The 1981 S Type 2 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in typical Proof condition to over $1,500 for specimens in perfect grades. This tiny piece of copper-nickel clad copper is one of the most exciting finds for modern coin collectors because it represents a distinct transition in United States Mint production quality.

| Grade | Estimated Value |
|——-|—————–|
| PR 65 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| PR 67 | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR 69 | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| PR 70 | $1,200.00+ |

What Makes the 1981 S Type 2 Roosevelt Dime Special

If you have stumbled upon a shiny 1981 dime with an “S” mint mark, you might be holding a “Type 2” variety. In 1981, the San Francisco Mint replaced its worn-out mint mark punches mid-year. This resulted in two distinct versions of the 1981-S proof dime: Type 1 and Type 2. While the Type 1 is common, the Type 2 is much rarer and more sought after by enthusiasts.

Understanding this difference is key to knowing the true market price. For those who want an instant answer from their smartphone, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the mint mark details. Most collectors find that the 1981-S Type 2 is one of the few modern dimes that holds significant premiums above its face value, especially when found in high-grade proof sets.

When using tools like the CoinKnow app, you can compare your coin against high-resolution images of both types. This ensures you don’t mistake a blurry Type 1 for the more valuable Type 2. The hunt for these subtle differences is exactly what makes modern numismatics so rewarding for everyday Americans.

How to Identify the Type 1 vs Type 2 Mint Mark

The primary difference lies entirely in the “S” mint mark located just above the date. The Type 1 “S” is often referred to as the “Filled S.” This is because the punch used at the start of the year was old and worn down. The loops of the “S” are almost closed, and the center is often blob-like or indistinct.

The Type 2, or “Clear S,” features sharp, well-defined corners. The ends of the “S” are bulbous and distinct, with a clear separation in the center of the letter. This punch was much newer and sharper, leading to a more aesthetically pleasing coin. If you check comprehensive Roosevelt Dime pricing data, you will see that the “Clear S” consistently outpaces its predecessor in value.

Feature	Type 1 (Filled)	Type 2 (Clear)
Visual Appearance	Indistinct, blob-like centers	Sharp, clear curves and bulbs
Rarity	Common (roughly 80% of sets)	Scarce (roughly 20% of sets)
Collector Demand	Low	High

The Price Gradient of the 1981 S Proof Dime

Value is determined by grade and variety. Because all 1981-S dimes were struck as Proofs for collectors (they were not intended for general spending), they usually look very nice. However, even among Proofs, there is a hierarchy of quality. A coin with scratches or “haze” from its plastic packaging will be worth less than a “Deep Cameo” specimen with frosty portraits and mirror-like fields.

For those tracking the current 1981 dime worth and market trends, it is clear that Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations are the gold standard. A Type 2 in a PR70 Deep Cameo grade—which is a perfect coin—can sell for four figures. In contrast, a Type 1 in the same perfect grade might only fetch a fraction of that.

Using the CoinKnow app allows you to keep an inventory of your finds and see how these prices fluctuate over time. Since the market for modern varieties can be volatile, having real-time data at your fingertips is an essential part of the hobby for any savvy collector.

Condition Factors and Deep Cameo Designations

Proof coins are struck twice using specially polished dies, giving them their trademark shine. The 1981-S Type 2 is most valued when it displays a strong “Cameo” effect. This is the contrast between the frosted relief (the face of FDR and the torch) and the reflective background fields.

If the frosting is thick and consistent on both sides, the coin is labeled “Deep Cameo” by grading services like PCGS or NGC. These are the coins that investors target. If your 1981-S Type 2 looks like a mirror and the details look like they are covered in white snow, you have a winner.

Designation	Estimated Value (Type 2)
Standard Proof	$5 – $10
Cameo	$15 – $30
Deep Cameo (PR69)	$40 – $75
Deep Cameo (PR70)	$1,000+

Tips for Selling and Protecting Your Dime

If you discover a Type 2 dime in an old proof set, the best advice is to leave it in the original plastic lens. Breaking it out can lead to fingerprints or hairline scratches, both of which instantly lower the grade. The metal used in 1981 is a copper-nickel alloy which, while durable, can still “tone” or turn cloudy if exposed to air and humidity.

When you are ready to sell, consider professional grading for coins that appear to be in “flawless” condition. For coins in average proof condition, selling through online marketplaces or at local coin shows is often the most cost-effective route. Ensure you take high-quality, macro photos of the mint mark to prove it is indeed the Type 2 variety.

Before listing your coin, make sure to use the CoinKnow app to verify the latest auction results. Seeing what other similar coins have actually sold for—not just what people are asking—will give you a realistic expectation of the profit you might make from your 1981-S Type 2 Roosevelt Dime.

FAQ

Q: Can I find a 1981-S Type 2 in my pocket change?

A: It is very unlikely but possible. Proof coins were only sold in sets to collectors. However, sometimes people break these sets open and spend the coins. If you find an extremely shiny 1981 dime with an “S” in your change, it is a “proof strike” that has been circulated.

Q: How many 1981-S Type 2 dimes were made?

A: While the total mintage for 1981-S proof dimes was about 4 million, it is estimated that only about 15% to 20% of these were the Type 2 variety. This makes them significantly rarer than the Type 1 coins produced earlier that year.

Q: Is the 1981-P or 1981-D dime worth anything?

A: Generally, 1981 dimes from the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) mints are only worth their face value of 10 cents if they are found in loose change. Only high-grade “Mint State” versions of these coins are worth a premium to collectors.

Q: Does the Type 2 “S” appear on other coins from 1981?

A: Yes! The San Francisco Mint updated the punch for all denominations. You can find Type 2 varieties on the 1981-S Cent, Nickel, Quarter, Half Dollar, and Susan B. Anthony Dollar as well. Collectors often try to assemble a full “Type 2” proof set.