The 1998-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in standard proof condition to over $100 for exceptional Deep Cameo specimens. While it looks similar to the dimes in your pocket, this special silver version was minted only for collectors and holds a premium over its face value.

Why the 1998-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is Special

If you have found a 1998 dime with an “S” mint mark, you are holding a coin produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the P and D dimes found in daily change, the S-mint coins from this year were struck specifically for collectors as part of Silver Proof Sets. Understanding the distinction between a standard clad proof and a silver proof is the first step in determining if you have a valuable treasure. Using a top coin identifier app can help you quickly confirm the composition of your coin.

Collectors appreciate the 1998-S Silver Roosevelt Dime because it is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This was the traditional formulation for American coinage prior to 1965. Because these coins were never intended for circulation, they usually feature a “Proof” finish. This means the fields (the flat parts) are mirror-like, and the devices (Roosevelt’s portrait) have a frosted, matte appearance. If your coin looks exceptionally shiny and has an “S” mark, you likely have a proof, but the silver content determines the base “melt value” which acts as a price floor.

To get an accurate reading on your specific coin, you can check the CoinHix app, which provides real-time market data. For hobbyists, knowing the difference between a common nickel-clad proof and this silver version is essential. The simplest way to tell without professional tools is the “edge test.” A silver dime will have a solid silver-colored edge, whereas a clad dime will show a distinct copper-colored stripe along the rim.

Grading and the Value of the 1998 S Silver Dime

The value of any 1998-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is heavily dependent on its grade. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC rate these coins on a scale from 1 to 70. Since these were stored in protective mint packaging, most survive in high grades. A coin graded PR69 (nearly perfect) is very common and usually sells for a modest price. However, a PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM)—which is a perfect coin with intense contrast between the letters and the background—can command a much higher premium.

When evaluating your collection, it is helpful to look at current market trends. For instance, the 1998 Roosevelt dime auction records show that even though millions were made, the demand for “Perfect 70” specimens keeps prices stable. If your coin has any scratches, fingerprints, or “haze” on the surface, its value will drop toward the lower end of the spectrum.

To ensure you aren’t missing out on a high-value variety, you can use CoinHix to compare your coin’s luster against high-resolution archive photos. Most everyday Americans who find these have inherited them in sets. If the coin has been removed from its original plastic lens and handled with bare fingers, the oils from the skin can damage the silver over time, reducing its attractiveness to serious collectors.

1998-S Silver Roosevelt Dime Price Chart

To help you understand what your coin might be worth at different levels of quality, refer to the table below. These prices reflect average market retail values for the silver proof version of the 1998 dime.

Condition/Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR65 Deep Cameo (Average)	$5.00 – $7.00
PR68 Deep Cameo (Choice)	$10.00 – $15.00
PR69 Deep Cameo (Near Perfect)	$18.00 – $25.00
PR70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$100.00+

How to Identify a 1998-S Silver Dime vs Clad

The most common point of confusion for new collectors is the existence of two different “S” mint mark dimes from 1998. The San Francisco Mint produced a “Clad” proof version (made of copper-nickel) and a “Silver” proof version. While they both look shiny and have the “S” mark, their values are very different. The clad version is generally worth only $1 to $2, while the silver version is worth significantly more due to its precious metal content.

One foolproof method to check is to weigh the coin. A standard clad Roosevelt dime weighs 2.27 grams. In contrast, the 1998-S Silver Roosevelt Dime weighs 2.50 grams. If you have a sensitive jewelry scale, this is the most accurate way to verify the silver content at home. You can also research the comprehensive 1998 dime value and specifications online to see the exact metal breakdowns for each variety.

Many people use the CoinHix app to log their finds and keep track of the silver “melt” value, which fluctuates daily based on the stock market. As of today, the silver in a 1998-S dime is worth a few dollars just for the metal alone, even if the coin is scratched or damaged. This provides a “safety net” for the value of your coin that standard dimes simply don’t have.

Historical Context and Mintage Figures

The year 1998 saw a relatively high production of silver proof sets compared to years in the 1970s or 80s. The U.S. Mint produced approximately 878,792 of the 1998 Silver Proof Sets. This means there are nearly 900,000 of these silver dimes in existence. While this sounds like a large number, it is tiny compared to the billions of dimes minted in Philadelphia and Denver for circulation.

Because these sets were sold as premium products, the survival rate in high grades is very high. Most collectors who bought them kept them in their original packaging. However, over the last 25 years, many sets have been broken open to sell the coins individually or to submit them for professional grading. This “breaking” of sets is why you might find a single 1998-S silver dime in a coin shop or an online auction today.

If you happen to find one of these in a “junk silver” bin or a random collection of loose coins, it is a lucky find. Even in a raw, ungraded state, the 1998-S Silver Roosevelt Dime remains a favorite for collectors who want to complete their Roosevelt series with high-quality, precious metal examples. Its classic design, featuring Franklin D. Roosevelt and the torch, olive branch, and oak branch, looks particularly stunning in the proof format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I find a 1998-S Silver Dime in my pocket change?

A: It is extremely rare but possible. Sometimes, people mistakenly spend proof sets, or a collection is stolen and spent at face value. If you see a dime that is much shinier than others and has an “S” mint mark, check the edge. If the edge is solid silver, you’ve found a silver proof!

Q: What does “Deep Cameo” mean for a 1998 dime?

A: Deep Cameo (DCAM) is a designation given to proof coins that have a strong contrast between the frosted design elements and the mirror-like background. This is the most desirable finish for a 1998-S Silver Roosevelt Dime and carries the highest value.

Q: Is the 1998 silver dime worth more than the 1998 clad dime?

A: Yes, significantly. Because of the 90% silver content, the 1998-S silver version is worth at least 5 to 10 times more than the copper-nickel clad version, regardless of the condition.

Q: How should I store my 1998-S Silver Roosevelt Dime?

A: Since silver can tarnish (oxidize) and the polished surfaces of proof coins are easily scratched, you should store your coin in a PVC-free plastic flip, a hard plastic “slab,” or keep it in its original Mint packaging. Avoid touching the surface of the coin with your fingers.