The 1986-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $150 for flawless deep cameo specimens. While you won’t retire on this find, its distinct mirror-like finish makes it a favorite for collectors looking to complete their modern sets.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 67 (Deep Cameo) | $8.00 – $12.00 |
| PR 69 (Deep Cameo) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR 70 (Perfect Grade) | $120.00 – $180.00 |
What Makes the 1986-S Roosevelt Dime Special?
If you have discovered a dime dated 1986 with a tiny “S” mint mark, you aren’t looking at a normal pocket change coin. This is a “Proof” coin, specially minted at the San Francisco Mint for collectors. Unlike the coins you use at the vending machine, these were never intended for circulation.
To get the most accurate identification of your find, many collectors use the best coin identifier app to distinguish between a regular business strike and a polished proof. The “S” mark indicates it was part of a limited production run of 3,010,497 sets.
These coins feature a high-gloss, mirror-like background with frosted details on the portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt. If you find one in a random box of old coins, it likely escaped from a broken-up Proof Set. Using CoinHix can help you track these specific mintages and keep your collection organized.
Comparing the 1986-S to Philadelphia and Denver Mints
While the 1986-S is a proof coin, the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints produced hundreds of millions of dimes for everyday use. Most 1986-P and 1986-D dimes are only worth their face value of ten cents unless they are in exceptional “Mint State” condition.
However, a high-grade 1986-P can actually be quite rare. For example, the market value for 1986-P Roosevelt Dimes in MS67 condition can often exceed the price of a standard 1986-S proof because finding business strikes in perfect condition is difficult.
The 1986-S was handled with gloves and packaged in plastic at the mint, so “perfect” examples are more common. This creates a strange market where a common-looking dime from Philadelphia might actually be worth more to a specialist than the shiny proof version from San Francisco.
| Mint Mark | Production Type | Mintage Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1986-P | Business Strike (Circulation) | 551,343,000 |
| 1986-D | Business Strike (Circulation) | 604,213,000 |
| 1986-S | Proof Strike (Collector) | 3,010,497 |
Grading the 1986-S: Deep Cameo and Proof 70
When experts look at an “S” mint mark dime, they look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) contrast. This refers to the contrast between the shiny field (background) and the white, milky frosting on the features of the coin. A 1986-S without this frosting is much less valuable.
Most 1986-S dimes found today are in PR69 condition. This means they are nearly perfect but may have a microscopic hair-line scratch. A PR70 is the “Holy Grail” of modern proof coins—it means the coin is flawless even under 5x magnification. Check the current 1986 dime value charts to see the massive jump in price between a PR69 and a PR70.
If you think your coin is a perfect 70, it might be worth sending to a grading service like PCGS or NGC. However, grading costs about $20-$30 per coin, so you must be sure it is truly flawless. Before spending money on grading, use an app like CoinHix to compare your coin against high-resolution photos of graded examples.
Are There Any Errors to Watch For?
Modern proof coins are made with extreme care, so errors are very rare. However, that is exactly what makes them valuable. In the 1980s, common errors included “Double Dies” and “Repunched Mint Marks.”
While no major “No-S” errors have been officially confirmed for the 1986 Roosevelt Dime (unlike the famous 1968, 1970, 1975, and 1983 No-S dimes), collectors still hunt for them. A 1986 dime that looks like a proof but lacks the “S” would be an incredible discovery.
Other things to look for include “Die Clashes,” where the image of the reverse (the torch and branches) is faintly visible on the obverse (Roosevelt’s head). These rare manufacturing mistakes are what turn a $5 coin into a $500 treasure.
| Potential Error Type | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Off-Center Strike (Proof) | $50 – $200+ |
| Double Die Obverse | $20 – $100 |
| Missing “S” Mint Mark | Potentially thousands (if verified) |
Summary: Should You Keep Your 1986-S Dime?
If you found a 1986-S Roosevelt Dime, you should definitely keep it in a protective flip or a small plastic bag. While its current value is modest, proof coins represent the highest quality craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint.
For the average person, the best way to value these coins is to look at their condition. If it’s scratched or dull, it’s a “filler” coin worth a few dollars. If it looks like a black-and-white photograph with incredible detail, it could be a top-tier specimen.
Tools like CoinHix are excellent for beginners who want to learn how to grade coins without spending hundreds of dollars on books. By comparing your dime to others, you’ll develop the “collector’s eye” needed to spot truly valuable treasure in your change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a 1986-S dime contain silver?
A: No, the 1986-S Roosevelt Dime is made of a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper, 25% nickel). The U.S. Mint did not start making silver proof sets again until 1992.
Q: How can I tell if my 1986 dime is a proof?
A: Look for the “S” mint mark to the right of Roosevelt’s neck. Additionally, proof coins have a distinct mirror-like background that reflects light like a glass mirror, which is very different from the flat, matte finish of a regular dime.
Q: Where can I sell my 1986-S Roosevelt Dime?
A: You can sell these at local coin shops, though they may only offer you a dollar or two. For higher-grade PR70 coins, online auctions like eBay or GreatCollections are the best places to find serious buyers.
Q: Is the 1986-S dime rare?
A: With over 3 million minted, it is not “rare” in the world of numismatics, but it is much harder to find than the over 1 billion dimes minted for circulation in 1986.
