1985-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Is Your Proof Coin Worth Money?

The 1985-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2 in typical proof condition to over $500 for rare, high-grade specimens. While you won’t find this coin in your pocket change, it remains a favorite for collectors due to its deep cameo finish and historical significance in the San Francisco Mint’s history.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$2.00 – $4.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$10.00 – $15.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$40.00 – $125.00
Rare Error Varieties	$250+

Understanding the 1985-S Roosevelt Dime Production

If you have discovered a shiny, mirror-like dime with an “S” mint mark in your family collection, you are looking at a Proof coin. Unlike the dimes minted in Philadelphia or Denver for general circulation, the 1985-S Roosevelt Dime was produced specifically for collectors at the San Francisco Mint. To determine if your find is a true gem, many enthusiasts use the top coin identifier and value app to get instant feedback on their discovery.

In 1985, the San Francisco Mint struck 3,362,821 Roosevelt Dimes. These were sold primarily as part of the 1985 Annual Proof Set. Because they were never intended to be spent at the grocery store, most surviving examples are still in excellent condition.

However, “excellent” is a relative term in the world of numismatics. Professional graders look for microscopic scratches, the depth of the frosty frosting on Roosevelt’s portrait, and the clarity of the mirror fields. Using an app like CoinKnow can help you distinguish between a common proof and a “Deep Cameo” specimen that might be worth significantly more.

1985-S Roosevelt Dime Value and Grading Standards

Value is dictated by the grade assigned by services like PCGS or NGC. A 1985-S dime is graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Since these are proof coins, you will almost always see “PR” (Proof) or “PF” before the number.

A PR 67 or PR 68 is considered average for this year. These are usually worth just a few dollars. The real jump in value occurs at the PR 70 level—the “Perfect” grade. At this level, the coin has no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. For comparison, checking the 1985 Roosevelt Dime price trends for circulation strikes can show you how much more valuable these pristine S-mint proofs can be compared to their P-mint counterparts.

Grade Designation	Visual Characteristics	Market Value
Proof (PR)	Mirror-like background, shiny finish	$2.50
Cameo (CAM)	Light frost on the portrait	$5.00
Deep Cameo (DCAM)	Heavy white frost, intense contrast	$15 – $150

What Makes a 1985-S Dime “Deep Cameo”?

The term “Deep Cameo” refers to the visual contrast between the raised parts of the coin (the device) and the flat background (the field). On a 1985-S Deep Cameo dime, President Roosevelt’s head looks like a white, frosted cameo trapped inside a dark pool of liquid glass.

Collectors highly prize this effect. In the 1980s, the minting process was modernized to ensure more coins achieved this look, making the 1985-S DCAM more common than those from the 1960s, but still desirable in perfect condition. If you’re unsure if yours meets the criteria, CoinKnow allows you to snap a high-resolution photo to analyze the luster and contrast against a database of known high-grade examples.

While millions were made, the number of coins that remain in “Perfect 70” condition is surprisingly small because of how easily these delicate surfaces can be scratched. Even a light wipe with a cloth to remove dust can reduce a $100 coin to a $3 coin instantly.

Comparing 1985-S with P and D Mint Marks

It is crucial for beginners to distinguish the “S” mint mark from the “P” (Philadelphia) and “D” (Denver) mint marks. While the 1985-S was made for collectors, the P and D versions were made by the hundreds of millions for general circulation.

You can find extensive 1985 Roosevelt Dime value details that explain why the mint mark location (just above the date) is the first thing you should check. Typically, a circulated 1985-P or 1985-D is only worth its face value of ten cents. However, an uncirculated 1985-P with “Full Bands” (the horizontal lines on the torch on the reverse) can actually be worth more than a standard 1985-S proof!

Mint Mark	Mint Location	Circulated Value	Mint State Value
P	Philadelphia	$0.10	$1 – $50
D	Denver	$0.10	$1 – $45
S	San Francisco	N/A	$2 – $150+

Rare 1985 Roosevelt Dime Errors to Look For

While the 1985-S is usually found in a protected set, errors can and do happen. The most valuable error for collectors is the “Off-Center” strike, where the coin blank was not aligned properly in the press. On a Proof coin like the 1985-S, such an error is extremely rare and can fetch hundreds of dollars at auction.

Another error to scan for is the “Double Die.” Look closely at the lettering of “IN GOD WE TRUST” or the date. If you see clear doubling of the numbers or letters, you might have found a rarity. Because proof coins are struck twice to bring out details, machine doubling (which is not valuable) is common, but a true Hub Doubled die is a treasure.

Before sending a coin off for professional grading, many users consult CoinKnow to see if their “error” is actually a known variety or just simple damage. This saves time and money, ensuring you only spend grading fees on coins that have a high probability of a profit.

How to Sell Your 1985-S Roosevelt Dime

If you have a 1985-S dime and you’ve determined it’s in top-tier condition, selling it requires the right strategy. For coins worth under $10, selling on platforms like eBay might not be worth the shipping costs unless you sell them as part of a larger collection.

However, if your coin is a certified PR 70 Deep Cameo, you should look into specialized coin auctions or reputable local coin shops. When dealing with high-value specimens, always ensure the coin is in a protective PVC-free holder. Handling a proof coin with your bare fingers can leave oils that permanently damage the surface, instantly destroying its value.

Always document your coin’s weight and diameter. A standard 1985-S Roosevelt Dime should weigh 2.27 grams and be composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper core. If you find one that is significantly lighter or heavier, it could be struck on the wrong planchet—another high-value error!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the 1985-S Roosevelt Dime made of silver?

A: No. By 1985, the US Mint had long since switched to a copper-nickel “clad” composition for dimes. However, they look much shinier than regular dimes because they are Proofs, not because of silver content.

Q: How can I tell if my 1985 dime is a proof?

A: Look for the “S” mint mark above the date. Additionally, proof coins have a mirror-like surface and much sharper details than coins you find in your pocket change.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1985-S dime?

A: While standard versions sell for a few dollars, a perfect PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo specimen has sold for over $500 in past auctions, depending on market demand and the “eye appeal” of the specific coin.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1985 dime?

A: On the Roosevelt Dime, the mint mark is located on the obverse (front) side, just above the year “1985” and to the right of Roosevelt’s neck.

Q: Should I clean my 1985-S dime to make it worth more?

A: Never clean a coin! Cleaning creates micro-scratches that professional graders can easily spot. A cleaned coin is almost always worth significantly less than an uncleaned one, even if the uncleaned one looks “dirty.”