The 1946 S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2.50 in worn silver condition to over $600 in premium mint state collector grades. As the very first year of the Roosevelt series, this coin holds a special place in history and remains a favorite for newcomers to the world of coin collecting.

History and Significance of the 1946 S Roosevelt Dime

In 1946, the United States Mint introduced a new dime to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had passed away the previous year. This transition from the “Mercury” design marked a major shift in American coinage. The San Francisco Mint, denoted by the small ‘S’ mint mark, played a crucial role in this inaugural year.

Finding one of these in your change or an old jar is quite exciting because every single one contains 90% silver. Unlike the clad dimes we use for laundry today, these vintage pieces have intrinsic bullion value that far exceeds their ten-cent face value. If you are unsure if your coin is a genuine San Francisco strike, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the mint mark location and get an instant estimate.

Many families across America have these tucked away. Because 1946 was the first year of issue, many people saved them as souvenirs, meaning you can still find them in relatively good condition. When you use the CoinKnow app, you can track how the market for these early silver dimes fluctuates based on the current price of silver and collector demand.

Identifying the S Mint Mark and Mintage Figures

To determine the specific 1946 S Roosevelt Dime value, you must first verify that it was actually struck in San Francisco. Look on the reverse (tails) side of the coin. Near the bottom left of the torch, you should see a small “S” letter. If there is no letter, it was made in Philadelphia; if there is a “D”, it came from Denver.

The San Francisco Mint produced 27,921,000 dimes in 1946. While this sounds like a lot, it is significantly lower than the 255 million produced in Philadelphia that same year. This lower mintage makes the “S” variant more desirable to collectors who are trying to complete a full set of the series.

If you are struggling to see the tiny mint mark, the CoinKnow mobile tool offers high-resolution magnification features. Professional grading services and the latest 1946 S Roosevelt Dime price data suggest that even circulated copies maintain a steady premium because of their silver content and historical status.

Grading and Condition Effects on Value

The physical condition of your coin, known as its “grade,” is the biggest factor in determining its market price. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Most coins found in “pocket change” or old collections will fall into the “Circulated” category, showing visible wear on Roosevelt’s cheek or the leaves of the torch.

“Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS) coins are those that never entered public use. These coins retain their original luster and shine. For the 1946-S, collectors pay a massive premium for coins that have “Full Bands” (FB). This refers to the horizontal bands on the torch on the reverse side being fully separated and distinct.

A standard uncirculated 1946-S might be worth $10 to $20, but if it has the “Full Bands” designation, the price can skyrocket. You can find detailed breakdowns of these technical grades in this comprehensive 1946 dime value report which explains the nuances of high-grade silver coins.

1946 S Roosevelt Dime Value Chart

To help you quickly estimate what your coin might be worth, we have compiled a price guide based on recent auction results and coin shop retail averages. Please note that silver prices change daily, which affects the “melt value” of the coin.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value (USD)
Good (G-4) to Fine (F-12)	$2.25 – $2.75
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	$3.50 – $5.00
About Uncirculated (AU-50)	$6.00 – $8.00
Mint State (MS-63)	$15.00 – $25.00
Mint State (MS-65 Gem)	$40.00 – $65.00
MS-67 with Full Bands	$450.00 – $850.00+

Rare Errors and Varieties to Look For

While most 1946 S dimes are standard issues, there are a few “errors” that can make a single dime worth hundreds of dollars. Errors occur during the minting process and are highly prized by specialists. For the 1946-S, keep an eye out for “Repunched Mint Marks” (RPM), where the ‘S’ looks like it was stamped twice, slightly offset.

Another interesting variety is the “Doubled Die” error. This is most easily seen in the lettering of “IN GOD WE TRUST” or the date. If the letters look like they have a faint blurry shadow or a double outline, you might have found a rare error coin.

Before you spend or sell your coin, it is wise to use CoinKnow to scan the surface for these microscopic details. Rare varieties often go unnoticed by the general public, but they are the “holy grails” for serious numismatists. Even a small die crack or a unique lamination error can add a $20 to $50 premium to the silver value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the 1946 S Roosevelt Dime made of real silver?

A: Yes, all Roosevelt dimes minted from 1946 to 1964 are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. They are often called “junk silver” by investors, but they are highly valuable for their precious metal content.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1946 S dime?

A: The mint mark is located on the reverse side (the side with the torch). Look to the left of the base of the torch, just above the “E” in “ONE.” An ‘S’ indicates the San Francisco Mint.

Q: How much is a 1946 S dime worth if it’s very worn?

A: Even if the coin is heavily worn and the design is faint, it is still worth its “melt value.” As of current market rates, this is usually between $2.00 and $2.50. It will never be worth just ten cents.

Q: What is a “Full Bands” 1946 S dime?

A: “Full Bands” is a designation given by grading services to dimes that have exceptionally sharp strikes. The horizontal bands holding the torch must be clearly separated. These coins are rare and command much higher prices than standard dimes.