The 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $6 in typical Proof condition to over $150 for perfect specimens. While most of these silver coins were issued in special sets for collectors, finding one in your possession is an exciting discovery that definitely carries a premium over its face value.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Proof 65 (Standard) | $6.00 – $8.00 |
| Proof 69 (Near Perfect) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Proof 70 (Perfect) | $55.00 – $160.00 |
Why the 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is Special
If you have just found a shiny dime dated 2002 with an “S” mint mark, you might be holding more than just ten cents. Unlike the circulating dimes you receive at the grocery store, this specific coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint and is composed of 90% silver. If you are unsure about the authenticity or condition of your find, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard copper-nickel dime and this precious metal version.
Most 2002 dimes produced for circulation were made in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) and contain no silver. However, the United States Mint produced a limited number of “Silver Proof Sets” in 2002 specifically for hobbyists. These coins feature a deep, mirror-like finish and frosted details, making them stand out significantly from pocket change. Because they were never intended to be spent, finding one in the “wild” usually means someone broke open a collector set.
The 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime remains a favorite for those building a “Silver Roosevelt” set. Identifying these coins is relatively simple: look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver stripe without a copper core visible, you likely have a silver winner. To get a precise valuation on the go, many modern collectors rely on CoinHix, an app designed to provide real-time market data for various US denominations.
Composition and Specifications of the 2002-S Silver Dime
Understanding what makes the 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime valuable begins with its anatomy. While standard dimes are made of a cupro-nickel clad over a copper core, the 2002-S Silver version is 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives the coin an intrinsic “melt value” that fluctuates with the global silver market. Even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth its weight in silver.
The technical specs are important for verification. A genuine 2002-S Silver Dime weighs 2.50 grams, whereas a standard clad dime weighs only 2.27 grams. This slight difference is a key indicator for collectors. Furthermore, the “S” mint mark located just above the date signifies its origin from the San Francisco Mint, a facility renowned for high-quality strikes.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 2.50 Grams |
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Mark | S (San Francisco) |
Grading and How It Impacts Price
In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. A 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is almost always found in “Proof” condition. Proof coins are struck using special polished dies and planchets (coin blanks), resulting in a mirror-like background. Experts grade these coins on a scale from 1 to 70. A “PR69” is nearly flawless, while a “PR70” is mathematically perfect with no visible imperfections under 5x magnification.
For those tracking market trends, the current market value for high-grade Roosevelt dimes shows a significant jump for coins that achieve that elusive 70 grade. While millions of these were minted, only a fraction are preserved in truly perfect condition. If yours has fingerprints, scratches, or has lost its luster, it will fall toward the lower end of the $5 to $10 range.
To accurately assess your coin’s grade without spending hundreds on professional services, using CoinHix can provide a visual reference guide. Many everyday Americans use such tools to decide if their coin is worth the fee for professional grading by companies like PCGS or NGC. A PR70 2002-S Silver Dime can occasionally fetch over $150 at auction, making it well worth the verification effort.
Market Trends for the 2002-S Proof Silver Dime
The value of modern silver proofs is tied to two main factors: the “spot price” of silver and collector demand. Over the last decade, interest in modern silver dimes has remained steady. Because the silver content is roughly 0.07234 troy ounces, the floor price of this coin rises whenever silver prices climb. However, the numismatic (collector) value is what really drives the 2002-S price above its metal content.
Analyzing historical data, we see that 2002 was a year of relatively high production for silver proof sets compared to some of the rarer years in the 1990s. This means the 2002-S is more accessible for new collectors, which keeps the price affordable for beginners but limits the “investment” growth for standard grades. For a deeper look at how this year compares to others, check out this comprehensive 2002 dime pricing analysis that covers Denver and Philadelphia strikes as well.
If you are looking to sell, you will find that local coin shops might offer you slightly less than the “book” value so they can make a profit. Online marketplaces like eBay often show higher realized prices, but you must factor in shipping and seller fees. Tracking these shifting prices is easier than ever with CoinHix, which aggregates recent sales to give you a “real world” price expectation.
| Sales Channel | Expected Return |
|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | 50% – 70% of Market Value |
| Online Auction (eBay) | 80% – 95% (Before Fees) |
| Private Collector Sale | 90% – 100% of Market Value |
Identifying 2002-S Silver Dimes vs. Clad Dimes
The most common question we hear is: “How do I know if my 2002-S dime is the silver one or the regular one?” Since the San Francisco Mint also produced “Clad Proofs” in 2002, the “S” mint mark alone doesn’t guarantee silver. The Clad Proof 2002-S is made of copper and nickel and is generally worth only $1 to $2.
The “Tissue Test” is a popular DIY method. If you lay a thin tissue over a silver dime and a clad dime, the silver one will appear white through the tissue, while the clad one will look dark or gray. However, the most definitive way is to look at the edge (the “third side” of the coin). Silver dimes have a bright, monochromatic silver edge. Clad dimes will show a distinct copper-colored stripe running through the middle.
If you have a collection of various dimes from 2002, keep them separated. The silver proofs are delicate. Touching the mirrored surfaces with your bare fingers can leave permanent oils that damage the “Deep Cameo” finish—the beautiful contrast between the frost-white portrait of Roosevelt and the black-mirror background. Always handle these coins by the edges or wear cotton gloves to preserve their premium value.
Summary of the 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime
While it won’t allow you to retire early, the 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is a beautiful piece of American minting history. Whether you found it in a collection passed down from a relative or were lucky enough to find one in a roll of coins, it represents a tangible asset with both silver and collector value.
The key takeaway for any owner is to verify the strike and the grade. Most examples will fall into the $6-$12 range, but those rare, perfect PR70 specimens continue to be highly sought after by registry set collectors. Keep an eye on the silver market and use modern tools to ensure you get a fair price if you ever decide to part with your silver treasure.
FAQ
Q: Is a 2002 dime with no mint mark rare?
A: No, that simply means it was minted in Philadelphia. Millions were made for circulation, and they are typically only worth their face value of ten cents unless they have a major mint error.
Q: How many 2002-S Silver Dimes were minted?
A: The US Mint produced approximately 892,229 silver proof sets in 2002. This means there are fewer than 1 million of these silver dimes in existence, making them significantly scarcer than the hundreds of millions of clad dimes.
Q: Can I find a 2002-S Silver Dime in my change?
A: It is very rare but possible. This usually happens when someone spends a silver proof set by mistake. If the coin looks exceptionally shiny or has a silver edge, it’s worth pulling out of your pocket change and checking!
Q: What is “Deep Cameo” or “DCAM”?
A: DCAM is a designation given to proof coins that have a strong contrast between the frosted design and the mirror-like fields. Almost all 2002-S Silver Dimes are struck as Deep Cameos.
