The 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in standard proof condition to over $50 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While a regular dime in your pocket is just ten cents, this special San Francisco Mint edition is a treasure that everyday collectors often overlook in old sets.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| PR 68 Deep Cameo | $12.00 – $15.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $18.00 – $25.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $50.00 – $110.00+ |
Understanding the 1993-S Silver Proof Roosevelt Dime
If you have found a 1993 dime with an “S” mint mark, you need to determine its metal composition immediately. In 1993, the San Francisco Mint produced two types of dimes: a copper-nickel clad version and a special 90% silver version. If you are unsure which one you have, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard proof and the more valuable silver strike.
The silver 1993-S dime was not released into general circulation. It was only available in the 1993 Silver Proof Set sold by the U.S. Mint to collectors. These coins feature a stunning mirror-like background and frosted details, a finish known as “Proof.” Because they contain real silver, they have an inherent “melt value” that keeps their price well above face value, regardless of the collector market’s fluctuations.
To confirm you have the silver version, look at the edge of the coin. A silver dime will have a solid silver-colored edge, whereas a clad dime will show a distinct copper stripe. If you’re looking to sell, many people turn to CoinHix to get an instant appraisal of their collection’s current market standing.
Market Pricing for the 1993-S Silver Dime
The value of 1993 Roosevelt dimes varies significantly based on whether they were minted for everyday use or for collectors. While billions of dimes were minted in Philadelphia and Denver that year, only about 1.3 million silver proof dimes were struck in San Francisco. This relative scarcity is what drives the premium price.
Most 1993-S Silver Dimes found today are in “PR 69” condition, which is a nearly perfect grade. Because these coins were protected in plastic cases from the day they were born, they rarely show the scratches or wear seen on pocket change. However, a “PR 70” is the holy grail for this year—a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification.
The market for modern proof coins is stable but specific. Collectors often look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations, which refers to the intense contrast between the shiny fields and the white, frosted portrait of FDR. You can check the latest 1993 silver dime price data to see how the market is trending for various grades.
| Mintage Type | Total Mintage | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1993-S Silver Proof | 1,335,548 | $5 – $25 |
| 1993-S Clad Proof | 2,057,192 | $1 – $3 |
Key Characteristics and Appearance
The 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is a beautiful piece of American minting history. It weighs 2.50 grams and is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This is the same composition used for dimes before 1965, lending it a classic “ring” when dropped and a bright white luster that clad coins cannot replicate.
The obverse features the portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt, designed by John R. Sinnock. On the reverse, you’ll find an olive branch, a torch, and an oak branch, symbolizing peace, liberty, and victory. On the “S” mint marked coins, these details are struck twice with high pressure, resulting in sharp, Crisp edges and deep details.
If you happen to find one of these loose in a drawer, it may have lost its “Deep Cameo” frostiness due to handling. Even so, the silver content alone makes it worth about 15 to 20 times its face value. For serious hobbyists, using an app like CoinHix allows you to keep an inventory of these silver finds and track their value as silver prices rise.
How to Identify a Silver vs. Clad 1993 Dime
Identification is the most critical step for any beginner. Because the San Francisco Mint produced both clad and silver proof sets in 1993, the “S” mint mark alone does not prove it is silver. An “S” mint mark simply means it is a proof coin intended for collectors.
The first test is the “Edge Test.” Hold the dime and look at the rim. If you see a solid silver color with no layers of brown or orange, it is likely the 90% silver version. If you see a copper-colored center, you have the standard clad proof, which is only worth about $1 to $2.
The second test is weight. A silver 1993 dime weighs 2.50 grams, while a clad dime weighs 2.27 grams. You will need a precise digital scale to tell the difference. Many users find it helpful to snap a photo with CoinHix to get a better idea of what they have before taking it to a coin shop.
| Feature | 90% Silver Proof | Copper-Nickel Clad Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.50g | 2.27g |
| Edge Color | Solid Silver/White | Copper/Brown Stripe |
| S-Mint Mark | Present | Present |
Collecting the 1993-S Silver Dime Today
Is the 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime a good investment? While it isn’t going to make you a millionaire overnight, it is a staple for collectors of the Roosevelt series. Its value is protected by both its limited mintage and its silver content, making it a “safe” coin for young or new collectors to acquire.
Most of these dimes are purchased as part of the full 1993 Silver Proof Set, which includes the silver Kennedy half dollar and Washington quarter. However, many dealers break these sets apart to sell the coins individually. If you are buying an individual 1993-S Silver Dime, ensure it is in a protective flip or a professionally graded slab from PCGS or NGC.
The highest price ever paid for a 1993-S Silver Dime usually involves a “perfect” PR70 Deep Cameo specimen sold at a major auction house. For the average person, finding one in an old box of “junk” might be a $10 surprise, but for the refined collector, the search for the perfect strike continues.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 1993-S Silver Dime in my change?
A: It is extremely rare but possible. These coins were intended for collectors’ sets, but sometimes they are spent by mistake. If you find one, it will likely be scratched and worth less than a “Proof” version but still worth its weight in silver.
Q: How much silver is in a 1993-S Silver Dime?
A: Each 1993-S Silver Dime contains 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver. Its value will always be at least what that amount of silver is worth on the global market.
Q: What does the “S” stand for?
A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. In 1993, San Francisco focused primarily on producing high-quality proof coins for collectors rather than money for general circulation.
Q: Is a 1993-P or 1993-D dime worth anything?
A: Standard 1993 dimes from Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) are generally only worth ten cents unless they have a major mint error. They are made of copper and nickel, not silver.