The 1983-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in average proof condition to $25 or more in perfect gem proof grades. If you’ve come across one of these shiny coins in an old collection or inherited set, you’re in luck — this is a special issue with some real collector appeal.
What Makes the 1983-S Roosevelt Dime Different
Before diving into values, it helps to understand what the “S” mintmark actually means. The 1983-S Roosevelt Dime was not made for everyday circulation. It was struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for inclusion in proof sets sold to collectors by the U.S. Mint. That means every single one of these coins was produced with polished dies and specially prepared planchets, giving them that mirror-like finish you might notice right away.
If you’re new to coin collecting and want an easy way to identify coins like this, try using the best coin identifier app available on your phone. It can help you confirm the mintmark, grade, and approximate value in seconds.
Because the 1983-S was only issued in proof sets, the mintage was naturally limited compared to the business-strike dimes from Philadelphia and Denver that same year. The San Francisco Mint produced just over 3.2 million proof sets in 1983, making this coin relatively accessible but still desirable among Roosevelt dime collectors. Understanding this background is the first step toward knowing what your coin might be worth.
1983-S Roosevelt Dime Value by Grade
Proof coins are graded differently from regular circulation coins. Instead of using terms like “Fine” or “Very Fine,” proof coins are graded on the Sheldon scale from PR-60 to PR-70, with PR-70 representing a perfect coin with absolutely no flaws under magnification.
Here’s a general value breakdown for the 1983-S Roosevelt Dime:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR-60 to PR-64 | Proof with noticeable hairlines or contact marks | $2 – $5 |
| PR-65 | Gem Proof, minor imperfections | $5 – $8 |
| PR-67 | Superb Gem Proof, nearly perfect | $10 – $15 |
| PR-69 | Near-perfect surfaces | $15 – $25 |
| PR-70 DCAM | Perfect Deep Cameo Proof | $100+ |
For the most up-to-date market data, you can check current Roosevelt dime price trends and auction results to see where recent sales have landed. Prices do shift based on collector demand and certified population reports.
Deep Cameo vs Regular Proof — Does It Matter?
Yes, it matters quite a bit. On proof coins, there are two surface designations that can significantly affect value: Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM). A Deep Cameo coin has a frosted, almost white appearance on the raised design elements (like Roosevelt’s portrait) set against a deeply mirrored background field. This strong contrast is highly prized by collectors and commands a solid premium.
A standard proof without the cameo designation will trade for much less. If your 1983-S Roosevelt Dime has been certified by PCGS or NGC as PR-69 DCAM or PR-70 DCAM, that’s where the real value lives. Even a PR-67 DCAM can fetch noticeably more than a PR-67 without the cameo label.
The CoinHix app makes it easy to filter by cameo designations when browsing historical sales data, so you can quickly understand what the DCAM premium looks like for this specific date and mint.
How to Check If Your 1983-S Dime Is Worth Grading
Professional grading through PCGS or NGC typically costs $20–$40 per coin at standard service levels. That means it only makes financial sense to submit your 1983-S Roosevelt Dime for grading if you believe it might grade PR-69 DCAM or better. If the coin is still sealed in its original U.S. Mint proof set packaging and appears to have excellent cameo contrast, it may well be worth the investment.
Before spending money on grading, do your homework. You can find detailed 1983 dime value information broken down by grade and condition to help you decide whether submitting your coin makes sense. Tools like CoinHix also let you browse certified population data so you know exactly how rare high-grade examples truly are.
If you’re unsure about your coin’s grade, take clear photographs under good lighting and compare them against certified examples on major auction sites. Look at the fields for any hairlines and check the high points of the portrait for any loss of frost.
Where to Sell a 1983-S Roosevelt Dime
Lower-grade examples (PR-65 and below) are best sold as part of a complete 1983 proof set, since individual dimes in that range won’t attract much of a premium on their own. eBay is a reasonable option for these, and you can often sell a full set for $10–$20 depending on condition.
Higher-grade certified examples — especially PR-69 DCAM or PR-70 DCAM — will perform best in dedicated numismatic auctions through Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers. Serious Roosevelt dime collectors monitor those platforms closely. Using CoinHix to track completed sales before listing your coin can give you a realistic price expectation and help you avoid undervaluing a gem example.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1983-S Roosevelt Dime made of silver?
A: No. The 1983-S proof dime is composed of copper-nickel clad, just like circulation Roosevelt dimes from that era. The U.S. Mint did not produce silver proof dimes again until 1992 with the Silver Proof Set program.
Q: How do I know if my 1983-S dime has the “S” mintmark?
A: Look on the obverse (heads side) of the coin, just above the date near Roosevelt’s shoulder. You should see a small “S” indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. If you have trouble spotting it, a magnifying glass or a coin identifier app can help you confirm it clearly.
Q: Can I find a 1983-S Roosevelt Dime in pocket change?
A: It’s extremely unlikely. Since the 1983-S was only produced for proof sets and never released into general circulation, finding one in everyday change would be very unusual. If you do come across one, it almost certainly came from a proof set that was broken up at some point.
