The 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in standard proof condition to over $100 for high-grade specimens. While modern dimes are usually made of copper and nickel, this special San Francisco Mint issue is composed of 90% silver, making it a favorite for collectors and investors alike.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
PR65 (Proof)	$5.00 – $7.00
PR69 (Deep Cameo)	$12.00 – $18.00
PR70 (Deep Cameo)	$50.00 – $110.00
Silver Melt Value	~$2.00 (Varies with market)

Identifying the 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime

If you find a 1993 dime in your pocket change, it is likely the standard version meant for circulation. However, if you have a coin with a mirror-like finish and an “S” mint mark, it might be the silver proof version. Identifying these treasures often requires the top coin identifier app to ensure you aren’t confusing it with a standard copper-nickel proof.

The 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime was not released for general circulation. Instead, it was sold by the U.S. Mint specifically in Silver Proof Sets. Unlike the “clad” dimes we use every day, which have a copper core visible on the edge, the silver version has a solid white, silvery edge.

To confirm you have the silver version, check the weight. A standard clad dime weighs 2.27 grams, while the 90% silver dime weighs 2.5 grams. Many users of CoinKnow use digital scales alongside the app to verify their finds. The visual distinction is also striking; the “Deep Cameo” finish provides a sharp contrast between the frosted portrait of FDR and the shiny, reflective field of the coin.

The Historical Context of 1990s Silver Proofs

From 1965 to 1991, the U.S. Mint primarily produced proof sets using the same copper-nickel clad composition as circulating coins. In 1992, the Mint reintroduced the “Silver Proof Set,” which included a dime, quarter, and half dollar struck in 90% silver and 10% copper.

The 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime represents the second year of this modern silver era. For casual collectors, seeing a 1993 date on a silver coin can be confusing because most “silver era” coins ended in 1964. Understanding the 1993 dime value factors is essential for anyone sorting through a grandparent’s collection.

Because these coins were minted in limited quantities (only about 1.3 million), they carry a “numismatic” premium. This means they are worth more than just the silver they contain. Collectors often use CoinKnow to track whether the market for 90s silver proofs is rising or falling.

Grading and Quality: Why PR70 Matters

When discussing the 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime value, professional grading is the most significant price driver. Proof coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A PR69 is nearly perfect, while a PR70 is a “flawless” coin as seen under 5x magnification.

The difference in price between a PR69 and a PR70 can be quite large. While a PR69 might sell for $15, a PR70 can fetch over $100 because of its rarity. Many collectors check the 1993 Roosevelt dime price guide to see how different grades affect the bottom line.

Grade Designation	Appearance Characteristics
Cameo (CAM)	Moderate contrast between fields and devices.
Deep Cameo (DCAM)	Heavy frosting on FDR; deep mirror backgrounds.
Tarnished/Toned	Natural oxidation creating rainbow or gold colors.

Silver Content and Melt Value

Even if a 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is scratched or damaged, it still holds significant value due to its precious metal content. Each coin contains approximately 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver. This provides a “floor” price for the coin; it will never be worth less than its weight in silver.

When silver prices rise, the value of these dimes increases regardless of their condition. Many “stackers” (people who collect silver for its metal value) look for individual 1993-S dimes that have been removed from sets.

The app CoinKnow is a great tool for calculating live melt values. If the price of silver hits $30 an ounce, your dime is worth roughly $2.17 in metal alone. However, since these are proof coins, you should rarely sell them for just melt value. They are almost always worth more to a collector.

The San Francisco Mint Mark (S)

The “S” mint mark is located just above the date on the Roosevelt dime. In 1993, the San Francisco Mint was responsible for all proof coinage. It is important to note that just because a dime has an “S” doesn’t automatically mean it is silver.

In 1993, the Mint produced both a “Clad Proof” and a “Silver Proof.” Both have the “S” mark and look very similar. The silver version is part of the “Silver Premier” or standard “Silver Proof Set.”

Feature	1993-S Clad Proof	1993-S Silver Proof
Composition	Copper-Nickel Clad	90% Silver
Weight	2.27g	2.50g
Edge Appearance	Copper “zipper” line	Solid silver/white

Where to Buy and Sell Your 1993-S Silver Dime

If you have discovered a 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime, you have several options for selling it. For coins that are still in their original Mint packaging, eBay is a popular choice. Buyers look for “Silver Proof Sets” specifically.

If you have a loose coin that looks perfectly flawless, consider having it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC. A PR70 grade can turn a $5 coin into a $100 asset. Before spending money on grading fees, use CoinKnow to get a high-resolution comparison to see if your coin really meets the “perfect” standard.

Local coin shops are another great option. While they may offer slightly less than the full retail price to cover their overhead, they provide instant cash and expert appraisal. Always check current market trends before visiting a dealer so you know what a fair offer looks like.

FAQ

Q: Why is my 1993 dime shiny but has no “S” mark?

A: If your dime is shiny but lacks the “S” mark, it is likely a standard circulation coin from the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) mints that has been polished or is simply in high-grade Mint State. These are not 90% silver.

Q: Can I find a 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime in my pocket change?

A: It is extremely rare but possible. This happens when someone breaks open a proof set and spends the coins. However, because of the silver “ringing” sound and the different edge, they are often snatched up quickly by bank tellers or collectors.

Q: How can I tell if my 1993-S dime is silver without a scale?

A: The “Tissue Test” is a common trick. Lay a single layer of facial tissue over a standard clad dime and your 1993-S dime. The silver dime will look bright white through the tissue, while the clad dime will look dark or grey.

Q: Is the 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime a good investment?

A: While it may not see the explosive growth of a 1916-D Mercury Dime, it is a stable asset. It combines the value of silver bullion with the collectibility of a limited-mintage proof coin, making it a low-risk entry point for new collectors.