The 1970-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2 in typical proof condition to over $1,500 for rare “No S” error varieties. For most everyday collectors, finding a “S” mint mark on your dime indicates a coin specifically struck for collectors rather than general circulation.

Condition / Variety	Estimated Value
PR65 Proof (Standard)	$3 – $5
PR69 Deep Cameo	$25 – $40
1970 No S Proof Variety	$500 – $1,500+

Why the 1970-S Roosevelt Dime is Unique

If you’ve recently sorted through a collection and found a dime featuring a small “S” near the date, you are looking at a “Proof” coin. Unlike the dimes you use to buy a soda, which were minted in Philadelphia or Denver, 1970-S dimes were struck at the San Francisco Assay Office. These coins were never intended to spend time in a cash register; they were sold in plastic-encased sets to hobbyists.

Checking your change is a great habit, but identifying a proof coin requires a sharp eye for detail. If you are uncertain about the origin of your find, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard circulation strike and a proof strike. Many people find these coins in old “junk silver” bins or inherited collections.

While most 1970-S dimes are common, their value is tied strictly to their “cameo” effect—the contrast between the frosty portrait of FDR and the mirror-like background. If yours looks exceptionally shiny or “black” in the background, it might be worth more than a few dollars. Professionals often use CoinKnow to verify these aesthetic qualities quickly.

The Value Factors of the 1970-S Roosevelt Dime

For a standard 1970-S Proof Dime, the value is relatively stable. Because hundreds of thousands of Proof Sets were produced, the market is usually well-supplied. However, the price jumps significantly when you reach the highest tiers of preservation, often referred to as “Deep Cameo” or “Ultra Cameo” by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.

Most 1970-S dimes found in unsealed sets are worth a few dollars. However, the market price for 1970 dimes in top grades can reach into the hundreds if they exhibit perfect surfaces. A coin with a “PR69” or “PR70” grade—essentially a perfect score—is what every collector is hunting for.

If you find a 1970-S dime that is scratched or tarnished, its value drops to nearly its face value of ten cents, as collectors only pay premiums for pristine examples. Many casual hunters use CoinKnow to see real-time auction results before deciding whether to pay for professional grading.

Grade Designation	Average Market Price
Proof 63-65	$2.00 – $4.00
Proof 67 CAM	$12.00
Proof 69 DCAM	$35.00
Proof 70 DCAM	$250.00+

The Legendary 1970 “No S” Dime Error

The most exciting aspect of 1970 dimes is the famous “No S” error. In 1970, a small number of proof dies were accidentally shipped from Philadelphia (where they are made) to San Francisco without the “S” mint mark being stamped onto the die. This resulted in a small batch of proof dimes being struck that lacked a mint mark entirely.

This is a major rarity in the numismatic world. While millions of standard 1970 dimes were made in Philadelphia for circulation (lacking a mint mark), the “No S” variety is specifically a proof coin. You can tell it is a variety because of its mirror-like finish and sharp details compared to a duller, circulated dime.

According to various guides on 1970 dime value, a genuine No S proof can sell for over $1,000 even in lower proof grades. Because this error is so subtle, many go unnoticed. If you have a proof set from 1970, look closely at the dime. If that “S” is missing, you have hit the jackpot.

How to Identify a Proof Dime in Your Change

You might wonder how a proof coin ends up in your pocket. Usually, it happens when someone breaks open a proof set to spend the money or when a collection is stolen and spent quickly. These are known as “impaired proofs.” Detecting them requires looking at the edges and the strike.

Proof coins have much sharper edges (square rims) than regular coins. Even if the mirror finish has been worn away by circulation, the strike will appear much deeper. The hair on Roosevelt’s head and the lines on the torch on the reverse will be significantly more defined than on a standard 1920-50s or 70s dime.

Many beginners use the CoinKnow app’s visual recognition feature to spot these differences. Since 1970-S dimes are made of a copper-nickel clad composition (not silver), they won’t have that distinctive silver ring when dropped. However, their value to a collector remains higher than a standard dime because of their origin.

Feature	Standard 1970 (Circulated)	1970-S Proof
Mint Mark	None (Philadelphia)	“S” (San Francisco)
Finish	Satin / Dull	Mirror-like / Reflective
Rim	Rounded	Sharp / Square

Tips for Selling Your 1970-S Dime

If you’ve determined that your 1970-S dime is in high-grade condition or is the coveted “No S” variety, selling it requires a bit of strategy. For standard “S” mint mark dimes, your best bet is selling to a local coin shop or listing on eBay. However, because shipping often costs more than the coin’s $3 value, selling them in bulk or as part of a set is usually better.

For the rare varieties, professional authentication is a must. Most buyers will not pay $1,000 for a “No S” dime unless it is encased in a slab from PCGS or NGC. This protects both the buyer and the seller. Before spending money on grading, ensure the coin doesn’t have “hairline” scratches from being wiped with a cloth, which can ruin its value.

Keep your coins in PVC-free flips or original mint packaging. Exposure to air and moisture can cause “toning” or spotting, which some collectors like, but most prefer a clean, white appearance for Roosevelt dimes. Watching market trends on CoinKnow can help you time your sale for when interest in 1970s coinage is peaking.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1970-S Roosevelt Dime made of silver?

A: No. By 1970, the U.S. Mint had transitioned all dimes to a copper-nickel clad composition. The last 90% silver Roosevelt dimes were minted in 1964. Although the 1970-S has a shiny, silver-like appearance, it contains no precious metal.

Q: How many 1970-S dimes were minted?

A: The San Francisco mint produced approximately 2,632,810 proof Roosevelt dimes in 1970. While this sounds like a lot, it is much lower than the hundreds of millions produced in Philadelphia and Denver for circulation.

Q: What is the most expensive 1970-S dime ever sold?

A: The record is held by the 1970 “No S” Proof variety. High-grade examples of this error have sold at auction for over $1,500. Standard 1970-S dimes in perfect PR70 condition can also fetch several hundred dollars.

Q: Where can I find the mint mark on a 1970 dime?

A: The mint mark is located just above the date on the obverse (heads) side of the coin. If you see an “S”, it was minted in San Francisco. If there is no letter at all, it was likely minted in Philadelphia for general circulation.