The 1968-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $0.10 in circulated condition to over $500 for rare No-S varieties or high-grade specimens. While most dimes found in your change are worth face value, this specific year and mint mark carry unique traits that interest collectors and casual hunters alike.
| Condition | Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | VF – AU | $0.10 – $0.15 |
| Uncirculated (Business) | MS60 – MS65 | $1.00 – $15.00 |
| Proof (S-Mint) | PR65 – PR69 | $3.00 – $40.00 |
| Proof (No S Error) | PR67+ | $10,000+ |
Understanding the 1968-S Roosevelt Dime History
In 1968, the United States Mint made a significant change in how it produced coinage for collectors. This year marked the return of the mint mark to all denominations after a three-year hiatus (1965–1967) intended to discourage coin hoarding during the silver-to-copper-nickel transition. Most importantly, 1968 was the year the San Francisco Mint took over the production of “Proof” coins from Philadelphia.
If you are sorting through a jar of coins, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a proof strike. Business strikes were intended for general commerce and were minted in Philadelphia and Denver. Proof coins, like the ones bearing the “S” mint mark, were specifically made for collectors with polished dies and planchets to ensure a mirror-like finish.
Interestingly, while the San Francisco Mint (S) mostly focused on proofs, they also produced a large number of business-strike dimes for circulation. This creates two distinct versions of the 1968-S Roosevelt Dime: the common circulating coin and the high-shine Proof. If you are unsure which one you have, CoinHix can provide high-resolution visual comparisons to help you decide if your coin is worth a trip to a professional appraiser.
1968-S Roosevelt Dime Value by Condition and Grade
The primary factor determining your dime’s value is its condition, or “grade.” For Roosevelt dimes minted after 1964, the metal composition is a “clad” sandwich of copper and nickel. Because these do not contain silver, they usually don’t have high intrinsic melt value. Instead, the value lies in their scarcity at the highest levels of preservation.
Most 1968-S dimes you find in pocket change will be graded as “Circulated.” These coins have scratches, dullness, and worn-down details on FDR’s hair or the torch on the reverse. Collectors rarely pay a premium for these unless they are looking to fill a basic hole in a folder. However, if you find a coin that looks brand new, you might want to check the current 1968 dime market price for Mint State grades to see if it’s worth a few dollars.
| Grade Designation | Appearance | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G4) to Fine (F12) | Heavy wear, flattened details. | $0.10 |
| Extra Fine (EF40) | Light wear on high points. | $0.15 – $0.25 |
| Mint State (MS63+) | No wear, original luster. | $2.00 – $25.00 |
| Proof (PR67) | Mirrored fields, sharp strike. | $5.00 – $12.00 |
The Rare 1968 “No S” Proof Dime Error
The holy grail for any 1968 dime collector is the famous “No S” Proof error. In 1968, the San Francisco Mint accidentally used a few proof dies that were missing the “S” mint mark. These coins were placed into the standard 1968 Proof Sets sold to the public. Because they look like Philadelphia business strikes but have the mirrored finish of a proof, many went unnoticed for years.
The 1968 No-S Proof Dime is one of the most valuable error coins in modern American numismatics. Estimates suggest that only a few dozen to a few hundred of these exist. If you find a 1968 dime with no mint mark, you must first determine if it is a common Philadelphia business strike or a rare proof.
Proofs have distinctive sharp edges and a reflective background. If your “No S” dime looks like a mirror, you might be holding a coin worth upwards of $15,000. Finding such a gem is rare, but it is why many people use CoinHix to scan their collections for even the smallest irregularities.
Identifying Mint Marks on the 1968 Dime
Where should you look to find the mint mark on a 1968 Roosevelt Dime? Before 1964, the mint mark was located on the reverse (back) of the coin, to the left of the torch. However, starting in 1968, the mint mark was moved to the obverse (front) of the coin.
Look just above the date on the right side of the coin, near Roosevelt’s shoulder. You will see one of three things:
1. An “S” – This indicates the coin was minted in San Francisco.
2. A “D” – This indicates the coin was minted in Denver.
3. No mark – This usually signifies the coin was minted in Philadelphia (or it is the ultra-rare “No S” proof).
In 1968, Denver produced over 480 million dimes, and Philadelphia produced over 424 million. San Francisco produced about 288 million business strikes and another 3 million proof coins. Because the production numbers are so high, the vast majority of these coins are quite common today.
| Mint Mark | Mint Location | Mintage Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| None | Philadelphia | 424,470,000 |
| D | Denver | 480,748,280 |
| S (Circulation) | San Francisco | 288,429,844 |
| S (Proof) | San Francisco | 3,041,506 |
Special Features: Full Bands (FB) and Toning
For serious collectors, the difference between a $5 dime and a $500 dime often comes down to “Full Bands.” If you look at the reverse of the dime, there are horizontal bands at the top and bottom of the torch. In a perfect strike, these bands are completely separated by a deep, clear line.
A 1968-S Roosevelt Dime with “Full Bands” (FB) is exceptionally rare because the minting process for clad coins often resulted in weak strikes. If your coin is in Mint State and has these distinct lines, its value skyrockets. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC will add the “FB” designation to the label, which instantly attracts higher bids at auction.
Furthermore, “toning” can affect the 1968-S Roosevelt Dime value. Over time, the copper-nickel surface can react with oxygen or paper coin holders to create vibrant colors like blue, purple, or gold. While some people think this is damage, collectors often pay a premium for “rainbow toned” dimes that have sat in original mint sets for decades. If you have a beautifully colored dime, CoinHix can help you identify if that color is natural or artificial.
Is My 1968 Dime Silver?
One of the most common questions from people who find a 1968 dime is whether it contains silver. Unfortunately, the answer for 99.9% of these coins is no. The United States transitioned from 90% silver to copper-nickel clad in 1965.
However, there are rare “transitional errors” where a 1968 dime was accidentally struck on a leftover silver planchet from 1964. To check this, look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge with no copper “sandwich” stripe, weigh it. A standard clad dime weighs 2.27 grams, while a silver dime weighs 2.5 grams. If your coin is heavy and has no copper stripe, you have found a major rarity!
Using a digital scale and checking the rim is the fastest way to debunk the silver myth. While most 1968-S dimes are just common pocket change, these small technical checks are what turn a hobbyist into a successful treasure hunter. Always keep an eye out for these oddities when searching through bulk rolls of dimes.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1968 dime is a proof or a regular coin?
A: Proof coins have a mirrored, shiny background and frosted details. They were also struck twice, meaning the details are much sharper than a regular coin. Most 1968 proofs will have an “S” mint mark, but remember the rare “No S” error exists!
Q: Is a 1968-S dime rare?
A: Regular 1968-S dimes produced for circulation are not rare, as nearly 290 million were made. However, high-grade Mint State coins and the “No S” proof error are extremely rare and valuable.
Q: Should I clean my 1968 dime to make it worth more?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning causes microscopic scratches that ruin the coin’s “original luster.” Collectors prefer a dirty, authentic coin over a shiny, cleaned one, and cleaning can reduce a coin’s value by 90%.
Q: What is the most ever paid for a 1968 dime?
A: A 1968 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dime graded PR68 by PCGS sold at auction for over $40,000. For standard 1968-S proofs, prices usually top out around $100 for perfect PR70 specimens.
Q: Can I find a 1968-S dime in my change today?
A: Yes, it is still possible to find 1968-S business-strike dimes in circulation, though most are heavily worn. Proof versions are rarely found in change unless someone accidentally spent a coin from a collector’s set.