Top 5 Rarest Roosevelt Dimes Worth Over $382,000: Roosevelt dimes, first minted in 1946, have become an important part of U.S. coinage history. Created to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his passing, these coins have gained popularity not only for their historical significance but also for their potential to fetch impressive sums in the numismatic world. While most Roosevelt dimes are relatively common and hold only face value, certain rare variations have been discovered that are worth far beyond their initial worth. Some of these coins have been sold for over $382,000, making them coveted treasures among collectors.
In this article, we will explore the top five rarest Roosevelt dimes that have made headlines in the coin-collecting community, and their extraordinary values.
1. 1949-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1949-S Roosevelt dime is one of the most famous rare coins in the Roosevelt dime series. What makes this coin stand out is its rarity in terms of mintage numbers. The San Francisco mint produced a low number of these dimes, and many of them have suffered wear and tear over the years. As a result, surviving examples in high-grade conditions are few and far between.
A well-preserved 1949-S Roosevelt dime in mint state has been known to fetch well over $100,000 in auctions, and the highest reported sale price for one of these dimes has reached close to $382,000. Collectors are especially drawn to this coin due to its striking detail, unique mintmark, and rarity in high grades. If you come across a 1949-S Roosevelt dime in near-perfect condition, you may have discovered a hidden gem that could fetch a significant amount of money.
2. 1950-D Roosevelt Dime
Another coin that is considered highly rare among Roosevelt dimes is the 1950-D. This coin was minted at the Denver Mint, and while the overall mintage of Roosevelt dimes in 1950 was relatively high, the 1950-D has become sought after due to its unique characteristics. The coin often features a distinctive “die clash,” a result of the die being struck with unusual force during the minting process.
Die clashes, which leave subtle but noticeable flaws on a coin’s surface, can increase a coin’s value among collectors, especially if it is in excellent condition. The 1950-D Roosevelt dime with a die clash can fetch prices well over $100,000, and certain specimens have sold for up to $382,000, depending on their grade and rarity. Collectors who are keen on error coins or who specialize in Roosevelt dimes will pay a premium for this rare variety.
3. 1955 Roosevelt Dime
The 1955 Roosevelt dime is another highly coveted coin due to a rare misstrike that makes it stand out among its counterparts. The 1955 dimes were struck with an incorrect combination of dies, resulting in a small group of dimes that feature a noticeable misalignment of the design elements. These errors are extremely rare, and as a result, the 1955 Roosevelt dime is considered one of the most valuable coins in the series.
High-quality examples of this coin have been sold for over $100,000, with some auction sales reaching up to $382,000 or more. The rarity of this coin, combined with its distinctive appearance, has made it a must-have for serious coin collectors. Additionally, the 1955 Roosevelt dimes are often prized for their historical value, as the errors in the die-striking process are believed to have been caused by a temporary disruption in the minting process during the mid-1950s.
4. 1964-D Roosevelt Dime (Doubled Die Obverse)
The 1964-D Roosevelt dime is notable for an extremely rare error: a doubled die obverse. This error occurs when the coin dies are misaligned during the striking process, resulting in a noticeable doubling effect on the coin’s design. In this case, the doubling is most visible on the “Liberty” inscription, as well as on the date and other key elements of the obverse side.
Doubled die errors are among the most sought-after types of coin errors, and the 1964-D Roosevelt dime with a doubled die obverse is one of the most highly valuable examples. Coins with this error in pristine condition can command prices approaching $100,000, and auction prices for this variety have topped $382,000 for coins in excellent grades. For coin collectors, finding a 1964-D Roosevelt dime with this specific error is a rare and exciting opportunity.
5. 1968-S Roosevelt Dime
While the 1968-S Roosevelt dime was minted in relatively large quantities, the rarest examples of this coin feature a unique flaw that sets them apart from their counterparts. These coins display a distinctive die crack or “die break,” which occurs when a crack forms on the die used to strike the coin. The die crack typically results in a raised area on the surface of the coin that can be seen as a line or series of lines running through the design.
Although not as widely known as some other rare Roosevelt dimes, the 1968-S with die cracks is highly sought after by collectors who specialize in die varieties. Coins with die cracks are prized for their uniqueness, and when found in excellent condition, these coins can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. The most valuable 1968-S Roosevelt dimes have sold for more than $382,000 at auction, making them one of the most desirable Roosevelt dimes among collectors of error coins and die varieties.
Conclusion
The Roosevelt dime series is full of surprises, with some coins being worth far more than their face value due to rarity, die errors, and other unique features. While the vast majority of Roosevelt dimes are common and worth only their face value, there are a select few that have captivated collectors and numismatists with their rarity and beauty. The coins highlighted in this article — the 1949-S, 1950-D, 1955, 1964-D (doubled die obverse), and 1968-S — represent some of the rarest and most valuable Roosevelt dimes that have been sold for more than $382,000 in recent auctions.
If you are a coin collector or someone who is just starting to explore the world of numismatics, keep an eye out for these rare and valuable Roosevelt dimes. Who knows, you might be holding onto a treasure that could make you a small fortune!
