The 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical Proof condition to over $1,000 for rare high-grade specimens. While most found in old collections are common, understanding the distinction between the “Type 1” and “Type 2” varieties is crucial for determining their true market value.
| Grade/Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $250.00 – $1,100.00 |
Identifying the 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime Variety
If you have discovered a shiny dime with an “S” mint mark from 1979, you are likely looking at a Proof coin. Unlike the dimes you find in your pocket change, these were specially struck for collectors at the San Francisco Mint. To figure out what yours is worth, your first step is using the best coin identifier app to confirm the strike and variety.
The “Type 1” refers specifically to the style of the “S” mint mark. In 1979, the Mint changed the punch used to create the S mark mid-year. The Type 1 is known as the “Filled S” because the mint mark appears blob-like or less defined. The “Type 2” is the “Clear S,” which is much sharper and more desirable.
To differentiate them, look closely at the mint mark under a magnifying glass or a digital microscope. If the loops of the “S” are filled with metal and look like a rectangular blob, it is a Type 1. If the “S” has clear openings in the top and bottom loops, you have found the rarer Type 2. Using an app like CoinHix can help you zoom in and compare your coin against high-resolution reference images instantly.
Understanding the Price of the 1979-S Proof Dime
When evaluating your collection, you may notice that the 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime grade and price data suggests that most of these coins are quite affordable. Over 3.6 million Proof sets were produced in 1979, meaning the Type 1 variety is very common. Most of these coins will trade for a few dollars.
However, “Perfect” grades are where the money is. Most collectors want a coin that is graded PR 70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) by professional services like PCGS or NGC. A Deep Cameo coin has a heavy frost on the portrait of Roosevelt and a mirror-like shine on the background. If your coin looks like a black-and-white photograph because of the contrast, it’s a Deep Cameo.
| Variety | Average Proof Value | Scarcity |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-S Type 1 (Filled S) | $3 – $15 | Common |
| 1979-S Type 2 (Clear S) | $15 – $50 | Scarce |
What Makes a 1979 Dime Worth Survival Premium?
You might be asking why some people pay hundreds of dollars for a dime while others struggle to get $5. The answer lies in “Population.” In the world of coin collecting, the population refers to how many coins have been certified at a specific grade. Because the 1979-S Type 1 is so common, only the highest-quality examples command a premium.
A coin that has even a single microscopic scratch or a fingerprint will likely grade at PR 68 or PR 69. These are worth very little above face value plus a small collector’s premium. But a PR 70 specimen—one that is flawless under 5x magnification—is a “set filler” for top-tier collectors. If you suspect your coin is flawless, checking the 1979-S Type 1 dime market value info regularly will keep you updated on recent auction prices.
Modern pocket change is rarely in this condition. Most valuable 1979-S dimes are found inside their original plastic Proof Set packaging from the US Mint. If you find one “in the wild” (unprotected), it is almost certainly a Type 1 that someone broke out of a set and spent. These are generally only worth their face value of ten cents.
The “Filled S” vs. “Clear S” Controversy
The 1970s was a transition period for the US Mint’s lettering and minting processes. By 1979, the mint marks were becoming worn and “mushy.” This led to the creation of the Type 1 Filled S. By late 1979, the Mint realized the quality was lacking and introduced a new, clearer punch.
Interestingly, this change didn’t just happen to the Roosevelt Dime. It also occurred on the Susan B. Anthony Dollar and the Washington Quarter from that year. Collectors often try to assemble a “1979 Type 2 Set,” which makes the 1979-S Type 2 Roosevelt Dime more naturally in demand than the Type 1.
If you aren’t sure which one you have, CoinHix can provide side-by-side comparisons to help you identify the mint mark style. Remember, while the Type 1 is the less valuable of the two, a Type 1 in a perfect “70” grade can actually be worth more than a Type 2 in a “69” grade.
| Feature | Type 1 (Filled) | Type 2 (Clear) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Look | Mushy, blob-like “S” | Sharp, distinct loops |
| Inner Loops | Filled with extra metal | Clearly visible openings |
| Collector Demand | Moderate | High |
Tips for Selling Your 1979-S Roosevelt Dime
If you believe you have a high-value 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime, don’t rush to a pawn shop. Modern Proof coins are specialty items. Pawn shops and general gold buyers will usually offer you very little for them because they aren’t interested in the nuances of Proof grades.
Instead, consider these steps:
1. Protection: Do not touch the surface of the coin with your fingers. Use lint-free gloves.
2. Identification: Re-verify the variety and condition using CoinHix.
3. Certification: If the coin looks absolutely perfect and has a deep cameo effect, it may be worth sending to PCGS or NGC for official grading.
4. Marketplace: High-grade Proofs sell best on eBay or through specialty coin auction houses like Heritage Auctions.
Keep in mind that the cost of professional grading (usually $30-$50 plus shipping) may be higher than the value of the coin itself if it doesn’t achieve a PR 70 grade. Most 1979-S Type 1 dimes are best kept in a personal collection or sold as part of a complete 1979 Proof Set.
FAQs
1979-S Roosevelt Dime Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime made of silver?
A: No, the 1979-S Roosevelt Dime is not made of silver. It is a copper-nickel clad coin (copper core with a nickel-copper outer layer). The US Mint stopped making silver dimes for circulation in 1964, though they later released silver Proof sets starting in 1992.
Q: How much did the most expensive 1979-S Type 1 Dime sell for?
A: While average examples are cheap, a 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime graded PCGS PR 70 DCAM has sold for over $1,200 in the past. Such prices are only possible for coins with a perfect grade and exceptional eye appeal.
Q: Can I find a 1979-S Type 1 Dime in my pocket change?
A: It is extremely unlikely but possible. Proof coins are made for collectors and sold in sets. If you find one in change, it was likely removed from a set and spent. Because it has been handled and circulated, its value would usually drop to its face value of $0.10.
Q: What is a “Full Band” (FB) Roosevelt Dime?
A: “Full Bands” refers to the horizontal lines on the torch on the reverse of the dime. While common for business-strike coins (like 1979-P or 1979-D), Proof coins like the 1979-S are expected to have full detail, so “Full Bands” is not usually a separate designation for Proofs in the way it is for regular dimes.
Q: Which is better: Type 1 or Type 2?
A: From a value perspective, the Type 2 (Clear S) is generally “better” because it is harder to find. However, a Type 1 in a perfect PR 70 grade is a much more valuable coin than a Type 2 in a PR 68 grade. Condition is always king in coin collecting.
