1998-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Collector Guides & Prices
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The 1998-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 for a standard Proof coin to over $500 for high-grade specimens. While you won’t find these in your pocket change, they are a fascinating part of modern minting history that many Americans encounter when inherited collections or mint sets are opened.
| Condition/Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $4 – $6 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo (Clad) | $12 – $18 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Clad) | $35 – $50 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Silver) | $150 – $550+ |
Understanding the San Francisco Mint Proof Dimes
If you have found a dime dated 1998 with an “S” mint mark, you are looking at a Proof coin. Unlike the dimes minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) for everyday transactions, the San Francisco Mint produced these specifically for collectors. If you aren’t sure how to identify your coin, using a top coin identifier and value app is the fastest way to confirm your find and verify the mint mark’s location.
These coins were struck using polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details. Because they were sold in protective plastic cases as part of annual Proof Sets, they are rarely found in “circulated” or worn condition. However, if a set was broken open and the coins spent, they may lose their luster.
When assessing your coin, CoinKnow suggests looking closely at the contrast. The most valuable 1998-S Roosevelt Dimes are those designated as “Deep Cameo” (DCAM), where the portrait of FDR stands out starkly against a black, watery background. These are the gems that collectors compete for at auction.
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Clad vs. Silver: Which 1998-S Dime Do You Have?
One of the most important factors in determining value is the metal composition. In 1998, the U.S. Mint produced two distinct versions of the S-mint dime. The first is the standard “Clad” version, made of copper and nickel. The second is the “Silver” version, which is 90% silver and 10% copper.
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Checking the edge of the coin is the easiest way to tell them apart. A Clad dime will show a distinct orange/copper stripe along the rim. A Silver 1998-S dime will have a solid, shiny silver edge. If you are struggling with the math on current metal prices, checking the 1998 Roosevelt dime market data can help you understand the premium that silver content adds over face value.
| Composition Type | Metal Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Clad Proof | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel | 2.27 grams |
| 90% Silver Proof | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | 2.50 grams |
Full Details and Grading the 1998-S Roosevelt Dime
In the world of coin collecting, the difference between a $15 coin and a $500 coin often comes down to microscopic imperfections. For the 1998-S, grading follows the “Proof” scale from 1 to 70. Most coins found in original government packaging will grade at least PR 67 or PR 68.
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To reach the maximum value, a coin must be a perfect PR 70. This means even under 5x magnification, there are no visible scratches, spots, or “milk spots” (cloudy white patches often found on modern silver coins). If you are tracking the current auction results for Roosevelt dimes, you’ll see that while P and D mint marks are common, a high-grade “S” remains a staple for registry set collectors.
Many collectors use CoinKnow to keep track of their inventory and check if their specific grade is trending up or down in price. Because the 1998-S is a modern coin, the population of high-grade examples is relatively high, but “Perfect 70” specimens are still limited in supply.
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Rare Varieties and Errors for 1998 Dimes
While the San Francisco Mint has high quality-control standards, errors do happen. When searching through 1998 dimes, you should also look for “Planchet Errors” or “Double Dies.” A planchet error might occur if a dime was struck on a blank intended for a different coin, or if the metal was clipped during production.
Another rare occurrence is a “Matte Finish” or “Satin Finish” look, though these are extremely rare for 1998. Most 1998-S Roosevelt Dime Value increases come from the coin being part of a “Premier” Proof Set or a “Silver” Proof Set. If you find one that looks “wavy” or has weird indentations, it might be an error worth hundreds of dollars.
Always handle these coins by the edges. Fingerprints contain oils that can permanently etch the surface of a Proof coin, instantly dropping its grade from a potential 70 down to a 60 or 63. If you find a coin that looks like it has “frost” on the torch and branches on the back, that is a good sign of a high-quality strike.
Is the 1998-S Roosevelt Dime a Good Investment?
For the average person, a single 1998-S Clad dime is a fun “find” rather than a retirement plan. However, the Silver version holds intrinsic value due to its precious metal content. As the price of silver fluctuates, so does the floor price of the 1998-S Silver dime.
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If you are looking to build a collection, CoinKnow recommends focusing on the 90% silver sets. Since the U.S. Mint produces fewer silver sets than clad sets, the silver 1998-S has a lower “mintage,” making it rarer in the long run. In 1998, the mint produced approximately 2 million clad proof sets and about 800,000 silver proof sets.
While millions were made, many have been lost to fires, cleanings, or simply neglected in damp basements. Finding a pristine, spot-free 1998-S in its original holder is becoming more difficult as the years pass, which helps stabilize the 1998-S Roosevelt Dime Value.
| Mintage Stats | Approximate Number Made |
|---|---|
| 1998-P (Philadelphia) | 1,163,000,000 |
| 1998-D (Denver) | 1,172,000,000 |
| 1998-S Clad Proof | 2,086,507 |
| 1998-S Silver Proof | 878,792 |
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 1998-S dime in my pocket change?
A: It is very unlikely. These were only sold in Proof Sets for collectors. If you find one in change, it was likely part of a collection that was stolen or accidentally spent. Such a coin would be “impaired” and worth much less.
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Q: How can I tell if my 1998-S is silver without a scale?
A: Hold the coin on your fingertip and look at the edge (the side with the ridges). If you see a copper-colored line, it is clad. If the edge is solid silver-white, it is likely the 90% silver version. You can also “ping” it; silver has a high-pitched ring, while clad has a duller thud.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1998-S Roosevelt Dime?
A: While standard proofs sell for under $20, “Perfect” PR 70 Deep Cameo Silver versions have sold for over $500 at major auction houses like Heritage Auctions when the coin is certified by PCGS or NGC.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1998-S dime graded?
A: Only if it appears to be absolutely perfect and is the Silver version. Grading costs roughly $30-$50 per coin. If the coin is worth $10, you would lose money. Use a high-quality magnifying glass first!
