The 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $300 to over $500 in average collector grades, with top-quality specimens selling for well above $1,000 at major auctions. If you recently found one of these coins or inherited an old collection, you may be sitting on a surprisingly valuable piece of American numismatic history.
What Makes the 1970 No S Dime So Special
Most people don’t think twice about a Roosevelt dime. They’re common coins, right? Well, the 1970 No S proof dime is a completely different story. This coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint as part of a proof set — a specially made collector’s coin with mirror-like surfaces. Under normal circumstances, proof coins from San Francisco carry a small “S” mintmark on the obverse, just above the date. But due to a mint error, a small number of 1970 proof dimes were released without that “S” mintmark. Nobody caught the mistake in time, and those coins ended up in the hands of collectors who had purchased 1970 proof sets.
This kind of error is called a “missing mintmark” variety, and it’s one of the most sought-after types of mistakes in U.S. coin collecting. The 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime is one of a very short list of modern proof errors that commands serious money in today’s market. If you’re trying to figure out whether your dime has the “S” or not, a loupe or magnifying glass is your best friend — or you can use the best coin identifier app to help you identify what you’ve got before you do anything else.
How Many Were Made and Why That Matters
Rarity is one of the biggest factors in coin value, and the 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime is genuinely rare. Estimates suggest that only around 2,200 examples are known to exist, which is a tiny number compared to the millions of regular Roosevelt dimes produced each year. These coins were not released into general circulation — they only came out through the official 1970 proof sets sold by the U.S. Mint. That means most collectors who have one either bought the full proof set or traded for the dime specifically.
Because these coins were handled as collectibles from the beginning, many survivors are in relatively good shape. However, condition still matters a great deal. A coin graded PR-65 by a top grading service like PCGS or NGC will sell for more than a PR-63. You can check up-to-date 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime price data by grade to get a real sense of where the market stands right now. Prices have remained strong for this coin over the years, and demand from serious collectors keeps values elevated.
1970 No S Roosevelt Dime Value by Grade
Here’s a general value breakdown based on recent auction results and dealer prices:
| Grade | Estimated Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PR-60 to PR-63 | $300 – $400 | Light blemishes or contact marks |
| PR-64 | $400 – $500 | Nearly flawless surfaces |
| PR-65 | $500 – $700 | Gem proof quality |
| PR-66 and above | $700 – $1,500+ | Superb specimens, auction records |
How to Tell If Your Dime Is the Real Deal
This is where things get tricky. Some unscrupulous sellers have tried to pass off regular 1970-S proof dimes with the “S” mintmark removed as the genuine No S variety. This kind of alteration is unfortunately not unheard of in the hobby. To protect yourself, always look for a third-party certification from PCGS or NGC if you’re buying or selling this coin. These grading services authenticate the coin and verify the missing mintmark is genuine.
If you inherited a coin collection and want to check whether you have this valuable variety, CoinHix is a great starting point for quick value lookups and comparisons. CoinHix provides current market data across grades so you can see real values without relying on guesswork. You can also visit this detailed guide covering 1970 dime values across all varieties to compare the No S against regular proof and circulation strikes from that year.
Where to Sell a 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime
If you’ve confirmed you have a genuine example, selling options include major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers, where serious collectors actively bid on rare proof errors. Online platforms like eBay can also work, but make sure the coin is properly certified first — buyers will pay significantly more for a slabbed coin from a recognized grading service. Coin shows are another avenue, where you can meet dealers face to face and get real-time offers. Before you sell, use CoinHix to benchmark current prices so you don’t leave money on the table.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my 1970 Roosevelt dime is the No S variety?
A: Look closely at the obverse (heads side) of the coin just above the date. If there is no “S” mintmark and the coin has proof-quality mirror-like surfaces, you may have the rare No S variety. Getting it certified by PCGS or NGC is the only way to confirm authenticity.
Q: Is the 1970 No S dime worth getting graded?
A: Absolutely, yes. Given that genuine examples sell for $300 and up, the cost of professional grading (typically $30–$50 per coin for standard service) is well worth the investment. A certified coin is also much easier to sell at full market value.
Q: Can I find a 1970 No S Roosevelt Dime in pocket change?
A: No. These coins were only distributed inside 1970 U.S. Mint proof sets sold to collectors, so you won’t find one in everyday circulation. If you have one, it almost certainly came from an old proof set or a collector’s holdings.
