The 1973-D Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its face value of $10 cents in heavily circulated condition to over $400 for high-grade specimens. While most of these coins are common pocket change, finding a pristine example or a rare mint error can significantly increase the payout for a lucky collector.

No matter if you found a shiny dime in your jar or inherited a small collection, knowing the exact 1973 D Roosevelt Dime value is the first step toward potential profit. To get an instant appraisal from the comfort of your home, many modern collectors use a top coin identifier app to scan their coins for rare features. These digital tools, like the CoinKnow app, help you distinguish between a common spender and a valuable numismatic treasure. In 1973, the Denver Mint produced over 430 million dimes, meaning they are far from rare, but the condition is everything when determining market price.

Identifying Features and Composition of the 1973-D Dime

Before you get excited about a potential windfall, it is important to understand what the 1973-D Roosevelt Dime is actually made of. Unlike dimes minted before 1965, which contain 90% silver, the 1973 version is a “clad” coin. This means it consists of a core of pure copper with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. You can often see the copper stripe on the edge of the coin, which is a dead giveaway that it lacks precious metal content.

The “D” mint mark is located just above the date on the obverse (front) side. This small letter indicates that the coin was struck at the Denver Mint. The design features President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a tribute that began in 1946 to honor his leadership and his role in the March of Dimes. On the reverse, you will find an olive branch, a torch, and an oak branch, symbolizing peace, liberty, and victory. While the composition is humble, the high demand for registry sets keeps the market for high-grade 1973-D dimes quite active.

Comparing 1973-D Roosevelt Dime Grades and Market Prices

When assessing the worth of your coin, collectors use the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. Most coins you find in circulation will be graded between Good (G) and About Uncirculated (AU). These coins typically sell for $0.10 to $0.25. However, once you enter the “Mint State” (MS) territory, the current resale price for uncirculated 1973-D Roosevelt dimes starts to climb.

Finding an MS67 or MS68 grade is rare because these coins were often bagged and shipped in bulk, leading to “bag marks” and scratches. If you believe your dime is in perfect condition, using CoinKnow can help you compare it against high-resolution images of certified gems. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of value based on the grade of your Denver-minted dime.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
Circulated (Good to AU)	$0.10 – $0.20
Uncirculated MS63	$2.00 – $5.00
Choice Uncirculated MS65	$15.00 – $25.00
Superb Gem MS67	$100.00 – $150.00
Near-Perfect MS68 Full Bands	$400.00+

What Does Full Bands Mean for 1973-D Dime Value

Serious Roosevelt dime collectors look for a specific designation called “Full Bands” (FB) or “Full Torch” (FT). This refers to the reverse design where the horizontal bands at the top and bottom of the torch are clearly defined and separated. In many 1973-D strikes, these bands are mushy or blended together because the dies were worn out.

A 1973-D dime with Full Bands is significantly more valuable than one without. For example, a standard MS67 might sell for $80, but the same grade with the FB designation could easily double that price. Checking your coin under a magnifying glass is essential to see these fine details. For a deeper look at specific auction records, you can check the comprehensive 1973-D dime value data to see what buyers have paid recently.

Valuable Errors to Look for on a 1973 Denver Dime

Errors are where the real excitement begins for “everyday” coin hunters. While billions of dimes are minted correctly, a few slip through the cracks with mechanical mistakes. In 1973, there weren’t many major variety errors like doubled dies, but you can still find off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and broadstrikes.

An off-center strike occurs when the coin blank is not perfectly positioned between the dies. If the design is missing by 10% or more, the value can jump to $20 or $50. A more extreme error, such as a dime struck on a penny planchet, can be worth hundreds. If you find a coin that looks “weird” or “wrong,” don’t spend it! The CoinKnow app can be a great resource to help identify if your anomaly is an official mint error or just “post-mint damage” caused by a parking lot or a washing machine.

Where to Sell and How to Protect Your 1973-D Roosevelt Dime

If you discover that you have a high-grade 1973-D Roosevelt Dime, the next step is preservation. Never clean your coins with chemicals or cloths, as this creates tiny scratches that ruin the numismatic value. Store your finds in acid-free plastic flips or cardboard holders.

Selling these coins can be done through local coin shops, eBay, or specialized numismatic auctions. For common uncirculated coins, eBay is often the best platform to reach a wide audience of collectors. For rare Full Band examples or significant errors, professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC may be necessary to realize the full market value. Always research current trends before selling to ensure you are getting a fair price for your piece of American history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 1973-D dime made of silver?

A: No, the 1973-D Roosevelt Dime is a clad coin made of copper and nickel. The last silver dimes intended for circulation were minted in 1964.

What makes a 1973-D dime worth $100 or more?

A: Only dimes in exceptional condition (MS67 or higher) or those with the “Full Bands” designation and rare mint errors reach these high price points. Most 1973-D dimes found in pockets are only worth ten cents.

Where is the mint mark on a 1973 Denver dime?

A: The “D” mint mark is located on the front of the coin, just above the date on the right side of Roosevelt’s neck.

Can I find a 1973-S dime in my spare change?

A: It is very unlikely. The “S” mint mark indicates the San Francisco Mint, which only produced Proof coins for collectors in 1973. While a few might have been spent by accident, they are generally not found in circulation.