The 1995-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade specimens. While everyday dimes in your pocket change usually only carry face value, the “S” mint mark signifies a special production specifically for collectors and enthusiasts.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $3 – $5 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $10 – $15 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $40 – $120 |
| Rare Errors/Silver Varieties | $150 – $1,200+ |
Understanding the Basics of the 1995-S Roosevelt Dime
If you have stumbled upon a shiny dime with a small “S” next to the date, you have found a proof coin. Unlike the millions of coins struck in Philadelphia or Denver for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint produced these specific pieces for annual proof sets. Because they were never intended to buy a soda or pay for a parking meter, finding one in your spare change is a rare treat.
To accurately determine what you have, many modern collectors use the best coin identifier app to distinguish between standard strikes and these mirror-like collectibles. A proof coin is struck using polished dies and specially prepared blanks, resulting in a frosty design that stands out against a reflective, mirror-like background.
The 1995-S dime features the classic portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse. On the reverse, you’ll find a torch representing liberty, an olive branch for peace, and an oak branch for strength. While the design hasn’t changed much since 1946, the 1995-S stands out for its impeccable finish. If you aren’t sure if your coin is a proof, CoinHix can help you scan the surface details to confirm its origin.
Comparing Clad vs. Silver 1995-S Roosevelt Dimes
A crucial factor in the 1995-S Roosevelt Dime value is the metal composition. In 1995, the U.S. Mint produced two distinct types of proof dimes. The first is the standard “clad” version, made of copper and nickel. The second is the 90% silver proof version.
The clad version is widely available and typically found in the standard 10-coin proof sets of that year. The silver version was included in the special “Silver Proof Sets,” which are much more desirable to investors. You can check the edge of the coin; if you see a copper stripe, it is clad. If the edge is solid silver, you may have found a small treasure.
| Composition Type | Mintage Quantity | Intrinsic Value |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Clad | 2,100,334 | Face Value ($0.10) |
| 90% Silver Proof | 679,985 | $2.00+ (Melt Value) |
The silver version’s mintage is significantly lower, making it rarer. If you find a silver one, the 1995-S silver dime value is naturally higher due to the precious metal content and collector demand.
Grading and the Deep Cameo (DCAM) Effect
For proof coins, the “grade” is everything. When professional grading services like PCGS or NGC look at a 1995-S dime, they look for the “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect. This refers to the contrast between the frosted bust of Roosevelt and the shiny, “wet-look” fields of the coin.
A “Deep Cameo” 1995-S dime is the gold standard for collectors. If the coin has even the slightest scratch or fingerprint, its value drops significantly. Because these coins were handled with care in plastic lenses, many survivng examples are in PR 69 condition. However, a perfect PR 70 (a coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification) can command a massive premium.
Using an app like CoinHix allows you to compare your coin against high-resolution photos of graded specimens. This is helpful because a coin that looks “perfect” to the naked eye might actually have tiny “hairline” scratches that prevent it from reaching that top-tier price bracket.
Market Pricing for the 1995-S Proof Dime
The current market for the 1995-S dime is stable, but high-grade pieces frequently appear in specialized auctions. For the average person, a 1995-S clad proof is worth a few dollars. However, the price leaps forward when looking at the 1995 dime value and auction records for perfect specimens.
While Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) coins of this year are common, the “S” mint mark is the “celebrity” of the 1995 lineup. If you find one in a coin roll or a jar of change, it likely “escaped” from a broken-up proof set.
| Grade (Clad) | Grade (Silver) | Market Price |
|---|---|---|
| PR 67 DCAM | – | $6.00 |
| PR 69 DCAM | – | $12.00 |
| – | PR 69 DCAM | $25.00 |
| – | PR 70 DCAM | $150.00+ |
Notice how the silver versions are consistently more valuable. If you are building a collection, the 90% silver 1995-S is a must-have for its luster and long-term metal value.
Identifying Errors on the 1995 Roosevelt Dime
While proof coins undergo rigorous quality control, errors do occasionally slip through. An “error” on a 1995-S dime can multiply its value by hundreds. Some collectors look for “Double Dies” (where the lettering or date appears doubled) or “Off-Center strikes” (where the design is not centered on the coin).
Another rare occurrence is the “No S” error, though the most famous “No S” Roosevelt dime occurred in 1982. While no widespread 1995 “No S” dimes have been officially confirmed, collectors always keep an eye out for anomalies. If you notice a dime dated 1995 that has no mint mark at all, it was likely minted in Philadelphia for circulation; however, if it has a mirror finish and no “S,” you should contact an expert immediately.
Before you sell any coin that looks “weird,” use CoinHix to check for known strike errors. Identifying a genuine mint error requires a keen eye, as “post-mint damage” (like being run over by a car or scratched by a tool) is often confused for a valuable mint error.
Why Collectors Treasure the 1995-S Dime
The 1990s were a transitional period for the U.S. Mint, as they improved technology and increased production of specialty sets. The 1995-S Roosevelt Dime is part of that legacy. Collectors enjoy these dimes because they are affordable entry points into the hobby. You don’t need thousands of dollars to own a beautiful, historic piece of American currency.
For those who have just started searching through their “piggy banks,” the 1995-S serves as a reminder that treasure can be hiding in plain sight. Even a clad 1995-S picked up for ten cents is a win—you’ve essentially turned a dime into several dollars of collector value.
As the years go by, the number of pristine 1995-S dimes decreases as more sets are broken up or improperly stored. Keeping yours in a PVC-free flip or a plastic capsule is the best way to ensure its value doesn’t degrade over time.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1995-S dime is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. A 90% silver dime will have a solid silver/white edge. A clad dime will show a distinct copper-colored stripe running through the middle of the edge. Additionally, silver dimes weigh slightly more than clad ones.
Q: Is a 1995-D or 1995-P dime worth anything?
A: Generally, no. Most 1995 dimes from Denver (D) or Philadelphia (P) were minted by the billions for circulation. Unless they are in absolutely perfect, uncirculated condition (MS 67 or higher), they are only worth ten cents.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1995 dime?
A: The mint mark (S, P, or D) is located just above the date on the “heads” (obverse) side of the coin, to the right of Roosevelt’s neck.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1995-S dime?
A: While standard proofs sell for under $20, “Perfect” PR70 Deep Cameo specimens have sold at auction for prices ranging from $100 up to several hundred dollars, depending on the buyer’s demand and the specific grading service.