Is Your 2002-S Roosevelt Dime Worth a Fortune?
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The 2002-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical Proof condition to over $500 for specimens with perfect grading and deep cameo contrast. While your everyday pocket change usually features the “P” or “D” mint mark, finding an “S” mark means you have a special collector’s edition.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR65 (Proof) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $40.00 – $125.00 |
| Rare Error Varieties | $50.00+ |
Understanding the History of the 2002-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
In 2002, the United States Mint produced Roosevelt dimes at three different locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. While the first two facilities produced billions of coins for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint focused exclusively on “Proof” coins. These were never intended to be spent at a grocery store or found in a vending machine. Instead, they were sold in protective plastic sets directly to collectors.
If you have stumbled upon one of these in the wild, it is considered an “impaired proof.” This means it was likely removed from a set and spent by someone who didn’t realize its numismatic value. Using a top coin identifier and value app can help you confirm the strike type and finish of your find before you decide to sell it.
The CoinKnow app is particularly helpful for beginners who have trouble distinguishing between the shiny surface of a proof coin and a well-preserved business strike. Because the 2002-S Roosevelt Dime features a design that has remained largely unchanged since 1946, the mint mark is the first thing you should look for. It is located just above the date on the bottom right of FDR’s portrait.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Identifying Features and Specifications
The 2002-S Roosevelt Dime is physically identical in size and weight to the dimes you use every day, but its finish is vastly superior. Standard dimes consist of a copper core with a copper-nickel cladding. Proof coins are struck multiple times with specially polished dies, resulting in a mirror-like background (the fields) and a frosted, white texture on the portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt (the devices).
For those wondering about metal content, most 2002-S dimes are clad. However, the Mint also produced a 90% silver version for the Silver Proof Set. You can distinguish them by looking at the edge of the coin: a clad dime will show a copper stripe, while a silver dime will be solid bright white. If you are tracking the 2002 dime value guide, you’ll find that silver versions almost always command a higher premium due to their melt value and lower mintage.
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| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mint Mark | S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | Copper-Nickel Clad / 90% Silver |
| Weight | 2.27g (Clad) / 2.50g (Silver) |
| Edge Type | Reeded (118 reeds) |
Determining the Grade of Your 2002-S Dime
When it comes to modern coins like the 2002-S Roosevelt Dime, the difference between a $5 coin and a $100 coin often lies in microscopic scratches. Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC use a 70-point scale. A “Proof 70” (PR70) is a perfect coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification. Most coins that come directly out of proof sets will grade at PR68 or PR69.
If your coin has been circulated, it will likely grade much lower. Collectors value the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect, where the contrast between the shiny background and the frosted portrait is extreme. Many modern collectors use tools which provide accurate 2002 dime price data to see how the market is trending for high-grade specimens.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
While checking your change, keep an eye out for any cloudiness (toning) or fingerprints. Oils from human skin can permanently etch into the surface of a proof coin, significantly reducing its grade and market value. CoinKnow users often share high-resolution photos of their finds to get community feedback on whether a coin is worth the cost of professional grading.
Are There Rare Errors on the 2002-S Roosevelt Dime?
Errors on modern proof coins are exceptionally rare because the Mint’s quality control for proof sets is incredibly strict. However, rare occurrences like “Double Dies” or “Off-Center Strikes” can occasionally slip through. Even a minor clipped planchet or a struck-through error on a 2002-S dime can make it a centerpiece of a collection.
In the case of the 2002-S, the most sought-after “errors” aren’t actually errors but rather “varieties.” Look for coins that might have been struck with a slightly misaligned die, which can create a “railroad rim” effect. Because the mintage of San Francisco proof dimes in 2002 was over 3.2 million for the clad version, there is enough supply for collectors to be very picky about quality.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
If you suspect your coin has a unique error, compare it with standard images on the CoinKnow marketplace. Most “errors” found by beginners are actually post-mint damage (PMD), which happens after the coin leaves the mint. A genuine mint error will usually fetch a premium of $20 to $100 depending on the severity of the mistake.
| Error Type | Rarity Factor | Price Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Double Die Obverse | Extremely Low | $50 – $200 |
| Clipped Planchet | Very Low | $25 – $75 |
| Struck Through | Low | $15 – $50 |
The Market for the 2002-S Silver Proof Dime
As mentioned earlier, the silver version of the 2002-S Roosevelt Dime is the “king” of this specific year and mint. In 2002, the Silver Proof Set included a Roosevelt Dime made of 90% silver and 10% copper. These coins are popular because they serve as both a numismatic collectible and a silver bullion investment.
As the price of silver fluctuates, so does the base value of these coins. However, for a collector, the condition is still more important than the “melt” value. A perfect PR70 Deep Cameo Silver 2002-S dime can sell for significantly more than its silver content suggests at auction. If you are looking to sell, it is best to check prices on multiple platforms to ensure you are getting a fair market rate.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
When selling a silver proof, ensure you do not clean it. Many beginners think that polishing a coin makes it more valuable, but in the coin world, cleaning is considered damage. A cleaned coin will lose up to 90% of its collector premium instantly. Keep it in its original Mint capsule or a protective flip to preserve its luster.
Conclusion: Is the 2002-S Dime Worth Keeping?
If you find a 2002-S Roosevelt Dime, you should definitely set it aside. While it likely won’t pay for a new car, it is a piece of US Mint history that represents a level of craftsmanship higher than the coins in your pocket. Whether it’s a clad proof or the more valuable silver version, these coins are favorites for people starting a “date and mint mark” collection.
To get the most out of your find, use tools like CoinKnow to identify the specific variety and track its value over time. As the years pass, the number of “perfect” 2002-S dimes in the market will decrease, potentially leading to a slow but steady increase in value for those who keep their coins in pristine condition.
FAQ
Q: Why does my 2002 dime have an ‘S’ mint mark?
A: The ‘S’ mint mark stands for the San Francisco Mint. Dimes with this mark were produced as “Proof” coins specifically for collectors and were initially sold in sets rather than released into general circulation.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: How can I tell if my 2002-S dime is silver or clad?
A: The easiest way is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a distinct copper stripe, it is clad. If the edge is solid silver/white, it is likely the 90% silver version. You can also weigh them: clad dimes weigh 2.27g, while silver dimes weigh 2.50g.
Q: Is a 2002-P or 2002-D dime worth anything?
A: Generally, 2002-P and 2002-D dimes are only worth their face value of 10 cents if they have been circulated. However, if they are in “Uncirculated” condition (MS65 or higher), they can be worth $1 to $5 to a collector.
Q: Where can I sell my 2002-S Roosevelt Dime?
A: You can sell your dime to local coin shops, at coin shows, or online through platforms like eBay. For high-grade or rare error coins, using a dedicated coin auction house or a marketplace like CoinKnow is recommended to reach the right buyers.
