The 1982-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens with exceptional cameo contrast. While you won’t find this specific coin in your pocket change, it remains a popular and affordable piece for collectors looking to complete their modern sets.

Understanding the Special Status of the 1982-S Proof Dime

If you have found a 1982 dime with an “S” mint mark, you have something a little more special than the average coin. Unlike the 1982 coins minted in Philadelphia or Denver, which were intended for general circulation, the 1982-S was struck specifically for collectors at the San Francisco Mint. These are known as “Proof” coins. They were manufactured using polished dies and specially treated planchets to create a mirror-like field and frosted details.

Because these coins were sold in plastic-sealed Proof Sets, they were never meant to buy a soda or pay for parking. To get an instant estimate of what your specific coin might be worth, you can use a top coin identifier app to check the surface quality and luster. The CoinKnow app is particularly helpful for distinguishing between a standard proof and a “Deep Cameo” finish, which can significantly impact the final market price.

Over 3.8 million of these proof dimes were produced in 1982. While that sounds like a large number, many have been lost to improper storage or broken out of sets and scratched. A pristine 1982-S dime is a staple of modern numismatics, representing the era of transition in US coinage quality control.

Current Market Value and Price Chart for 1982-S Roosevelt Dimes

The value of a 1982-S dime is almost entirely dependent on its grade. Since all of these coins started as proofs, they are graded on a scale from PR1 to PR70. Most examples found today sit comfortably in the PR67 to PR69 range. If you happen to have a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo, the price can skyrocket because collectors pay a premium for perfection.

Comparing your coin to historical sales is the best way to determine its worth. For those interested in how the “S” mint mark compares to other 1982 issues, you can view the 1982 Roosevelt dime price data to see how circulation strikes from Philadelphia are performing in the current market.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value (USD)
PR 65 (Proof)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR 68 Deep Cameo	$12.00 – $18.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$25.00 – $45.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo	$450.00 – $650.00

These prices reflect the current demand among Registry Set collectors who compete to own the highest-graded coins possible. For a more detailed breakdown of the common circulation counterparts, check this 1982-P and 1982-D dime valuation guide to ensure you haven’t overlooked a rare no-mint mark variety from that same year.

Identifying the Characteristics of a 1982-S Proof Dime

To identify a 1982-S Roosevelt Dime, look at the right side of the coin, just above the date. You should see a small “S” mint mark. This indicates it was struck in San Francisco. The design features President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse and a torch flanked by olive and oak branches on the reverse, symbolizing liberty, peace, and victory.

The 1982-S is distinct because of its “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) finish. On a high-quality proof, the raised parts of the design—like Roosevelt’s head—will appear thick, white, and frosted. The flat background fields will look like a black mirror. This high-contrast look is what modern collectors crave.

If you find a dime that looks shiny but doesn’t have an “S,” it’s likely a standard business strike that has been polished or is simply in high-grade condition. Using a tool like CoinKnow can help you zoom in on the mint mark and the surface texture to confirm whether you have a genuine proof or a well-preserved circulation coin.

Is the 1982-S Roosevelt Dime Rare

In terms of pure mintage numbers, the 1982-S is not considered “rare.” With over 3.8 million struck, there are plenty of examples available for collectors. However, the rarity factor increases significantly when we talk about condition. Most 1982-S dimes were housed in soft plastic sets that eventually caused “toning” or spotting due to environmental exposure.

Finding a 1982-S that is flawless—meaning it has no fingerprints, no copper spots, and no hairline scratches—is actually quite difficult. Those perfect PR70 specimens are the ones that fetch hundreds of dollars at major auctions. If yours has been handled by human hands or kept in a drawer, it likely falls into the $3 to $5 category.

Regardless of the financial value, keep an eye out for interesting errors. While proof coins are usually inspected heavily at the mint, occasionally a “doubled die” or a “clipped planchet” error slips through. If you suspect your coin has a strange doubling in the lettering, the CoinKnow community and identification features can assist in verifying your find before you pay for professional grading.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 1982-S Dime

Q: Can I find a 1982-S dime in my spare change?

A: It is very unlikely. Since these were only sold in Proof Sets to collectors, they would only enter circulation if someone accidentally spent a collector’s set. If you do find one, it will likely be scratched and lose its “Proof” premium value.

Q: What is the most expensive 1982-S Roosevelt Dime ever sold?

A: High-grade PR70 Deep Cameo examples have sold for upwards of $500 to $900 at various auctions, depending on the grading service (like PCGS or NGC) and the current market demand.

Q: Does the 1982-S dime contain silver?

A: No. By 1982, the US Mint had long since switched to a copper-nickel clad composition for dimes. This coin consists of a pure copper core with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Only special “Silver Proof” sets (which didn’t return until 1992) contain silver.

Q: Is there a 1982 dime with no mint mark?

A: Yes, and that is the “Holy Grail” of 1982 dimes. A mistake at the Philadelphia mint resulted in some 1982 dimes being struck without the “P” mint mark. These are extremely valuable. However, the 1982-S is a different coin entirely and should always have the “S” visible.