The 1993-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $500 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While it is not a rare circulating coin, its unique manufacturing process as a proof makes it a fascinating find for everyday Americans looking through old collections.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $35.00 – $60.00 |
| Rare Error Varieties | $100.00+ |
Understanding the Basics of the 1993-S Roosevelt Dime
If you have stumbled upon a shiny dime dated 1993 with a small “S” mint mark, you have found a proof coin. Unlike the dimes minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) for daily spending, the 1993-S was struck specifically for collectors at the San Francisco Mint. To determine its true worth, many collectors use the best coin identifier app to ensure they aren’t looking at a common business strike that has simply been polished.
The San Francisco Mint produced 3,394,792 of these proof dimes in 1993. While three million might sound like a lot, it is a tiny fraction of the hundreds of millions produced for circulation that year. Because these were sold in protective plastic sets, they are usually found in excellent condition. However, if yours has been removed from its case and handled, its value might decrease due to fingerprints or scratches.
To get an accurate reading on your specific coin, you can use CoinHix, which provides real-time database updates on modern proof values. Most 1993-S dimes you find in the wild are the “clad” version, meaning they are a mix of copper and nickel. You can compare this to the 1993-P Roosevelt Dime current market value to see the difference between a proof and a standard mint state coin.
The “Deep Cameo” Distinction and Its Impact on Price
When discussing the 1993-S Roosevelt Dime value, the term “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) is vital. A Deep Cameo proof has a heavy contrast between the frosted image of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the mirror-like background fields. This contrast is highly prized by collectors. If your 1993-S looks like it has a white “frosting” on the portrait, it is likely a DCAM candidate.
A standard proof without this frosting is generally worth its face value or a couple of dollars. However, a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimen is what every collector dreams of finding. These are coins that have been graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC and found to have absolutely no flaws under 5x magnification.
| Luster Level | Description | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliant Proof | Mirror finish, no frosting | $2 – $4 |
| Cameo | Light frosting on the portrait | $5 – $10 |
| Deep Cameo | Strong, snowy white frosting | $15 – $50+ |
How to Identify a Genuine 1993-S Proof Dime
Identification is the first step for any amateur numismatist. The “S” mint mark is located just above the date on the right side of the coin’s obverse. If you see a “P” or a “D,” or no mark at all, you are looking at a standard circulating coin. You can check the 1993 Roosevelt Dime price guide to see how the Philadelphia and Denver versions compare to your San Francisco proof.
The 1993-S proof is characterized by its sharp strike. Because the dies are polished and the blanks are struck twice with higher pressure, the details in Roosevelt’s hair and the lines in the torch on the reverse are much crisper than what you see on a pocket-change dime. If the coin looks exceptionally “shiny” compared to others in your jar, it’s worth a second look.
Using CoinHix allows you to take a photo of your coin and instantly compare it to known proof examples. This is helpful because some “shiny” dimes are just polished by people at home, which actually ruins their value. A true 1993-S has a factory-finished mirror shine that is unmistakable once you’ve seen a few.
1993-S Silver Proof vs. Clad Proof Dimes
Interestingly, the San Francisco Mint produced two different versions of the dime in 1993: a Clad version and a Silver version. The Silver 1993-S Roosevelt Dime is much more valuable because it contains 90% silver and 10% copper. Identifying the difference is crucial if you want to know what your coin is actually worth.
The easiest way to tell is the “edge test.” If you look at the edge of the coin and see a solid silver color with no copper stripe, you have the silver version. If you see a distinct orange/red copper stripe, it is the standard clad version. A 1993-S Silver Proof dime typically sells for at least $8 to $15 just for its silver content and collector appeal.
| Metal Composition | Weight | Melt Value (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Clad (Copper/Nickel) | 2.27 grams | $0.02 |
| 90% Silver | 2.50 grams | $2.10 (variable) |
Market Trends and Recent Auction Results
The market for modern proof coins like the 1993-S is stable but highly dependent on the grade. In recent years, registry set collectors (people who try to build the best possible collection of a specific series) have driven up prices for “Perfect 70” coins. While a common “loose” 1993-S dime might only sell for $3 on eBay, a certified one can reach much higher figures.
For everyday Americans, the best way to realize value from these coins is by keeping them in their original U.S. Mint packaging. If you find a 1993 Prestige Set or a standard 1993 Proof Set, the set as a whole is often worth $5 to $12. Breaking the set to sell the dime individually is usually only profitable if the dime appears to be a flawless “Deep Cameo” candidate.
Before you sell, it is always wise to use an app like CoinHix to check the most recent “Sold” listings on auction sites. Prices fluctuate based on the base price of silver and the current interest in 1990s-era modern coins. While you won’t retire on a 1993-S dime, finding one is a great “gateway” into the world of coin collecting.
Common Errors to Look For in 1993-S Dimes
While the San Francisco Mint has high quality control, errors can still happen. Collectors look for “Double Die” errors, where the letters or numbers appear to be doubled. On a 1993-S, there are no major verified double dies that are worth thousands, but minor doubling on the date or the “S” mint mark can add a $20 to $50 premium.
Another thing to look for is “Strike-Through” errors, where a piece of dust or grease from the machinery gets stuck between the die and the coin during striking. This leaves a blurry or “mushy” area on the coin’s surface. Because proof coins are expected to be perfect, any error found on a 1993-S is highly unusual and therefore valuable to specialists.
Always inspect your coin under a soft light. If you notice things that look like “extra” metal or missing details that shouldn’t be missing on a proof, you might have a rare variety. These error coins are the exceptions that take the 1993-S Roosevelt Dime value from a few dollars into the hundreds.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1993-S Roosevelt Dime made of silver?
A: It depends. The San Francisco Mint produced both a clad (copper-nickel) version and a 90% silver version. Check the edge of the coin; if you see a copper stripe, it is not silver. If the edge is solid silver-colored, it is the more valuable 90% silver proof.
Q: Why is my 1993-S dime worth more than a regular dime?
A: Because it is a “Proof” coin. These were never intended to be spent in stores. They were minted using special dies and polished blanks to create a high-quality finish for collectors, making them rarer and more desirable than circulating coins.
Q: Where can I sell my 1993-S Roosevelt Dime?
A: For standard proof coins, eBay or local coin shops are your best bet. If you believe your coin is a perfect PR70 or a rare silver variety, you might consider having it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC before selling it at a numismatic auction.
Q: How many 1993-S dimes were made?
A: Approximately 3.3 million clad proof dimes and about 761,000 silver proof dimes were minted in 1993. This makes the silver version significantly rarer than the clad version.