1999-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Collector Prices and Guide

The 1999-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical Proof condition to over $50 in top-tier Deep Cameo grades. While these coins were not released for general circulation, finding one in an old collection or a mint set can be a rewarding experience for any casual collector.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo (Clad)	$10.00 – $15.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Clad)	$35.00 – $50.00
Silver Proof (PR 69)	$12.00 – $18.00
Silver Proof (PR 70)	$60.00 – $85.00

Understanding the 1999-S Roosevelt Dime Production

If you have recently discovered a 1999-S Dime, the first thing to understand is that the “S” mint mark signifies it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) versions you find in your pocket change, these were struck specifically for collectors. If you are unsure about the variety you have, using a top coin identifier and value app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a specialized proof.

In 1999, the San Francisco Mint struck two distinct types of dimes: the Copper-Nickel Clad version and the 90% Silver version. The clad version was part of the standard annual proof set, while the silver version was included in the special Silver Proof Set. Both versions feature a “mirror-like” finish that makes them stand out from normal currency. Because they were never intended for spending at a store, most examples you find today are still in excellent condition.

However, the value varies significantly based on which metal composition you hold. CoinKnow users often find that the silver version commands a higher premium simply because of its precious metal content. In 1999, there were millions of these sets produced, meaning they are not “rare” in the sense of being one-of-a-kind, but they remain highly sought after by enthusiasts completing their Roosevelt Dime sets.

Identifying Clad vs. Silver 1999-S Roosevelt Dimes

Distinguishing between a standard clad 1999-S dime and its silver counterpart is essential for determining the right market price. The easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the edge of the coin. A clad dime will usually show a copper stripe along the side, while a 90% silver dime will have a solid, bright silver edge. This distinction is the primary reason why 1999 dime value guide info often lists two very different price points for the “S” mint mark.

Weight is another reliable indicator. A silver dime weighs approximately 2.50 grams, whereas a clad dime weighs about 2.27 grams. While this difference seems small, it is easily detectable with a jewelry scale. If you are verifying your collection, CoinKnow can provide historical auction data to show you how much of a premium the silver versions currently carry in the open market.

Keep in mind that all 1999-S dimes are “Proofs.” This means the dies were polished to create a high-contrast look where the portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt appears frosty and the background fields appear like a black mirror. This effect is known as “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo.” Coins that lack this contrast or have scratches will be worth significantly less than those in pristine, original packaging.

Metal Composition	Weight	Mintage
Copper-Nickel Clad	2.27g	2,543,727
90% Silver	2.50g	804,395

What Makes a 1999-S Roosevelt Dime Rare?

The rarity of a 1999-S dime isn’t just about the date; it is about the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC assign this title to coins with exceptional contrast. A 1999-S Clad Dime in PR69 Deep Cameo is very common and worth about $10. However, if the coin achieves a perfect PR70 grade, the price can jump up to $50 or more because perfection is difficult to maintain over decades.

Many collectors look for modern varieties or errors, though errors are quite rare in the proof-striking process. Because proof coins are handled with more care than circulation coins, any manufacturing defect is usually caught by the mint. To get a better sense of how condition impacts the market, checking current 1999 dime market values for different grades will show you precisely why professional grading matters so much for high-end collectors.

Even without a perfect grade, the 1999-S is part of the “State Quarter era,” a time when millions of Americans started collecting coins again. This means there is a healthy “secondary market” for these dimes. Whether it’s a gift for someone born in 1999 or a collector looking to fill a hole in an album, the demand for these coins remains steady, preventing their value from ever dropping to face value.

Grading the 1999-S Roosevelt Dime

When you look at your 1999-S dime, the first thing to check is for “hazing” or “clouding.” Over time, the plastic in mint sets can sometimes react with the air, creating a milky film on the surface of the coin. A clean, clear, and mirror-like surface is essential for a high value. CoinKnow is a great tool for beginners to compare their coin’s luster against professionally graded examples to see where their coin might fall on the scale.

The grading scale goes from 1 to 70. For proof coins, you will almost exclusively see grades from PR65 to PR70. A PR65 might have a few tiny “hairlines” (microscopic scratches from cleaning or handling), while a PR70 is flawless even under 5x magnification. If your coin has been removed from its original plastic case and carried in a pocket, it may have lost its proof status and could be considered “impaired,” which drops the value to just a few cents above its metal weight.

If you believe your 1999-S silver dime is a candidate for a PR70 grade, it might be worth the investment to have it professionally certified. Certified coins sell for a massive premium compared to “raw” (unprotected) coins. Always ensure the cost of grading doesn’t exceed the potential value of the coin. For most 1999-S clad dimes, grading is generally not cost-effective unless you are certain it is a perfect 70.

Grade Level	Visual Description	Market Interest
Impaired Proof	Scratched or Dull	Low
PR 67-68	Strong mirrors, minor spots	Moderate
PR 70 DCAM	Flawless Perfection	High

Where to Sell Your 1999-S Proof Dime

If you have decided to sell your 1999-S Roosevelt Dime, you have several options depending on the coin’s value. For standard clad proof dimes worth under $5, your best bet is selling as part of a larger set or at a local coin show. Individual low-value coins are often hard to sell online because shipping costs will eat up all your profit.

For the 90% silver 1999-S dimes, you can sell them to local coin shops or silver bullion dealers. They will often pay a price based on the current “spot” price of silver, plus a tiny premium for the “S” mint mark. However, if your coin is in exceptional condition, using an online auction platform or a specialized coin marketplace might yield a higher price from a collector who needs that specific date/mint for their collection.

Always do your research before walking into a shop. Use tools like CoinKnow to check the most recent “sold” listings on auction sites. This gives you leverage when negotiating. Remember, a dealer needs to make a profit, so Expect to receive about 50-70% of the “book value” if you are selling to a shop, or closer to 90% if you are selling directly to another collector.

Final Thoughts on the 1999-S Dime

The 1999-S Roosevelt Dime is a beautiful example of modern American minting. While it might not make you a millionaire, it is a fantastic “entry point” coin for new collectors. Its distinctive mirror finish and the possibility of it being 90% silver make it an exciting find in any old box of trinkets. Whether you are keeping it for sentimental reasons or looking to start a serious collection, understanding the nuances of the “S” mint mark is the first step toward becoming a savvy numismatist.

Always keep your proof coins in their original protective holders if possible. Touching the surface of a proof coin with your bare fingers can leave oils that eventually turn into permanent fingerprints, significantly devaluing the piece. Treat your 1999-S dime with care, and it will remain a shiny piece of American history for decades to come.

FAQ

Q: Why is my 1999 dime shiny but has no mint mark?

A: If your 1999 dime has no mint mark, it was minted in Philadelphia. Philadelphia dimes from 1999 are very common and worth only face value ($0.10) unless they are in exceptionally high Mint State condition.

Q: Is a 1999-S dime made of real silver?

A: It depends. The San Francisco mint produced both copper-nickel clad and 90% silver versions in 1999. Check the edge of the coin: if you see a copper stripe, it’s clad; if it’s solid silver/white, it is 90% silver.

Q: Can I find a 1999-S dime in my pocket change?

A: It is very rare but possible. These are called “impaired proofs.” They were accidentally spent by someone or taken from a collection. Once they circulate, they lose most of their collector value but are still a fun find!

Q: How much silver is in a 1999-S Silver Proof Dime?

A: A 1999-S Silver Proof Roosevelt Dime contains 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver. Its value fluctuates based on the daily market price of silver.