The 1979-D Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its $0.10 face value in worn condition to over $1,200 for rare high-grade specimens. While most found in pocket change are common, searching for specific mint errors or high-state preservation can turn a simple ten-cent piece into a valuable collector’s item.

Grade Condition	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.10 – $0.25
Uncirculated (MS60 – MS65)	$1.00 – $15.00
High Grade (MS67+)	$40.00 – $500.00+
Full Torch (FT) Gems	$1,000+

Identifying Your 1979-D Roosevelt Dime and Its Market Reach

If you’ve recently sorted through a jar of old change and spotted a dime from 1979 with a small “D” mark, you are holding a piece of American history from the late disco era. To determine if your coin is a hidden gem, many collectors now use a top coin identifier app to get instant feedback on their finds. The 1979-D dime was struck at the Denver Mint in massive quantities, making the average circulated coin very common.

Because these coins were minted by the hundreds of millions, they aren’t rare in the traditional sense. However, the “D” mint mark signifies its origin in Denver, and the quality of strikes varied wildly that year. Most people using CoinKnow find that their coins are worth exactly ten cents, but price appreciation happens when the coin looks like it just came off the press.

Understanding the difference between a “spender” and a “keeper” requires a close look at the surface. If the coin has lost its luster and looks dull, it is likely only worth face value. But if it retains a mirror-like shine and has no scratches on the face of Franklin D. Roosevelt, you might want to look closer at the 1979 dime value factors that drive up auction prices.

Grading and the Impact of Condition on 1979-D Dime Prices

In the world of numismatics, the “grade” is everything. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. For a 1979-D Roosevelt Dime to be worth anything significant to a dealer, it generally needs to be in “Mint State” (MS60 or higher). This means it never entered public circulation and was likely pulled from a mint set or a bank-wrapped roll.

Collectors pay a premium for “Full Torch” (FT) or “Full Bands” (FB) designations. On the reverse of the dime, there is a torch. If the horizontal bands at the top and bottom of that torch are clearly separated and distinct, the coin is considered a high-quality strike. These rare versions of the 1979-D Roosevelt Dime price guide entries show that collectors will fight over these at auction.

Most people using CoinKnow to track their collection quickly realize that MS67 and MS68 grades are where the real money is made. A standard MS65 might sell for $10, but jump up just two points, and the price can skyrocket. This is because high-grade preservation for 1970s coinage is actually quite rare due to the poor quality of the planchets (metal blanks) used at the time.

Mint State Grade	Standard Strike Value	Full Torch (FT) Value
MS63	$2	$5
MS65	$12	$35
MS67	$45	$250
MS68	$400+	$1,200+

Standard Composition and 1979-D Dime Specifications

It is a common misconception among beginner hunters that these dimes contain silver. Unfortunately, the US Mint stopped using 90% silver for Roosevelt dimes in 1964. The 1979-D Roosevelt Dime is a “clad” coin, meaning it is made of a core of pure copper with an outer layer consisting of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This is why you see a copper stripe on the edge of the coin.

Because there is no precious metal content, the value is entirely based on rarity and condition. The Denver Mint produced approximately 415 million of these dimes in 1979. With such a high mintage, there is no “bullion value” to lean on. Your profit comes from finding a coin that escaped the wear and tear of daily commerce.

When you use an app like CoinKnow, you can record the specifications to ensure you aren’t looking at a counterfeit or a damaged coin. The weight should be approximately 2.27 grams. If you find one that weighs significantly more or less, you might have discovered an off-metal error, which could be worth hundreds of dollars to the right buyer.

Rare 1979-D Roosevelt Dime Errors Worth Hunting For

Errors are the “wild card” of coin collecting. While a standard 1979-D dime is common, an errored version is a prize. Some of the most popular errors found on 1979 dimes include “Off-Center Strikes,” where the design is pushed to one side, and “Broadstrikes,” where the coin is flatter and wider because it was struck without its retaining collar.

Another interesting error to look for is the “Multiple Strike” error. This happens when the coin is struck, fails to eject, and is struck again by the dies. If the second strike is rotated, it creates a dramatic visual effect. These can sell for $50 to $200 depending on how much of the original design is visible.

Clipped planchets are also common for this era. This occurs when the machine punches out the coin blank and overlaps with a previous hole, leaving a crescent-shaped chunk missing from the side. While a small clip might only add $5 to the value, a large, dramatic clip can make the coin much more desirable for enthusiasts of error currency.

Error Type	Visual Description	Estimated Price
10% Off-Center	Part of the design is missing	$15 – $30
Blank Planchet	Smooth silver-colored disk	$5 – $10
Die Crack (Cud)	Raised lump of metal on edge	$20 – $100
Double Die	Doubling in letters/numbers	$10 – $50

Where to Sell Your 1979-D Roosevelt Dime

If you believe you have a high-grade 1979-D Roosevelt Dime, your first step should be to compare it against known sold listings. Don’t look at “asking prices” on sites like eBay; look for “Sold Items” to see what people actually paid. This gives you a realistic expectation of its market value.

For coins that appear to be in the MS67 or MS68 range, it may be worth sending them to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A slabbed and certified coin will always sell for more than a “raw” coin because the buyer has a guaranteed grade. However, remember that grading costs money (typically $20-$50 per coin), so only do this if the potential value justifies the expense.

Small-scale sellers usually find success on platforms like eBay or specialized coin forums. If you have a significant error or a top-tier condition coin, local coin shops may also be interested, though they will typically offer you 50-70% of the retail value so they can make a profit on the resale. Keep your eyes peeled and your magnifying glass ready!

FAQ

1979-D Roosevelt Dime Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the 1979-D dime contain silver?

A: No, the 1979-D Roosevelt Dime is made of a copper-nickel clad composition. The United States transitioned away from silver dimes in 1964. If you see a copper-colored edge on your dime, it is a standard clad coin.

Q: What does the “D” mint mark mean?

A: The “D” stands for the Denver Mint. In 1979, dimes were also minted in Philadelphia (which usually had no mint mark that year) and San Francisco (which produced “S” proof coins for collectors).

Q: How can I tell if my 1979-D dime is “Full Torch”?

A: Look at the back of the coin. There is a torch in the center. If the two sets of horizontal bands (two at the top and two at the bottom) are completely separated and show a clear line between them without any weakness or blending, it is a Full Torch (FT) strike.

Q: Is a 1979-D dime with a filled “D” mark an error?

A: Many 1979-D dimes appear to have a “filled” or blob-like mint mark. This is usually due to a worn-out die rather than a valuable mint error. While interesting, these typically do not command a high premium unless the rest of the coin is in spectacular condition.

Q: Is it worth getting a 1979-D dime graded?

A: It is only worth it if the coin is in near-perfect condition (MS67 or higher) or has a major, visible error. Because the cost of grading is often higher than the value of an average uncirculated coin, only the top 1% of 1979-D dimes are worth professional certification.