The 1970 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.10 in worn condition to over $500 in high-grade mint state. While most dimes from this year found in your pocket change are common, certain rare varieties and high-quality specimens can be surprisingly valuable to collectors.

Condition/Grade	Estimated Value (USD)
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.10 – $0.25
Uncirculated (MS60 – MS63)	$1.00 – $5.00
Choice Mint State (MS65+)	$10.00 – $45.00
Rare Error/Variety	$500.00+

Identifying the 1970 Roosevelt Dime With No Mint Mark

If you have a 1970 dime and you look closely near the date but don’t see a small letter, you have a 1970 Roosevelt Dime with no mint mark. For most U.S. coins, the absence of a mark indicates that the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. During this era, Philadelphia was the primary facility for producing circulating currency, and they traditionally did not use a “P” mint mark on dimes until 1980.

Finding a “no mint mark” dime in your change is a very common occurrence. In 1970, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 345 million of these coins. Because they were made for general commerce, millions are still floating around today. If you are unsure about the specific quality or origin of your coin, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common pocket find and a collector’s item.

Most everyday Americans find these coins while cleaning out jars or looking through their wallets. It is important to remember that by 1970, the U.S. Mint had already transitioned away from silver. These dimes are composed of a copper-nickel “clad” composition. This means they do not have the intrinsic bullion value that 1964 and earlier silver dimes possess. However, using CoinKnow can help you track your collection’s growth over time.

1970 Roosevelt Dime Value and Grading Standards

The value of a 1970 Roosevelt Dime is heavily dependent on its “grade,” which is a professional assessment of the coin’s condition. For a coin with such a high mintage, only those in exceptional, “uncirculated” condition carry a significant premium. Most coins found in circulation will only be worth their face value of ten cents, as collectors generally seek out coins that haven’t been scratched or worn down by years of use.

When professionals grade these coins, they look for original mint luster—that satiny sheen found on new coins. If a dime is dull, scratched, or has smoothed-out details on Roosevelt’s hair or the torch on the reverse, it is considered “circulated.” To get a better idea of current market trends, checking a 1970 dime price guide for mint state grades is a smart move for any beginner.

High-grade examples, specifically those graded Mint State 67 (MS67) or higher, are where the money is. These coins are rare because most 1970 dimes were put directly into use. A pristine specimen with no visible marks under a magnifying glass can sell for dozens or even hundreds of dollars at auction. You can easily scan your coins with CoinKnow to see if the quality justifies professional grading.

Grade Scale	Visual Description	Market Value
Good to Fine	Heavy wear, flattened details	$0.10
Extremely Fine	Light wear on high points	$0.15 – $0.50
MS63	Attractive, some small marks	$2.00 – $7.00
MS67	Near perfect, great luster	$50.00 – $150.00

The Famous 1970-S No S Proof Dime Error

While the 1970 dimes from Philadelphia naturally have “no mint mark,” there is a very famous and expensive error involving the San Francisco Mint. San Francisco usually adds an “S” mint mark to their coins, which are typically “Proof” coins—special coins made for collectors with a mirror-like finish. However, in 1970, a small number of proof dimes were accidentally struck without the “S” mint mark.

This “1970-S No S” Proof Dime is the “holy grail” for collectors of this series. Because these were Proof coins, they will have a very shiny, reflective background and sharp details compared to a regular dime. If you find a 1970 dime with a mirror-like surface and no mint mark, you might be looking at a coin worth over $500. This is significantly higher than the standard 1970 Roosevelt Dime price for business strikes.

It is important not to confuse a regular, shiny Philadelphia dime with a Proof error. Proof coins are typically found in rigid plastic “Proof Sets” sold by the Mint, though they do occasionally get broken out and spent. Using a tool like CoinKnow can help you identify if your coin has the specific characteristics of a Proof strike versus a regular business strike intended for circulation.

Full Bands (FB) Designation and Its Impact on Value

For serious Roosevelt Dime collectors, the “Full Bands” (FB) designation is a major factor in determining value. On the reverse of the dime, there is a torch. This torch has horizontal bands at the top and the bottom. On most dimes, these bands are weakly struck and look blurry or blended together.

A 1970 dime that shows a clear, distinct separation between these horizontal bands is highly prized. This indicates a very strong strike from the coin press. Coins with the “Full Bands” designation often sell for ten times the price of a standard dime in the same numerical grade. For example, a 1970 MS66 dime might be worth $30, but a 1970 MS66 FB dime could command $300 or more.

Achieving this designation is difficult for the 1970 issue, as the dies used that year were often worn down. If you notice that your dime has exceptionally sharp details on the back, it is worth keeping in a protective flip. Collectors frequently hunt for these “hidden gems” in uncirculated rolls to submit for professional grading.

Mintage Location	Mint Mark	Mintage Quantity
Philadelphia	None	345,570,000
Denver	D	754,942,100
San Francisco (Proof)	S	2,632,810
San Francisco (Error)	None (No S)	Extremely Rare

Clad Composition and Rare Minting Errors

Since 1965, Roosevelt Dimes have been made of a “clad” sandwich: an inner core of pure copper and outer layers made of a mix of 75% copper and 25% nickel. You can see this if you look at the edge of the coin; you will usually see a distinct copper stripe. This transition away from 90% silver means that a 1970 dime will never be worth its weight in silver like a 1964 dime.

However, errors during the minting process can create value where metal content does not. Look for “off-center” strikes, where the image is not centered on the coin. Also, look for “broadstrikes,” which occur when the coin is struck without the outer collar, making it look slightly larger and flatter than usual. These errors can turn a ten-cent coin into a $20 to $50 treasure.

Another rare error to look for is the “double die.” This happens when the die used to stamp the coin has a doubled image, leading to a faint ghostly doubling of the letters or numbers. While no major, “famous” double dies exist for the 1970 Philadelphia dime, minor versions still attract interest from specialized error collectors. Examining your coins under high magnification is the best way to spot these anomalies.

Why the 1970 Dime is Still Worth Checking

You might wonder why anyone would bother looking at a dime from 1970 if so many were made. The answer lies in the thrill of the hunt. Numismatics (the study of coins) is about finding the exception to the rule. While 99.9% of these dimes are only worth face value, that tiny remaining percentage contains coins that are historically significant or aesthetically perfect.

For many Americans, checking their change is a gateway into a rewarding hobby. Organizing your coins by year and mint mark helps you understand the history of American currency. Even if your 1970 dime isn’t a “No S” Proof, it represents a moment in time when the United States was producing billions of coins to fuel a booming economy.

Keeping your coins in good condition is key. If you find a particularly shiny 1970 dime, avoid touching the surfaces with your fingers, as oils can cause corrosion over time. Instead, hold it by the edges. As you build your collection, you’ll find that even common dates like 1970 play an essential role in a complete Roosevelt Dime set.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1970 dime with no mint mark rare?

A: No, it is not rare. A 1970 dime with no mint mark simply means it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Over 345 million were produced, so they are very common in circulation and usually only worth ten cents.

Q: How can I tell if I have the rare “No S” Proof dime?

A: A rare “No S” Error dime will have a mirror-like, reflective finish and very sharp details, as it was intended to be a Proof coin. Regular Philadelphia dimes have a duller, satiny, or matte finish. If it looks like a mirror, it could be the rare error.

Q: Does a 1970 dime contain any silver?

A: No, the 1970 Roosevelt Dime is a clad coin made of copper and nickel. The U.S. Mint stopped using silver for dimes after 1964. If your coin has a reddish stripe on the edge, it is definitely a copper-nickel clad coin.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1970 dime?

A: While regular 1970 dimes sell for small amounts, the rare “1970-S No S” Proof error has sold for several thousand dollars in perfect condition. High-grade regular strikes (MS68 FB) can also reach prices between $500 and $1,000 at major auctions.