The 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical proof condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens. Finding one of these shiny coins in an old collection often sparks curiosity, as they were specially minted for collectors rather than for general circulation in pockets.

Grade / Variety	Estimated Value
1979-S Type 1 (Filled S) PR65	$3.00 – $5.00
1979-S Type 1 (Filled S) PR69 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $25.00
1979-S Type 1 (Filled S) PR70 Deep Cameo	$150.00 – $600.00+
1979-S Type 2 (Clear S) PR69 Deep Cameo	$50.00 – $80.00

The History and Unique Identity of the 1979-S Roosevelt Dime

In 1979, the United States Mint in San Francisco was busy producing special sets for collectors. These “Proof” coins are different from the ones you find in a vending machine; they have a mirror-like finish and frosty details. If you’ve discovered a coin with an “S” mint mark from this year, you likely have a proof dime. However, not all 1979-S dimes were created equal. During this production year, the Mint transitioned between two different mint mark punches, leading to what collectors call the “Type 1” and “Type 2” varieties.

To help identify your find, you might want to use a top coin identifier app to zoom in on the specific shape of the “S.” The Type 1 variety is known as the “Filled S.” Because the punch used to create the mark was worn out, the letter looks like a blobby, indistinct shape where the center is almost entirely filled with metal. This was the standard for most of the year until a sharper, clearer punch was introduced later in the production run.

When you are assessing your collection, using an app like CoinKnow can provide immediate context on whether your coin is a common circulating strike or one of these specific San Francisco proof varieties. While millions of dimes were minted in Philadelphia and Denver for daily trade, the San Francisco proofs were only sold in sets, making them naturally more elusive for the average person to stumble upon in the wild.

Identifying the 1979-S Type 1 “Filled S” Variety

The key to unlocking the value of your 1979-S dime lies in the tiny letter “S” located just above the date, to the right of Roosevelt’s neck. In the Type 1 variety, the “S” is somewhat unsightly. The loops of the letter are squeezed, and the center is often filled with metal, making it look more like a rectangular blob than a crisp letter. This happened because the steel punch used by the Mint had deteriorated significantly by the time 1979 rolled around.

To tell the difference without a professional microscope, look for the “serifs”—the little tails at the ends of the S. On a Type 1, these tails are rounded and blend into the body of the letter. If you have the rarer Type 2, the ends will be flat and clearly separated from the rest of the letter. For those checking their pockets, you should know that you can find the current 1979 dime value information for all varieties to see how your specific coin stacks up.

Collectors generally prefer the Type 2 (Clear S) because it was the corrected version, but the Type 1 remains a staple for anyone trying to complete a full set of Roosevelt Dimes. If you aren’t sure which one you have, CoinKnow allows you to snap a photo and compare it against a database of high-resolution images, ensuring you don’t overlook a potential rarity.

Factors That Influence 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime Value

Condition is the ultimate driver of price in the numismatic world. Since nearly all 1979-S Type 1 dimes were originally sold in protective plastic cases as part of Proof Sets, most of them have remained in relatively good condition. However, if a coin has been removed from its case and handled with bare fingers, oils from the skin can cause “toning” or clouding on the mirror surface, which significantly lowers the value.

The most valuable 1979-S Type 1 dimes are those graded PR70 Deep Cameo. “PR70” means the coin is perfect, with no visible scratches or flaws even under 5x magnification. “Deep Cameo” refers to the contrast between the shiny, reflective background and the white, frosty image of Roosevelt. If your coin looks like a black mirror with a snowy white bust in the middle, you may be looking at a premium specimen.

Condition Grade	Market Price (Type 1)	Market Price (Type 2)
PR67 (Good)	$4.00	$22.00
PR68 (Great)	$7.00	$35.00
PR69 (Excellent)	$18.00	$75.00
PR70 (Perfect)	$550.00	$3,000.00+

Why the San Francisco Mint Mark Matters

The San Francisco Mint (S) has exclusively produced proof coins for the public since 1975. When you see that “S” on a 1979 dime, it tells a story of a coin that was never intended to buy a loaf of bread. Instead, it was intended to sit in a collector’s album. However, over the decades, many of these sets have been broken open, and the coins have occasionally found their way into bank rolls or tip jars.

Finding one in circulation is rare, and if you do, it will likely be scratched. Even a scratched 1979-S Type 1 is worth more than its face value of ten cents, usually fetching around $1 to $2 just for the novelty. However, serious collectors are checking the 1979 Roosevelt dime valuation data to find those rare instances where a proof coin achieves a perfect grade, as that is where the real money is hidden.

Tools like CoinKnow are essential for modern hunters because they help distinguish between a standard Philadelphia dime (no mint mark) and the San Francisco “S” mark. While a regular 1979 dime is worth exactly ten cents unless it’s in mint state, the “S” mark immediately elevates the starting point for its market value.

The “Deep Cameo” Distinction and Auction Results

If you look at your 1979-S Type 1 Dime and notice that the background is so shiny it almost looks black in certain lights, while the portrait of Roosevelt looks like it’s covered in frost, you have a “Cameo” coin. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC add “CAM” (Cameo) or “DCAM” (Deep Cameo) to the label. A Type 1 dime with a Deep Cameo finish is significantly more desirable than a “brilliant” proof that lacks that contrast.

Historical auction results show a massive gap between grades. For instance, a 1979-S Type 1 in PR69 Deep Cameo might sell for a modest $20, but the same coin in a PR70 Deep Cameo (perfect condition) has been known to sell for over $600 at major auction houses. This is because there are tens of thousands of PR69s, but only a few hundred PR70s in existence.

Attribute	Effect on Value
Heavy Toning (Rainbow Colors)	Increases value for specific collectors
Hazy Surfaces	Decreases value by 30-50%
Deep Cameo Contrast	Increases value significantly
Type 2 Upgrade	Multiplies value by 3x – 5x

How to Start Collecting and Grading Your Dimes

For the average American who just found an old dime in a jar, the first step is preservation. Do not clean your coin. Even rubbing it with a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that a professional grader will see, immediately dropping the grade from a potential PR70 to a PR60. Handle the coin only by its edges and place it in a cardboard 2×2 holder or a plastic flip.

If you believe your 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime is perfect, you might consider sending it to a grading service. However, keep in mind that grading costs around $25-$50 per coin. Unless you are fairly certain the coin will grade at PR69 or PR70, it might not be worth the investment. Using apps like CoinKnow can help you perform a preliminary “attic grading” to see if the coin has any obvious flaws before you spend money on professional certification.

Finally, keep an eye out for the Type 1’s sister coin, the Type 2. While this article focuses on the Filled S, many of the same rules apply. The Type 2 is generally more valuable in every grade, so if you have a 1979-S, always check the clarity of that mint mark!

FAQ

Q: Is a 1979-S Type 1 Roosevelt Dime made of silver?

A: No, the 1979-S Roosevelt Dime is a copper-nickel clad coin. The U.S. Mint stopped making dimes for circulation and standard proof sets out of silver in 1964. However, it still has value to collectors due to its proof finish and mint mark variety.

Q: How can I tell for sure if I have a Type 1 or Type 2?

A: Look at the “S” under a magnifying glass. The Type 1 “Filled S” looks like the center of the letter is clogged with metal, making it look blurry. The Type 2 “Clear S” has distinct, sharp edges and the field (the flat background) is visible inside the loops of the S.

Q: Can I find a 1979-S Dime in my change?

A: It is possible but highly unlikely. Proof coins were only sold in sets to collectors. If you find one in change, it was likely spent by someone by accident. These are called “impaired proofs” and are usually worth about $0.50 to $1.00.

Q: Where is the best place to sell my 1979-S Type 1 Dime?

A: For common grades (PR65-PR68), eBay or a local coin shop are your best bets. For a rare PR70 Deep Cameo, you should contact a major auction house like Heritage Auctions or Stacks Bowers to ensure you get the full market price.