The 1978 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.10 in worn condition to over $35 for high-grade uncirculated specimens. While most found in your pocket change are only worth ten cents, certain “no mint mark” coins in “Gem” condition can fetch surprising prices from collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.10 – $0.15 |
| About Uncirculated (AU58) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Mint State (MS63) | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Mint State (MS65) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| High Gem (MS67+) | $35 – $150+ |
Why Does My 1978 Roosevelt Dime Have No Mint Mark?
If you are looking at your dime and notice the space next to the date is blank, don’t panic—it doesn’t mean you’ve found a legendary mint error. In 1978, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 660 million dimes, and at that time, Philadelphia did not use a “P” mint mark on Roosevelt dimes. This practice was standard until 1980. Therefore, a 1978 Roosevelt dime with no mint mark simply signifies it was struck in Philadelphia.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a common business strike or a rare error, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between various strikes instantly. Many beginners often confuse the lack of a mint mark with the famous “No S” proof errors of other years, but for 1978, the absence of a mark is the norm for coins intended for circulation.
When checking your pocket change, the condition is the most important factor. Most 1978 Philadelphia dimes have been circulating for over 40 years, meaning they are likely scratched, dull, and worn down. These coins are generally only worth their face value of ten cents. However, if you find one that looks like it just came from a fresh roll—shiny with no scratches—it might be worth setting aside for closer inspection with CoinHix.
Determining the 1978 Roosevelt Dime Value
To understand the actual market value, we have to look at the professional grading scale. Collectors use a 1-70 scale, where “MS” stands for Mint State. For the 1978 Philadelphia issue, value remains low until you reach the MS65 grade. At this level, the coin must have great luster and very few contact marks.
According to recent auction data, the 1978 dime price guide for MS grades suggests that coins in MS67 are where the money starts to get interesting. While an MS63 coin might sell for a few dollars, an MS67 could go for $30 to $50. If you are lucky enough to have an MS68, which is nearly flawless, the price can jump into the hundreds.
| Grade | Retail Value Range |
|---|---|
| MS60 to MS63 | $0.50 – $3.50 |
| MS65 (Gem BU) | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| MS66 | $20.00 – $30.00 |
| MS67 | $45.00 – $110.00 |
The Importance of Full Torch (FT) Designations
If you want to find the true “treasures” of 1978, you need to look at the back (reverse) of the coin. Specifically, look at the torch in the center. Professional graders look for “Full Torch” (FT) or “Full Bands” (FB). This means the horizontal lines at the top and bottom of the torch are clearly separated and not blended together.
A 1978 Roosevelt dime with Full Torch details is significantly rarer than a standard one because the dies used in the 70s were often worn out, leading to “mushy” details. A 1978 dime with no mint mark that also features a Full Torch can be worth five to ten times more than a standard version of the same grade. You can check the current 1978 dime value and auction records to see how much of a premium collectors pay for this specific detail.
Because these details are tiny, many collectors use a magnifying loupe or high-resolution photos in apps like CoinHix. Being able to spot a Full Torch strike on a 1978 dime could be the difference between a 10-cent coin and a 100-dollar coin.
How Mintage Figures Affect Market Price
The 1978 Roosevelt dime has a high mintage, which generally keeps the price low for most Americans. In the late 70s, the economy was moving fast, and hundreds of millions of coins were needed for daily transactions. The Denver Mint also produced over 287 million dimes in 1978, marked with a small “D.”
Because there are so many of these coins, rarity isn’t driven by the “year” or “mint mark,” but by the “condition survival rate.” Only a tiny fraction of the 660 million Philadelphia coins were preserved in pristine condition without being scratched by other coins in bags.
| Mint Location | Mintage Figure | Mint Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 663,980,000 | None |
| Denver | 287,373,150 | D |
| San Francisco (Proof) | 3,127,781 | S |
1978 Roosevelt Dime Errors to Watch For
While a standard 1978 Philadelphia dime with no mint mark is common, error coins from this year can be worth quite a bit. Errors occur during the minting process and are highly sought after by specialists. Common errors include “off-center strikes,” where the design is not aligned properly, and “doubled dies.”
A doubled die error occurs when the hub strikes the die twice at slightly different angles, creating a blurry or doubled appearance on letters like “IN GOD WE TRUST” or the date. If you find a 1978 dime that looks like it has “ghost” letters or extra lines, it’s worth having it appraised.
Another rare error is the “Clip Error,” where the circular coin blank (planchet) was cut from the edge of a metal sheet, resulting in a coin with a crescent-shaped chunk missing. These errors can turn a common dime into a $20 to $50 collectible. Using a specialized tool like CoinHix can help you identify these subtle irregularities quickly.
The 1978-S Proof Dime Value
While we are focusing on the no-mint-mark coins, it’s worth mentioning the 1978-S Proof. These were minted in San Francisco specifically for collectors and were included in “Proof Sets.” They feature a mirror-like finish and a frosted portrait of Roosevelt.
Proof coins always have an “S” mint mark. If you find a 1978 dime with an “S” mark in a drawer, it was likely broken out of a set. Because they were made for collectors, many survive today in perfect condition. This means their price usually stays between $2 and $5 unless they are “Deep Cameo” (DCAM), which shows a heavy contrast between the shiny background and the white frosted design.
| Special Features | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1978-S Proof (Standard) | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| 1978-S Proof (Deep Cameo) | $5.00 – $15.00 |
| 1978 Off-Center Error | $15.00 – $60.00 |
Summary: Should You Keep Your 1978 Dime?
For most people, a 1978 Roosevelt dime with no mint mark is just a dime. If it’s been rolling around in your car’s cup holder or found at the bottom of a purse, it has likely lost its collector value due to wear. However, if you are a budding numismatist, checking your change for “Full Torch” specimens or error coins is a great way to start a collection without spending any money.
Always remember that the coin market fluctuates. What is worth $10 today might be worth $20 in five years if the demand for high-grade 70s coinage increases. Keep your shiny, uncirculated dimes in protective flips or containers to ensure they don’t get scratched, preserving their value for the future.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1978 dime with no mint mark made of silver?
A: No. The last silver dimes intended for circulation were minted in 1964. The 1978 dime is composed of a “clad” sandwich: a core of 100% copper with outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. It does not contain any silver.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1978 Roosevelt dime?
A: The record for a 1978 Philadelphia dime (no mint mark) was set by an MS68 Full Torch specimen, which sold at auction for over $1,000. These specimens are incredibly rare and usually require professional grading by PCGS or NGC to reach such prices.
Q: How can I tell if my 1978 dime is uncirculated?
A: An uncirculated coin will have “mint luster,” which is a satin-like sheen that appears to “spin” around the coin when you tilt it under a light. If the highest points of Roosevelt’s cheek or the hair above his ear look flat or dull, the coin is likely circulated.
Q: Where can I sell my 1978 dime if I think it’s valuable?
A: For common high-grade coins, eBay or local coin shops are your best bet. If you believe you have an extremely rare MS68 or a significant error, you should consider sending it to a professional grading service before taking it to a major auction house.