1968 Roosevelt Dime Value With No Mint Mark Price Guide
The 1968 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $0.10 in worn condition to over $1,500 for rare No S proof varieties. For most people, finding a 1968 dime in their pocket change means they have a common coin, but understanding certain minting errors and high-grade conditions can reveal hidden treasures worth significant money.
Understanding the Philadelphia Mint 1968 Dime
If you look at your 1968 dime and realize it has no mint mark, don’t panic. In 1968, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 424 million Roosevelt dimes, and none of them carried a mint mark. This was standard practice at the time. To get an accurate reading on your specific coin, you should use the top coin identifier app to see how your coin’s condition compares to known survivors.
For everyday Americans, most of these coins are only worth their face value of ten cents if they show signs of heavy wear. However, because the US moved away from silver in 1965, these 1968 dimes are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. They don’t have intrinsic bullion value, so their worth depends entirely on their numismatic grade and rarity. If you find one that looks remarkably shiny and scratch-free, it might be worth more than a few cents.
To be sure you aren’t missing a rare gem, you can use the CoinKnow app to scan your collection. This tool helps beginners distinguish between a regular circulated coin and one that collectors might pay a premium for. While most 1968 dimes from Philadelphia are common, those found in original mint sets or “Uncirculated” rolls can fetch a few dollars each.
The Rare No S Proof 1968 Dime vs Common No Mint Mark
There is a massive difference between a “No Mint Mark” dime from Philadelphia and the legendary “1968 No S” Proof dime. This is where the real money is found. Normally, all proof coins from this year were supposed to be struck at the San Francisco Mint and carry an “S” mint mark. However, a small number of proof sets were released where the dime was missing the “S” entirely.
These No S Proof dimes are extremely valuable because they were a mistake. They feature a mirror-like finish and sharp details. If you suspect you have one of these, checking the 1968 Roosevelt dime price data for top-tier specimens will show you that these can sell for thousands of dollars at auction.
Distinguishing a proof from a regular Philadelphia circulation strike takes a bit of practice. Proofs have much flatter, mirror-reflecting fields and frosted designs. If you find a 1968 dime in a plastic proof set case that lacks a mint mark, you have found a jackpot. For those just searching through loose change, the odds are much lower, but it is always worth double-checking every coin you come across.
Current Market Prices for 1968 Roosevelt Dimes
The following table provides a breakdown of what you can expect to receive for a typical 1968 dime based on its condition. Most coins found in circulation will fall into the “Good” to “Extra Fine” categories. To see a more detailed breakdown of price trends, you can review the latest 1968 Roosevelt dime value figures online.
| Condition / Grade | Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | Denver (D Mint Mark) | San Francisco (No S Proof Rare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G-XF) | $0.10 – $0.15 | $0.10 – $0.15 | N/A |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $1.50 – $3.00 | $1.50 – $3.00 | N/A |
| High Grade (MS67) | $25.00+ | $35.00+ | N/A |
| Proof-69 Condition | N/A | N/A | $15,000+ |
What Makes a 1968 Dime More Valuable
Aside from the rare No S error, the primary factor for a 1968 dime’s value is its Mint State (MS) grade. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A coin that has never been used for shopping and has no scratches from other coins is considered “Uncirculated.” Within this category, collectors look for “Full Bands.”
Full Bands refers to the two horizontal lines on the torch on the reverse of the dime. If these lines are fully separated and distinct, the coin is much more desirable. A 1968 dime with “Full Bands” can be worth significantly more than one without them. Using the CoinKnow app can help you zoom in on these details to see if your coin qualifies for this premium.
Another factor is “eye appeal.” This includes “toning,” where the metal reacts with the air or its storage container to create beautiful rainbow colors. Some collectors pay hundreds of dollars for a 1968 dime that has naturally turned a vibrant blue or purple over the decades. If your dime looks like it’s glowing with color, don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin actually destroys its value.
Common Errors Found on 1968 Dimes
Beyond the famous proof error, you might find regular 1968 dimes with minor manufacturing mistakes. These are popular among hobbyists. One common error is the “Off-Center Strike,” where the coin was not aligned properly in the machine. A dime that is 10% to 50% off-center can be worth $10 to $50 depending on how much of the date is still visible.
Double die errors are also possible, though they are less common on the 1968 issue compared to other years. If you notice blurring or a “shadow” effect on the lettering or the date, you might have a doubled die coin. These generally require a magnifying glass to identify properly.
With the CoinKnow app, you can compare your find against a database of known error coins to see if you have discovered something unique. While small chips in the metal or minor scrapes from circulation aren’t considered errors, genuine mint mistakes can turn a pocket-change dime into a prized collector piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a 1968 dime silver?
A: No, the 1968 Roosevelt Dime is not made of silver. The United States transitioned away from 90% silver coinage for dimes and quarters after 1964. The 1968 dime is made of a core of pure copper with a outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1968 dime?
A: On a 1968 dime, the mint mark is located on the obverse (front) side, just above the date. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia. If there is a small “D,” it was minted in Denver. If it has an “S” and a mirror finish, it is a San Francisco proof.
Q: How can I tell if my 1968 dime is a rare No S Proof?
A: A No S Proof will have a mirror-like finish and will usually be found in a plastic proof set. If you find a very shiny 1968 dime with no mint mark in your pocket change, it is almost certainly a regular Philadelphia business strike that just hasn’t been worn down yet.
Q: Is the 1968 dime worth keeping?
A: Most 1968 dimes found in daily change are only worth 10 cents. However, you should save any that appear to be in “Mint State” (perfectly shiny with no scratches) or any that show obvious errors like being struck off-center. These may have a value of $1 to $20.
