The 1971-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.10 in circulated condition to over $30,000 for the incredibly rare “No S” variety. While most 1971-S dimes you find in old collections are common proof coins, a few hidden treasures could be worth a small fortune.

Condition / Variety	Estimated Value
Circulated (1971-P or 1971-D)	$0.10 – $0.20
1971-S Proof (Standard)	$2.00 – $5.00
1971-S Proof (Deep Cameo)	$15.00 – $100.00
1971-S “No S” Error Variety	$500.00 – $30,000.00+

Understanding the 1971-S Roosevelt Dime Production

In 1971, the United States Mint produced millions of dimes for everyday commerce at the Philadelphia and Denver facilities. However, the San Francisco Mint was tasked with a different job: creating “Proof” coins. Unlike the coins you find in your pocket change, proof coins are struck twice on specially polished blanks to create a mirror-like finish.

If you are looking at a 1971 dime and see a small “S” mint mark just above the date, you have a San Francisco Proof. These were not intended for spending but were sold to collectors in plastic cases. If you aren’t sure what you’re looking at, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a worn-out proof and a standard circulation strike.

Most people discover these while going through a relative’s estate or a long-forgotten drawer. Because they were made specifically for collectors, many have survived in excellent condition. However, because over 3.2 million proof sets were sold that year, the standard “S” mint mark dime remains very affordable today.

The Rare 1971 “No S” Proof Dime Error

The holy grail for 1971 Roosevelt Dime collectors is the “No S” variety. Through a mistake at the Philadelphia Mint, a handful of proof dies were sent to San Francisco without the “S” mint mark ever being punched into them. Consequently, a very small number of proof sets were released containing a dime that looks like a Philadelphia issue but has the high-gloss finish of a proof.

It is estimated that only about 1,600 to 3,000 of these “No S” dimes exist. Because this is a major error, the 1971-S Roosevelt Dime value for this specific variety is astronomical. Finding one of these is like winning the lottery, as collectors are constantly searching for them in original 1971 Proof Sets.

If you suspect you have one, do not clean it! Cleaning a coin destroys its numismatic value. Instead, use a tool like CoinKnow to zoom in on the area above the date. If the mirror finish is there but the “S” is missing, you may want to have it professionally graded.

Grading and Quality: Why Cameo Matters

When looking at proof coins, collectors pay close attention to the visual contrast. A standard proof will be shiny all over. However, some 1971-S dimes feature what is called a “Cameo” (CAM) or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect. This occurs when the portrait of FDR appears frosted and white, while the background (field) remains as dark and reflective as a mirror.

Deep Cameo 1971-S dimes are much rarer than standard ones. This is because the frosting on the dies wears down quickly during production. Only the earliest coins struck from a fresh die will display this beautiful contrast. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are the only ones who can officially designate a coin as DCAM.

For those tracking prices, the 1971 Roosevelt Dime price guide data shows a significant jump in value for coins that achieve a “Proof 69” or “Proof 70” grade with Deep Cameo designations.

Grade (Condition)	Standard Proof Value	Deep Cameo (DCAM) Value
PR 65 (Average)	$3.00	$12.00
PR 67 (Great)	$6.00	$25.00
PR 69 (Superb)	$15.00	$85.00
PR 70 (Perfect)	$200.00	$1,500.00+

How to Identify a 1971-S Proof Dime in Circulation

You might be wondering: “Can I find a 1971-S dime in my pocket change?” While it is rare, it does happen. Sometimes an heir to a coin collection doesn’t realize the value and spends the proof sets like regular money. These are called “impaired proofs.”

A proof dime found in circulation will still look slightly different than a regular 1971-P or 1971-D dime. It will have a much sharper strike, meaning the details in FDR’s hair and the torches on the back are more defined. The edges of the coin are also usually “square” and sharp, rather than rounded like a regular business strike.

If you find a dime that looks extra shiny or has an “S” mint mark, you should verify its 1971 dime market value before visiting a coin shop. Most coin shops will buy proof dimes for a small premium over face value, but they are mostly worth keeping as a neat curiosity.

Comparing 1971-S to Philadelphia and Denver Mints

While this article focuses on the San Francisco “S” mint mark, it is important to know what else was happening in 1971. The Philadelphia Mint produced over 160 million dimes (with no mint mark), and Denver produced over 370 million (with a ‘D’ mint mark).

Because these were made in such massive quantities, a 1971 dime from Philly or Denver is usually only worth its face value ($0.10) if it has been used. However, if you find a 1971-P or 1971-D that is in “uncirculated” condition—meaning it looks brand new and has a frosty luster—it could be worth $1 to $10.

Collectors of the standard 1971 business strikes look for “Full Bands.” This refers to the two horizontal ribbons on the torch on the reverse of the coin. If those lines are perfectly clear and not blended together, the coin is much more valuable to high-end collectors. You can use CoinKnow to compare your coin against high-resolution photos of Full Band specimens.

Mint Mark	Mintage	Typical Value Uncirculated
None (Philadelphia)	162,730,000	$2 – $5
D (Denver)	377,883,680	$2 – $5
S (San Francisco)	3,224,138	$3 – $10

Final Tips for New Coin Collectors

If you just discovered a 1971-S Roosevelt Dime, the best thing you can do is handle it with care. Always hold coins by the edges so the oils from your fingers don’t damage the surface. If the coin is in a plastic case, leave it there!

The excitement of coin collecting often starts with a single find. While the “No S” error is the most famous, even the standard 1971-S is a piece of American history from an era when the San Francisco mint was creating some of its most iconic proof sets. If you want to dive deeper into the hobby, downloading CoinKnow is a great way to start identifying coins quickly and accurately.

Keep an eye out for those missing “S” marks—you never know when a five-figure treasure might be sitting right in front of you in an old blue proof set box!

FAQ

Q: Is a 1971-S dime made of silver?

A: No, 1971-S Roosevelt Dimes are not silver. The US stopped making silver dimes for circulation in 1964. The 1971-S is made of a copper-nickel “clad” composition. If it were silver, the edge would look solid silver rather than showing a copper-colored stripe.

Q: How can I tell if my 1971 dime is a “No S” proof?

A: First, it must have a proof finish (mirror-like background). A regular Philadelphia dime also has no “S,” but it has a dull, satin finish. If your dime is incredibly shiny, looks like a mirror, and has no “S” mint mark, it might be the rare error.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1971-S dime?

A: The record price for a 1971 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dime is over $45,000 at auction. However, standard 1971-S proof dimes usually sell for less than $10 unless they are in perfect “Proof 70 Deep Cameo” condition.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1971 dime?

A: The mint mark on a 1971 Roosevelt dime is located on the front (obverse) of the coin. Look just above the date on the right side. You will see either a “D” for Denver, an “S” for San Francisco, or no mark at all for Philadelphia.