The 1999-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $8 in typical proof condition to over $50 for high-grade specimens with perfect surfaces. Finding one of these shiny, mirror-like coins in your collection is an exciting discovery because they contain actual precious metal, unlike the common dimes you find in your pocket change today.
What Makes the 1999-S Silver Roosevelt Dime Special
If you have stumbled upon a 1999 dime with an “S” mint mark, you aren’t looking at an ordinary coin meant for buying groceries. These were specially minted at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. Unlike the standard copper-nickel versions found in circulation, these were struck on planchets consisting of 90% silver and 10% copper. Because they were issued only in Proof Sets, they feature a deep, mirror-like finish and frosted details on Roosevelt’s portrait.
If you aren’t sure if your coin is the silver version or the clad version, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the two based on visual cues and weight. A silver dime weighs 2.50 grams, while a standard dime weighs only 2.27 grams. For a quick mobile evaluation, the CoinHix app provides a user-friendly interface to track your finds and see real-time market updates.
Determining the Current Market Value
The value of a 1999-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is tied to two main factors: the spot price of silver and its numismatic grade. Because these were never released into general circulation, most are found in pristine condition. However, coins that have been handled carelessly may have “hairlines” or scratches that lower their price.
Most collectors look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations, which means there is a high contrast between the shiny background and the white, frosted image of the President. You can find detailed 1999 dime value guide info to see how much premium these silver versions command over their base-metal counterparts. Collectors often pay a significant premium for coins graded PR69 or the elusive, perfect PR70.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $7.00 – $9.00 |
| PR 67 (Deep Cameo) | $12.00 – $15.00 |
| PR 69 (Deep Cameo) | $20.00 – $35.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $150.00+ |
Identifying 1999 Mint Mark Variations
It is important to remember that not all 1999 dimes were made in San Francisco. Most of the dimes from this year were struck in Philadelphia or Denver. If your dime has a “P” or “D” mark, it is made of copper and nickel and is generally only worth its face value of ten cents, unless it is in extraordinary uncirculated condition. You might want to check the 1999-P Roosevelt Dime auction records to see why some rare high-grade business strikes still interest collectors.
The “S” mint mark is located just above the date. If you see that “S” and the edge of the coin is solid silver (no brown copper stripe), you have the silver proof version. To keep a digital log of all your different mint marks, the CoinHix app is an excellent tool for organizing your collection. It helps you keep track of which variations you own and which ones you still need to complete a set.
Why the 1999-S Silver Proof is a Collector Favorite
Collectors often seek out 1999 coins because this year marked a transition in American coinage with the introduction of the State Quarters program. Many people bought proof sets this year who weren’t regular collectors, leading to many of these sets being broken up and individual silver dimes entering the secondary market.
Because the 1999-S Silver Roosevelt Dime contains 0.07234 ounces of pure silver, it will always have “melt value” even if the coin is damaged. However, the collector value almost always exceeds the silver value. If you are out hunting at garage sales or coin shops, having the CoinHix app installed on your phone allows you to quickly verify if the price being asked matches the current market trends.
Q: How can I tell if my 1999-S dime is silver or clad?
A: Check the edge of the coin. A silver dime will have a solid silver-colored edge, while a clad dime will show a distinct copper/brown stripe. Additionally, the silver version weighs 2.5 grams.
Q: Can I find a silver 1999-S dime in my pocket change?
A: While extremely rare, it is possible if someone accidentally spent a coin from a proof set. These are called “circulated proofs” and are worth less than those still in their original packaging, but still more than 10 cents.
Q: Where is the mint mark on the 1999 Roosevelt Dime?
A: The mint mark (P, D, or S) is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above the date on the right side of Roosevelt’s neck.