see a small letter. If you see an “S,” it was minted in San Francisco.
If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia. If there is a “D,” it was minted in Denver. While all 1949 dimes are silver, the “S” mint mark is often more desirable for collectors because of its lower mintage of only 13,510,000 pieces. This may sound like a lot, but compared to millions of modern coins, it is relatively rare.
Using the CoinHix app can help you zoom in on that tiny mint mark to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with or obscured by dirt. Accurate identification is crucial because a 1949-S in high grade is worth considerably more than the Philadelphia version.
| Mint Location | Mintage Quantity | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | 30,940,000 | Common |
| Denver (D) | 26,034,000 | Common |
| San Francisco (S) | 13,510,000 | Key Date / Scarce |
How Grading Affects the 1949-S Roosevelt Dime Price
Condition is everything in coin collecting. A coin that has been in someone’s pocket for years will have smoothed-out features, while a coin that was kept in a bank roll will still have its original luster. Grading follows a 1-70 scale used by professionals like PCGS or NGC.
For the 1949-S, the jump in price from “Almost Uncirculated” to “Mint State” is significant. Collectors want coins that look like they just came off the press. Look for fine details in Roosevelt’s hair and the leaves on the reverse side.
If you want to see what high-quality versions look like, you can check the 1949-S dime MS grade price guide to see how price points escalate as the grade increases. For the average person, the easiest way to estimate grade is to use a digital tool like CoinHix, which uses AI to analyze the wear and tear on your coin.
The “Full Bands” Designation: A Huge Value Multiplier
When researching the 1949-S Roosevelt Dime value, you might encounter the term “Full Bands” (FB). This refers to the horizontal bands on the torch on the reverse of the coin. Because of the way these coins were struck, it is rare to find a specimen where these bands are fully separated and distinct.
A 1949-S with Full Bands is the “Holy Grail” for Roosevelt Dime collectors. While a standard uncirculated 1949-S might sell for $40, a version with the Full Bands designation could easily fetch $300 to $1,000 or more at auction.
Check your coin under a magnifying glass. If the lines across the torch are crisp and not blended together, you might be sitting on a very valuable error-free strike. Most “pocket finds” won’t have this, but it is always worth checking.
| Grade | Standard Value | Full Bands (FB) Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS64 | $35 | $120 |
| MS66 | $65 | $450 |
| MS67 | $160 | $2,250+ |
Tips for Selling Your 1949-S Dime
If you decide to sell your 1949-S Roosevelt Dime, don’t just take it to a local “We Buy Gold” shop. These places usually only pay the silver melt value. To get the collector’s premium, you have a few better options.
First, visit a reputable local coin shop. They can give you an immediate appraisal and an honest offer. Second, consider online auction sites like eBay, where you can see what similar coins have recently sold for. Always look at “Sold Items” rather than “Active Listings” to get realistic data.
Finally, for high-value coins (those you suspect are in Mint State or have Full Bands), it may be worth getting the coin professionally graded. This provides a “Certificate of Authenticity” that makes buyers much more comfortable paying top dollar for your 1949-S dime.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1949-S dime made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Roosevelt Dimes minted from 1946 through 1964 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives them significant value above their 10-cent face value.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1949-S Roosevelt Dime?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, near the bottom of the torch. It is situated just to the left of the torch’s base.
Q: Why is the 1949-S worth more than other years?
A: While it isn’t the rarest dime ever made, the 1949-S has a lower mintage than many other years in the Roosevelt series, making it a “semi-key” date that collectors need to complete their sets.
Q: Should I clean my 1949-S dime to make it look better?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning causes microscopic scratches that professional graders can detect instantly. A cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its collector value. Keep it in its original “as-found” condition.
Q: How much is a heavily worn 1949-S dime worth today?
A: Even if it is very worn, it is worth its silver weight, which is usually around $2 depending on the current market price of silver. Most coin shops will buy them in bulk as “junk silver.”