SILVER COIN FIELD GUIDE
Silver Roosevelt Dime
No broadly rare regular dates in this silver group. Relative scarcity, condition, and recognized varieties matter more.
The metal baseline
- Profile covers
- 1946–1964
- Composition
- 90% silver
- Standard gross weight
- 2.5 g
- Fine silver per coin
- 0.0723 troy oz
- Face value
- $0.10
The portrait outlasted the silver composition
This profile covers the 1946–1964 silver issues. A later Roosevelt portrait does not, by itself, put a dime in this group; identify any later collector silver issue separately.
Proof finish and Full Bands attribution can change which sales are relevant. Do not combine an ordinary worn dime, a proof, and a highly graded Full Bands example into one undifferentiated average.
Where to look. On 1946–1964 coins, check the reverse to the left of the torch base for the mintmark. Philadelphia is normally blank.
Dates and details worth a second look
This is a selected watch list, not every key date or variety in the series. Finding a matching date is a reason to inspect further—not proof of authenticity, grade, or a particular value.
What do these collector labels mean?
Better date. A date or issue that merits its own comparison, not an automatic high-value finding.
Issue distinction. A difference in issue, finish, or format that must be identified before comparison.
Proof issue. A distinct collector manufacturing method or proof variety, not a wear grade.
- Better date
1949-S
A relative standout, not an absolute rarity. Grade and Full Bands can matter.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Issue distinction
1955
Low Philadelphia mintage, but readily obtainable in circulated and lower Mint State grades. The date alone does not make it rare.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Proof issue
1950 proof
First proof year of the series. Confirm the finish; an ordinary 1950 circulation strike is different.
Check the attribution reference ↗
Two questions, not one price
What is the contained metal worth? This profile uses 0.0723 fine troy ounces of silver per coin. Multiply that by the number of matching coins and a current per-troy-ounce silver quote. The calculator shows the quote and its freshness when available.
What might a collector pay for this coin? That takes the exact issue, condition, surfaces, finish, and any authenticated variety. The checkpoints above explain why a collector sale may differ from the metal estimate. A calculated melt value is neither a guaranteed buying offer nor a complete appraisal.
The listed weights are standard reference specifications, with rounded published fine-metal values. They do not measure wear, damage, missing metal, or authenticity in your individual coin. Gross grams include the alloy; fine troy ounces describe the precious metal itself.
Use this profile in the calculator →Build a useful comparison
- Record the full date, mintmark, denomination, and finish. Photograph both sides and any diagnostic detail.
- Use the specific references above to check a suspected variety. Do not clean the coin to make a feature easier to see.
- Compare completed sales for the same issue and similar condition. Separate proof, special-strike, and attributed examples from ordinary coins.
- Record shipping and other costs separately. An asking price or one exceptional auction result is not a typical sold price.
References and further checking
Use these references to inspect the issue and attribution in more detail. Prices, populations, and market premiums can change.
- NGC Roosevelt dime reference ↗
- 1949-S — reference ↗
- 1955 — reference ↗
- 1950 proof — reference ↗
- NGC silver melt-value reference ↗
Educational reference only; not individualized appraisal or investment advice. For a potentially valuable or questionable example, use a qualified numismatist or established authentication service.