1981-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime Value: Is Your Coin a Rarity?

The 1981-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical Proof condition to over $1,500 for top-tier specimens with a Deep Cameo finish. While these dimes were not minted for general circulation, finding one in an old collection can be a pleasant surprise for any hobbyist.

Grade/Condition	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo (DCAM)	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$350.00 – $1,750.00

Identifying the 1981-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime

If you have stumbled upon a shiny 1981 dime featuring an “S” mint mark, you are looking at a Proof coin minted in San Francisco. Unlike the dimes you find in your pocket change from Philadelphia or Denver, these were specially struck for collectors. The “Type 1” designation refers to the specific shape of the “S” mint mark used during the first half of the production year. Using a top coin identifier and value app can help you zoom in on that tiny letter to see the details.

The Type 1 mint mark is often called the “Filled S.” This is because the punch used to create the mark was worn down, resulting in an “S” that looks somewhat blob-like or congested. The loops of the “S” are not clearly defined, making it look less like a crisp letter and more like a solid rectangular shape with rounded corners. For a beginner, identifying this might seem localized, but when you compare it to the Type 2 “Clear S,” the difference becomes obvious.

To get an accurate sense of what you have, you should use the CoinKnow app to scan your coin. It helps collectors distinguish between these subtle mint mark varieties that dictate the actual market price. Most of the 4 million Proof dimes struck in 1981 were of the Type 1 variety, making the Type 2 much rarer and more valuable to high-end collectors.

The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Mint Marks

Understanding why there are two types requires a look at the U.S. Mint’s history. In 1981, the minting facility replaced the worn-out Type 1 punch with a new, sharper Type 2 punch. The Type 2 “Clear S” has very distinct bulbous ends and a clear field of flat metal inside the loops of the letter. The Type 1, which we are focusing on here, lacks that clarity and looks like the letter is “filled” with extra copper-nickel material.

While the Type 2 is the “grail” for 1981 collectors, the Type 1 is still an essential piece for anyone trying to complete a full set of Roosevelt Dimes. If you are researching current Roosevelt Dime market trends and auction results, you will notice that Type 1 coins are very affordable in grades up to PR 69, making them a great starting point for new numismatists.

Because the Type 1 was the “standard” for the majority of the year, millions were produced. However, because they were sold in Proof Sets, they have been protected from the wear and tear of daily commerce. This means most 1981-S Type 1 dimes you find today will still look incredibly shiny, even if they have some light scratches from being handled outside of their original plastic cases.

Feature	Type 1 (Filled S)	Type 2 (Clear S)
Visual Appearance	Indistinct, “blobby” S	Sharp, clear S with serifs
Scarcity	Common (Majority of 1981 Proofs)	Relatively Rare
Collector Value	Lower ($3 – $25)	Higher ($15 – $200+)

Why Deep Cameo (DCAM) Status Matters for Value

When browsing for the current 1981 dime worth and pricing data, you will often see the abbreviation “DCAM” or “Ultra Cameo.” This refers to the contrast on the coin’s surface. In a high-quality Proof coin, the background (the field) should be as shiny as a mirror, while the raised parts (Roosevelt’s portrait and the torch on the back) should have a frosted, matte appearance.

A Type 1 dime that achieves a “Deep Cameo” designation is much more desirable. This frosting occurs when the dies are fresh. As the die strikes more coins, the frosting wears off, and the coins begin to look “brilliant” (all shiny with no contrast). A PR 70 Deep Cameo 1981-S Type 1 is a “perfect” coin and can command prices in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars at major auctions.

If you think your coin has that distinct “black and white” look where the portrait pops against a dark mirror background, you should definitely use CoinKnow to compare it against known DCAM examples. Even a Type 1 variety can be a center-piece of a collection if the cameo contrast is exceptionally strong.

Grading the 1981-S Roosevelt Dime

Grading is the process of determining a coin’s condition on a scale of 1 to 70. For Proof coins like the 1981-S Type 1, anything below a 63 is generally considered damaged. Most collectors looking for these dimes want at least a PR 67 or PR 68. Because these were never meant to be spent in stores, they shouldn’t have any “wear,” but they can have “cabinet friction” or “milky spots” caused by environmental moisture.

A PR 69 is “near perfect” to the naked eye, showing only a microscopic hairline or two under magnification. A PR 70 is the holy grail—a coin that is absolutely flawless even under 5x magnification. While many Type 1 dimes exist, only a tiny fraction are certified as PR 70 DCAM. This rarity in perfection is what drives the top-end prices you see in price guides.

For the everyday American, a coin found in a jar or a desk drawer is likely “Raw,” meaning it hasn’t been graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC. Before spending $20-$50 on professional grading, it is wise to consult CoinKnow to see if the coin’s quality justifies the investment. Most Type 1 dimes are worth less than the cost of the grading fee itself unless they are truly flawless.

Grade	Characteristics	Typical Sale Price
PR 63-65	Minor spots, light scratches, visible “S”	$2 – $6
PR 67 DCAM	Strong contrast, very few marks	$10 – $18
PR 69 DCAM	Nearly perfect, beautiful eye appeal	$25 – $40
PR 70 DCAM	Flawless specimen	$500+

Common Errors Found on 1981 Dimes

Aside from the Type 1 vs Type 2 variety, collectors also look for mechanical errors. While rare in Proof sets due to strict quality controls at the San Francisco Mint, they do happen. Some 1981-S dimes have been found with “double dies,” where the lettering or the date appears to have a slight ghosting or doubling effect.

Another common issue is an “Off-Center” strike, where the coin was not perfectly aligned with the dies. However, finding an off-center Proof coin is extremely rare and can significantly increase the value beyond the standard Type 1 pricing. If yours looks “weird” or “shifted,” it might be worth more than a standard version.

Lastly, look for “Toning.” Some 1981 dimes have developed beautiful rainbow colors over the decades due to the way the metal reacts with the packaging. While not an “error,” naturally toned Proof dimes can fetch a premium from collectors who prefer colorful coins over the standard silver-colored finish.

How to Sell Your 1981-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime

If you’ve identified your coin as a high-grade 1981-S Type 1, your next step is deciding how to sell it. For lower-grade coins worth $3-$10, selling on platforms like eBay is common, though shipping costs can eat into your profits. Often, it is better to keep these as part of a personal collection or sell them in bulk with other proof coins.

If you believe you have a PR 70 candidate, you must get it professionally graded first. Most serious buyers will not pay 70-grade prices for an uncertified coin. Once graded, these high-value coins can be sold through major numismatic auction houses where professional collectors compete for top-tier additions to their registries.

Always remember that “value” is what someone is willing to pay. Checking recent “Sold” listings on auction sites gives you the most realistic expectation. A local coin shop might offer you 50-60% of the retail value, as they need to make a profit when they resell it.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1981-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime made of silver?

A: No. By 1981, the U.S. Mint had long since moved away from silver for standard dimes. The 1981-S Type 1 is composed of a copper core with a copper-nickel clad outer layer (75% copper, 25% nickel). It has no precious metal melt value.

Q: How many 1981-S Type 1 Dimes were made?

A: While the exact split between Type 1 and Type 2 isn’t recorded to the single digit, the total Proof mintage for 1981 was 4,063,083. The vast majority of these (estimated over 80%) are the Type 1 variety.

Q: Can I find a 1981-S Type 1 in my pocket change?

A: It is very unlikely but possible. This usually happens if someone “breaks” a Proof set and spends the coins. If you find one in circulation, it will likely be scratched and worn, reducing its value to a dollar or less.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1981-S Type 1 Dime?

A: Perfectly graded PR 70 Deep Cameo examples have sold for over $1,500 at auction. However, these are the exception, not the rule. Most sell for under $20.

Q: How can I tell Type 1 from Type 2 without a microscope?

A: It is difficult, but look at the “S.” If the ends of the ‘S’ are rounded and the middle looks pinched or filled with metal, it’s a Type 1. If the ‘S’ has clear, flat ends (serifs) and open loops, it’s a Type 2.