1973-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Most Recent Auction Prices
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The 1973-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $1.50 in typical Proof condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade specimens. While most found in old collections are worth a few dollars, certain “Deep Cameo” designations can command significant premiums from serious collectors looking to complete their sets.
| Grade/Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Proof-65 (Standard) | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Proof-69 Cameo | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| Proof-70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $450.00 – $1,250.00 |
Understanding the 1973-S Roosevelt Dime Production
If you have found a 1973 dime with an “S” mint mark, you have a Proof coin. Unlike the dimes minted in Philadelphia or Denver that were intended for daily spending, the San Francisco Mint produced these specifically for collectors. In 1973, the Mint struck over 2.7 million of these Proof dimes. To ensure you have the most accurate data at your fingertips, many collectors use a top coin identifier and value app to distinguish between regular strikes and these special collector versions.
These coins were sold in “Proof Sets” encased in plastic. However, over the years, many of these sets were broken open. If you find one in a loose bin or a jar of change, it might look shinier than a normal dime. This mirrored finish is the trademark of the “S” mint mark era. Using CoinKnow can help you determine if your coin still retains its mirror-like luster or if it has been “impaired” by being circulated in the real world.
Because they were never meant for circulation, finding one in your pocket change is rare but possible. Most “S” mint dimes today remain in the hands of collectors. When evaluating your find, remember that the high mintage means only the most perfect examples carry high prices.
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Grading and the Impact on 1973-S Roosevelt Dime Value
The value of your 1973-S dime is almost entirely dependent on its grade. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. A “Proof-70” is a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. Most 1973-S dimes you find will fall into the Proof-65 to Proof-68 range. You can check the latest market trends by viewing the 1973 Roosevelt Dime auction price data to see how much people are actually paying.
A major factor in 1973-S Roosevelt Dime value is the “Cameo” (CAM) or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation. A Deep Cameo coin has a heavy frost on the portrait of Roosevelt that contrasts sharply against a mirror-like background. In the early 1970s, the technology to produce these consistently was still developing, making “perfect contras” coins much rarer than modern ones.
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| Grading Term | Visual Description | Market Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliant Proof | Shiny, all-over mirror finish with no frost. | Low |
| Cameo (CAM) | Light frost on the portrait; some contrast. | Moderate |
| Deep Cameo (DCAM) | Heavy white frost on the portrait; deep black mirrors. | Very High |
Key Characteristics of the 1973-S Proof Dime
To identify yours correctly, look at the right side of the coin near the bottom of Roosevelt’s neck. You will see a small “S” mint mark. This indicates it was struck in San Francisco. The composition of this coin is 75% copper and 25% nickel, which is exactly the same as the dimes you use today. It does not contain silver. If you are unsure about the variety or authenticity, the CoinKnow app can provide high-resolution images for comparison.
Many beginners hope that their 1973 dime is silver, but the US Mint stopped using silver for dimes in 1964. The Proof dimes of 1973 are “clad.” While they aren’t precious metal treasures, they are historical artifacts of the transition into modern minting techniques. For a detailed breakdown of the metal content and historical context, you can read more about 1973 dime metal composition and facts online.
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The strike on the 1973-S is usually very strong. Unlike the business strikes from Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (“D” mint mark) which can sometimes look “mushy,” the Proofs have sharp, crisp edges. This sharp detail is what collectors look for when trying to distinguish a high-value piece from a common one.
Why Some 1973-S Dimes Sell for Hundreds of Dollars
You might see auction records showing a 1973-S Roosevelt Dime selling for over $1,000. This happens almost exclusively for PR70 Deep Cameo specimens. For a coin to reach this grade, it must be flawlessly preserved. Even a tiny hairline scratch caused by a piece of cloth can lower the grade and the value. If you suspect you have a high-grade specimen, using an app like CoinKnow to organize and track your collection is a smart move before sending it off to a professional grader.
The rarity of a “Perfect 70” for 1973 is significant. In 1973, quality control was not as stringent as it is today. Mints were churning out sets rapidly, and often the dies would wear down, losing that “Deep Cameo” effect. Consequently, only a small fraction of the 2.7 million coins produced retain the stark contrast and flawless surface required for a top-tier price.
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| Sales Channel | Expected Price (Average) |
|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| eBay (Sold Listings) | $2.00 – $15.00 |
| Heritage Auctions (Graded) | $100.00+ (for PR70) |
Error Coins and Varieties to Watch For
While there are no major “headline” errors for the 1973-S like there are for some other years, collectors still look for minor anomalies. Examples include “clipped planchets,” where a piece of the coin is missing due to a manufacturing error, or “double dies,” where the lettering looks like it has a slight shadow or doubling. These errors can significantly boost the 1973-S Roosevelt Dime value beyond the standard list prices.
Because Proof coins are inspected more closely at the Mint, errors are much rarer than on regular coins. This makes any error found on a 1973-S particularly valuable. Look closely at the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date using a magnifying glass. If you see any clear doubling in the letters, you might have a rare variety worth a premium to error specialists.
Another thing to look for is “Toning.” Some Proof dimes develop beautiful rainbow colors over time due to reacting with the paper or plastic they were stored in. While some collectors prefer brilliant white coins, “Neon Toned” Proof dimes can sometimes sell for twice the price of a standard coin because of their unique visual appeal.
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How to Store and Protect Your 1973-S Dime
If you find a 1973-S Roosevelt Dime, the most important thing is to stop touching it with your bare hands. The oils from your skin can permanently stain the mirrored surface, causing “fingerprint” marks that cannot be removed without damaging the coin. This significantly lowers its appeal to collectors. Always handle collectible coins by their edges.
The best way to store a Proof dime is in a PVC-free plastic flip or a hard plastic capsule. This prevents the coin from getting scratched and protects it from the humidity in the air. Proper storage ensures that the value of your 1973-S dime remains stable or increases as the supply of high-quality un-impaired Proofs continues to dwindle over the decades.
If you have a whole collection of S-mint coins, keeping them categorized is essential for future sale. Digital tools are excellent for this; documenting your find and its condition helps you realize the full market potential when it comes time to sell to a dealer or an online buyer.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1973-S Roosevelt Dime made of silver?
A: No, the 1973-S Roosevelt Dime is a clad coin made of a copper-nickel alloy. The US Mint stopped producing silver dimes for general circulation and standard Proof sets after 1964.
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Q: How can I tell if my 1973 dime is a “Proof”?
A: Proof coins like the 1973-S have an “S” mint mark and usually feature a mirror-like finish on the flat parts of the coin. The details are much sharper than a standard dime found in your pocket.
Q: Where can I sell my 1973-S Roosevelt Dime?
A: For standard versions worth a few dollars, eBay or a local coin shop is best. If you believe you have a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo coin, you should consider having it professionally graded and then selling it through a major auction house.
Q: Why is the “S” mint mark important?
A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. In 1973, this mint only produced Proof coins for collectors, meaning these coins were never intended to be spent in stores, making them more interesting to numismatists.
