The 1978-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $500 for rare, high-grade deep cameo specimens. While you won’t find this specific “S” mint mark coin in your pocket change, it remains a favorite for everyday Americans looking to start a valuable collection.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo (High Grade) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect Grade) | $450.00 – $600.00 |
Identifying the 1978-S Roosevelt Dime in Your Collection
If you have stumbled upon a shiny dime dated 1978 featuring a small “S” next to the date, you have found a Proof coin. Unlike the dimes minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (“D” mint mark) for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint produced these specifically for collectors. For those who aren’t sure what they’re looking at, using the best coin identifier app can help you confirm the mint mark and variety in seconds.
The 1978-S dime is characterized by its mirror-like background and frosted portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt. This “Cameo” effect is what makes the coin stand out from the scratched, dull dimes you usually see in your wallet. Because these were sold in protective plastic sets by the government, most have remained in excellent condition over the last four decades.
However, just because it looks shiny doesn’t mean it’s worth a fortune. Valuation depends heavily on the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) contrast. You can use the CoinHix app to compare your coin’s finish against professional grading standards to see if your dime has that deep, high-contrast look that collectors crave.
The Technical Specifications of the 1978 Proof Dime
Understanding what your coin is made of is the first step to knowing its worth. By 1978, the United States had long moved away from using silver for circulating dimes. The 1978-S Roosevelt Dime is a “clad” coin, meaning it features a core of pure copper sandwiched between layers of cupronickel (75% copper and 25% nickel).
If you are hoping to find a 1978 silver dime, you might be disappointed to learn that none were officially produced for the public. However, many people still keep these coins because of their historical significance and the precision of the San Francisco Mint’s striking process. Professional collectors often consult the 1978 Roosevelt Dime price guide to track how the market is moving for these copper-nickel treasures.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel |
| Weight | 2.27 Grams |
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Mark | S (San Francisco) |
Why Condition Matters: Proof vs. Deep Cameo
When looking at a 1978-S dime, you will hear terms like “Proof,” “Cameo,” and “Deep Cameo.” A standard Proof coin has a mirror-like field but might lack a strong frost on the design. A “Cameo” has a light frost, while a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” has a stark, heavy white frost on Roosevelt’s head that looks like it’s floating on a black mirror.
The jump in price between a standard PR69 and a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo is massive. While a PR69 might only sell for the price of a fast-food meal, a perfect PR70 is a true rarity. If you think your coin is a candidate for a perfect grade, getting a second opinion through CoinHix can save you the time and expense of professional grading if the coin has even one microscopic scratch.
Most 1978-S dimes found today will fall into the lower proof categories because they may have been removed from their original cases or handled with bare hands. Fingerprint oils can actually eat into the surface of a proof coin over time, significantly reducing its 1978-S dime market value.
| Grading Term | Visual Description |
|---|---|
| Proof (PR) | Reflective surfaces, sharp strike. |
| Cameo (CAM) | Moderate frost on the portrait. |
| Deep Cameo (DCAM) | Intense frost, heavy contrast. |
1978-S Roosevelt Dime Mintage Figures
In 1978, the San Francisco Mint produced a total of 3,127,781 proof Roosevelt dimes. While three million might sound like a lot, when you compare it to the hundreds of millions of dimes minted in Philadelphia and Denver that year, you realize the “S” version is quite limited.
Because these coins were sold as part of a 6-coin “Proof Set” (which included the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter, Kennedy Half Dollar, and Eisenhower Dollar), they were protected from the wear and tear of daily commerce. This high survival rate is exactly why most 1978-S dimes are only worth a few dollars—they just aren’t that “rare” in average proof condition.
However, scarcity begins to kick in when we talk about quality. Out of those 3 million coins, only a tiny fraction are flawless. Using the CoinHix app allows you to see recent auction data where these high-quality outliers have sold for hundreds of dollars, helping you distinguish a common collectible from a valuable investment.
Are There Any Rare 1978-S Dime Errors?
Error hunters are always looking for something “wrong” with a coin that makes it right for their wallet. For the 1978-S Roosevelt Dime, errors are extremely rare because proof coins are struck twice and inspected more rigorously than regular coins. However, some minor variations do exist.
One common “find” is a coin with a slightly doubled mint mark or “machine doubling” on the date. While true “Doubled Die” errors are highly valuable, machine doubling—which happens when the die slips during striking—usually adds little to no value. Other rare errors could include “clipped planchets” (where a piece of the coin is missing) or “off-center strikes,” though these are almost never seen in proof sets.
If you find a 1978-S dime that looks different—perhaps the “S” looks blurry or the rim is unusually thick—it is worth investigating. Comparing your find to known error databases is the best way to determine if you have a genuine mint error or just a coin that has suffered environmental damage.
How to Store and Protect Your 1978-S Dime
Because the value of the 1978-S Roosevelt Dime is almost entirely dependent on its surface quality, storage is everything. If you have the coin in its original 1978 Proof Set plastic lens, it is best to leave it there. Breaking the seal can expose the coin to air and humidity, leading to “toning” or spotting.
If the coin has already been removed from its original packaging, you should handle it only by the edges. The salts and oils on your skin can leave permanent marks on the delicate mirror finish. The best way to store a loose proof dime is in a PVC-free “flip” or a hard plastic coin capsule.
Proper storage ensures that if you decide to sell your coin in five or ten years, it will still command the highest possible price. A 1978-S dime that has turned brown or hazy will likely only be worth its face value of ten cents to most buyers, regardless of its San Francisco origin.
| Storage Method | Protection Level |
|---|---|
| Original Mint Packaging | High (Best for preservation) |
| Plastic Coin Capsules | High (Best for loose coins) |
| Cardboard 2×2 Flips | Medium (Budget-friendly) |
Frequently Asked Questions about the 1978-S Dime
Q: Is the 1978-S dime made of silver?
A: No, the 1978-S Roosevelt Dime is not silver. It is a “clad” coin made of a copper core with a nickel-copper outer layer. The last circulating silver dimes were made in 1964, and special silver proof sets didn’t begin again until 1992.
Q: How can I tell if my 1978-S dime is a “Deep Cameo”?
A: A Deep Cameo dime will have a very thick, white, “frosted” appearance on the portrait of Roosevelt and the torch on the back. The flat background of the coin should be so reflective that it looks like a black mirror when held at certain angles.
Q: Why is my 1978 dime missing a mint mark?
A: If your 1978 dime has no mint mark, it was minted in Philadelphia. These are very common and were made for general circulation. Billions were produced, and in used condition, they are only worth ten cents.
Q: Should I get my 1978-S dime professionally graded?
A: Generally, no. Most 1978-S dimes are worth less than the cost of grading (which can be $20-$50 per coin). You should only consider professional grading if the coin appears absolutely perfect (PR70) and has a very high-contrast Deep Cameo finish.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 1978-S dime?
A: For common proof coins, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are your best bet. If you have a certified high-grade PR70 specimen, reputable auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections would be better suited for a high-value sale.
