The 1970-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2 in circulated condition to over $20 or more in pristine mint state — and proof versions can fetch even higher prices depending on quality. If you found one in an old coin jar or inherited a collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’ve got.
What Makes the 1970-S Roosevelt Dime Special
The 1970-S Roosevelt Dime was struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint, which is why it carries that distinctive “S” mintmark. Unlike its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts, the San Francisco Mint in 1970 focused primarily on producing proof coins — highly polished, mirror-like strikes made specifically for collectors. This means most 1970-S dimes you’ll encounter were never meant for everyday pocket change. They were packaged in proof sets and sold to coin enthusiasts, giving them a different character from typical circulated coins.
If you’re just getting started identifying your coins, using the best coin identifier app can help you quickly confirm the mintmark, date, and grade of your Roosevelt Dime before diving deeper into valuation.
The Roosevelt Dime itself has been in production since 1946, honoring President Franklin D. Roosevelt. By 1970, the dime was already composed of a copper-nickel clad alloy — the familiar silver-colored coin made since 1965. So unlike earlier Roosevelt Dimes from 1964 and before, the 1970-S carries no silver content. Its value is driven entirely by collector demand, proof quality, and condition.
1970-S Roosevelt Dime Value by Condition
Condition is everything when it comes to coin values, and the 1970-S Roosevelt Dime is no exception. Since most examples are proof coins, graders use the PR (Proof) scale rather than the MS (Mint State) scale. A proof coin with deep cameo contrast — meaning sharp, frosted design elements against a mirror-like background — commands the highest prices.
Here’s a general value breakdown for the 1970-S Roosevelt Dime:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR-60 | Basic proof, some blemishes | $2 – $4 |
| PR-65 | Gem proof, minor contact marks | $5 – $8 |
| PR-67 | Superb gem proof | $10 – $18 |
| PR-69 DCAM | Deep cameo, near perfect | $20 – $40+ |
| PR-70 DCAM | Perfect proof, deep cameo | $100+ |
For the most up-to-date pricing, you can check the 1970 Roosevelt Dime price data by grade which tracks real auction results and market trends.
How to Identify Your 1970-S Dime and Check Its Grade
Identifying a 1970-S Roosevelt Dime is straightforward once you know what to look for. Flip the coin to the reverse (tails) side and look near the bottom of the torch design — that’s where the mintmark lives. A small “S” confirms it was struck in San Francisco.
Next, examine the surfaces under good lighting. Proof coins will have a glassy, reflective field (the flat background area) and often a frosty, almost chalky look on Roosevelt’s portrait and the torch. The more distinct that contrast, the higher the cameo designation it may earn.
Using CoinHix is a smart move here — the app allows you to photograph your coin and get an instant grade estimate, helping you understand whether you’re holding a common proof or something potentially worth submitting to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Avoid cleaning your coin under any circumstances. Even a gentle wipe can introduce hairline scratches that kill the proof surfaces and drop its value significantly.
Where to Sell or Learn More About Your 1970-S Dime Value
Once you know your coin’s grade, deciding where to sell matters. For proof coins in PR-65 or below, eBay and local coin shops are convenient options. For high-grade examples — especially PR-68 DCAM and above — consider submitting to a third-party grading service first. A certified slab dramatically increases buyer confidence and often results in a better sale price at auction.
You can also explore detailed 1970 dime value information by grade and mintmark to compare your coin against recent sold listings and understand what the current market looks like.
CoinHix also features a marketplace connection feature, helping everyday collectors find the right platform to list or sell their coins based on current demand — a handy tool whether you’re selling one dime or an entire proof set.
FAQ About the 1970-S Roosevelt Dime
Q: Is the 1970-S Roosevelt Dime made of silver?
A: No. The 1970-S Roosevelt Dime is made of a copper-nickel clad composition. Roosevelt Dimes were struck in 90% silver only through 1964. Starting in 1965, all circulation and proof dimes switched to the clad format, so there is no silver melt value in this coin.
Q: How many 1970-S Roosevelt Dimes were made?
A: The San Francisco Mint produced approximately 2,632,810 proof Roosevelt Dimes in 1970 as part of that year’s proof sets. While that’s a relatively modest mintage compared to circulation coins, the large number of proof sets saved by collectors means examples are still fairly available today.
Q: Should I get my 1970-S Dime professionally graded?
A: It depends on the condition. If your coin looks flawless — mirror fields, sharp cameo contrast, no visible marks — it may be worth the grading fee to submit to PCGS or NGC. A PR-69 DCAM or PR-70 DCAM can be worth many times more than an ungraded coin. For average-looking proofs, grading costs may outweigh the added value. Use CoinHix to get a preliminary grade estimate before deciding.
