The 1988-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in typical Proof condition to over $500 for rare, high-grade specimens. While these shiny coins weren’t made for everyday pockets, many Americans find them in inherited collections or old proof sets and wonder if they’ve struck silver or gold.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Deep Cameo)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR 68 (Deep Cameo)	$8.00 – $12.00
PR 69 (Deep Cameo)	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 70 (Perfect Deep Cameo)	$250.00 – $650.00+

Understanding the Unique 1988-S San Francisco Mint Mark

If you have a dime from 1988 with an “S” mint mark, you are looking at a Proof coin. Unlike the millions of dimes struck in Philadelphia or Denver for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint specifically produced these for collectors. If you aren’t sure how to tell the difference between a proof and a regular business strike, you can use a top coin identifier app to get an instant analysis of your coin’s finish.

Proof coins are struck using special polished dies and planchets (coin blanks). The result is a mirror-like background with frosted details on the portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Because these were sold in protective plastic sets, finding one in your change is rare, but it does happen when someone breaks open a set to spend the money.

Using CoinKnow can help you determine if your “S” mint mark coin has maintained its original luster or if it has been damaged by being spent as common pocket change. To better understand the context of the series, check out these current Roosevelt Dime market trends to see how the proof versions compare to the standard P and D issues.

Is the 1988-S Roosevelt Dime Made of Silver?

One of the most common questions we receive is whether these shiny “S” dimes are made of silver. Unfortunately, for 1988, the answer is no. The San Francisco Mint struck these dimes using the same copper-nickel clad composition as the dimes you find in your pocket today.

The U.S. Mint did not resume producing Silver Proof Sets until 1992. Therefore, every 1988-S dime consists of a pure copper core with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. While they look exceptionally bright, they do not have any “melt value” beyond their face value of ten cents.

Because there is no precious metal content, the value of a 1988-S Roosevelt Dime is derived entirely from its numismatic (collector) demand and its condition. This is why having a perfect specimen is so critical to seeing a high price. You can find more details on this specific clad dime’s historical value by checking recent auction records.

Composition Factor	Details
Weight	2.27 Grams
Diameter	17.9 mm
Edge	Reeded (118 reeds)
Silver Content	0% (Clad)

The “Deep Cameo” Designation and Its Impact on Price

When professional grading services like PCGS or NGC evaluate a 1988-S dime, they look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” effect. This is the stark contrast between the shiny, mirror-like fields and the thick, white frost on Roosevelt’s head and the torch on the reverse.

In 1988, the minting process was quite efficient, meaning most proof dimes came out looking great. However, as the dies were used throughout the year, the frosting began to wear thin. Coins struck with fresh dies have that deep black-and-white contrast that collectors crave.

If your coin looks like a mirror but the portrait is slightly “watery” or shiny rather than frosty, it might just be a standard “Proof” rather than a “Deep Cameo.” CoinKnow users often upload photos to compare their coins with high-resolution images of graded DCAM specimens to see where their coin fits in.

Why Condition Is Everything for 1988 Proof Dimes

Since 3,262,948 of these coins were minted, they are not technically “rare.” Because they were sold in protective cases, the vast majority of them are still in beautiful shape today. This creates a “condition rarity” situation where only the most perfect coins hold significant value.

A 1988-S dime graded PR69 is worth about $15-$25. While that is a huge jump from ten cents, it isn’t “life-changing” money. However, a PR70—which is a perfect coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification—is exceptionally rare. These perfect specimens can sell for hundreds of dollars at major coin auctions.

When inspecting your dime, look for tiny scratches (called “hairlines”). Even wiping a proof coin with a soft cloth can leave micro-scratches that drop the grade from a PR70 to a PR67 instantly. Never clean your coins if you think they might be valuable!

Grade Level	Visual Characteristics
Impaired Proof	Scratched or dull from being spent in circulation. Value: $0.10 – $1.00
PR 67 – 68	Attractive with minor spots or tiny imperfections. Value: $5 – $10
PR 69	Near perfect to the naked eye. Value: $15 – $25
PR 70	Flawless under magnification. Value: $300+

Collecting the 1988-S Roosevelt Dime: Rare Errors to Find

While variety hunting is more common in business-strike coins, proof coins like the 1988-S can occasionally harbor errors. Because the quality control at the San Francisco Mint is so high, an error on a proof coin is incredibly valuable to the right buyer.

Look for “Double Die” errors on the obverse (front) or reverse (back). This appears as a slight doubling of the letters in “LIBERTY” or the date “1988.” You might also find “Repunched Mint Marks,” though these are less common by the late 1980s due to changes in how the mint applied the “S” stamp.

Another thing to look for is a “cull” proof—a coin that escaped the mint but has a strike-through error, where a piece of debris was caught between the die and the coin. These unique mistakes can make a 1988-S Roosevelt Dime worth much more than its standard book value. Using a tool like CoinKnow helps enthusiasts identify these subtle anomalies that are often missed by the untrained eye.

Summary: What to Do with Your 1988-S Dime?

If you find a 1988-S Roosevelt Dime, the first step is to protect it. Avoid touching the flat, mirror-like surfaces with your fingers, as the oils from your skin can leave permanent “fingerprints” that eat into the metal over time. Hold the coin only by its edges.

If the coin is in its original plastic lens from the U.S. Mint, leave it there! Breaking it out of the original packaging usually won’t increase the value unless you are certain it is a PR70 candidate destined for professional grading. For the average person, these coins serve as beautiful historical reminders and great “starter” pieces for a young collector’s album.

Ultimately, while most 1988-S dimes won’t fund a retirement, they are a fascinating part of American numismatics. Whether you keep it for its beauty or sell it to a local coin shop for a small profit, it is a coin worth knowing about.

FAQ

Q: Why does my 1988 dime have an ‘S’ mint mark?

A: The ‘S’ stands for the San Francisco Mint. In 1988, this mint produced Proof coins specifically for collectors. These coins were originally sold in sets and were not intended to be used in stores.

Q: Is there a 1988-S Silver Dime?

A: No, the U.S. Mint did not produce 90% silver dimes in 1988. All 1988-S dimes are “clad,” made of a mix of copper and nickel. Silver proof dimes did not return until 1992.

Q: How can I tell if my 1988-S Roosevelt Dime is a PR70?

A: A PR70 is a perfect coin. To be graded this high, it must have zero scratches, zero spots, and perfect frost even when looked at under a microscope. Most coins found in the wild will be PR65 to PR69.

Q: Where can I sell my 1988-S dime?

A: You can sell it at a local coin shop, through online marketplaces like eBay, or at coin shows. However, unless the coin is graded as a PR70, the cost of shipping often exceeds the value of the coin itself.

Q: What is the most expensive 1988-S dime ever sold?

A: High-grade specimens in PR70 Deep Cameo condition have sold at auction houses like Heritage Auctions for over $500, though the specific price fluctuates based on the current market demand.