The 1985-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from a few dollars to over $20 depending on its grade and condition — and if you’ve stumbled across one in an old collection, you may be sitting on more than pocket change. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about this special proof coin.
What Makes the 1985-S Roosevelt Dime Different
Not all Roosevelt Dimes are created equal. The “S” mintmark on a 1985 dime tells you it was struck at the San Francisco Mint — and that’s a big deal. The San Francisco Mint didn’t produce dimes for general circulation in 1985. Instead, it produced only proof coins, which were sold directly to collectors in special sets.
If you want to use a best coin identifier app to quickly identify what you have, that’s a smart first step before diving into valuations. These apps can read mintmarks and help you confirm whether your coin is genuinely a San Francisco proof or something else entirely.
Proof coins are struck using specially polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted design elements. The 1985-S Roosevelt Dime was included in the 1985 U.S. Proof Set, which sold for around $11 at the time. Today, these coins are widely collected and easy to find — but condition still matters a great deal when it comes to value.
1985-S Roosevelt Dime Value by Grade
Because the 1985-S was made exclusively as a proof coin, grading follows the PR (Proof) scale rather than the standard MS (Mint State) scale. Most examples you’ll encounter will already be in high grades since they were made for collectors and typically stored carefully from the start.
Here’s a general value breakdown:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR-65 | Gem Proof, minor contact marks | $2 – $4 |
| PR-67 | Superb Gem, nearly flawless | $5 – $10 |
| PR-68 | Exceptional surfaces | $10 – $18 |
| PR-69 / PR-70 | Near-perfect or perfect | $18 – $25+ |
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, you can browse current Roosevelt Dime price data across different grades to compare what similar coins are actually selling for in today’s market.
How to Tell If Your 1985-S Dime Has Extra Value
Most 1985-S dimes are fairly common in the coin world — the U.S. Mint produced over 3.3 million proof sets that year. However, there are a few things that can push value higher:
Deep Cameo designation (DCAM): Coins with a strong contrast between the frosted devices and mirror fields are graded with a Cameo or Deep Cameo designation. A PR-69 Deep Cameo example can sell for significantly more than a standard proof of the same grade.
Professional grading: Coins certified by PCGS or NGC in slabs carry more trust in the marketplace. A raw (ungraded) coin will sell for less even if it looks perfect.
Errors and varieties: While no major errors are widely documented for the 1985-S, always check for doubling on lettering or the date under good magnification. Even minor varieties can excite collectors.
If you’re unsure where to start, CoinHix is a great tool for looking up current market values and recent sales data. It’s especially useful when you’re trying to figure out whether a coin is worth getting professionally graded.
Should You Get Your 1985-S Dime Graded?
Honestly, for most people, professional grading a 1985-S Roosevelt Dime doesn’t make financial sense unless you believe it grades PR-68 or higher with strong cameo contrast. Grading fees typically start around $20–$30 per coin, which can exceed the coin’s value in lower grades.
That said, if you have an entire 1985 proof set in original packaging, it may be worth more as a complete set. Collectors often pay a small premium for intact, original government packaging.
You can also check a detailed breakdown of the 1985 dime’s value across mintmarks and conditions to get a fuller picture of how the “S,” “P,” and “D” versions compare.
CoinHix also lets you track how coin prices move over time — handy if you’re deciding whether to sell now or hold onto your coins a little longer.
Where to Sell a 1985-S Roosevelt Dime
Ready to sell? Here are the best options:
– eBay: Great for reaching collectors directly. Search completed listings to set a realistic price.
– Coin shows: Local shows are perfect for getting quick offers from dealers.
– Online coin dealers: Sites like APMEX or local numismatic shops will buy, though they’ll offer wholesale prices.
– Collector forums: Communities like the PCGS or NGC forums attract serious buyers willing to pay fair prices.
If you’re juggling multiple old coins at once, CoinHix can help you organize your collection and prioritize what’s worth selling versus keeping.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 1985-S Roosevelt Dime rare?
A: Not particularly. Over 3.3 million proof sets were produced in 1985, making the 1985-S dime quite common among collectors. Its value comes from grade and cameo designation rather than rarity.
Q: Can I find a 1985-S dime in everyday change?
A: Very unlikely. The San Francisco Mint only made proof versions of the dime in 1985 — none were released into circulation. If you find one, it likely came from a proof set that was broken up at some point.
Q: What’s the most a 1985-S Roosevelt Dime has ever sold for?
A: High-grade examples with Deep Cameo designations certified PR-70 DCAM have sold for $25 or more at auction, though prices vary. Most examples trade in the $2–$15 range depending on grade.
