The 1999-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $50 for high-grade silver versions. While most dimes you find in pocket change are common, those bearing the “S” mint mark are special proof strikes intended for collectors rather than daily spending.

The Basics of the 1999 S Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime

If you have discovered a 1999 dime with a small “S” located just above the date, you have found a proof coin produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the millions of dimes struck in Philadelphia or Denver for general circulation, these coins were part of special sets sold by the United States Mint. They are known for their mirror-like backgrounds and frosted foregrounds, a finish achieved by striking the coin multiple times with polished dies.

Before you get too excited about a potential windfall, it is vital to identify your coin correctly. If your dime looks exceptionally shiny or “reflective” compared to a normal coin, it is likely a proof. To get an instant professional assessment of your find, you can use a top coin identifier app to see if your specific specimen has any rare characteristics. The CoinHix app is also a great resource for comparing your coin against a database of high-resolution images to confirm its variety.

In 1999, the US Mint produced two distinct types of these proof dimes: the standard Copper-Nickel Clad version and the 90% Silver version. Determining which one you have is the first step in calculating the value. The clad version has a copper stripe visible on the edge, while the silver version has a solid white/silver edge.

Current Market Value for 1999 S Roosevelt Dimes

The value of a 1999-S Roosevelt Dime depends heavily on its composition and its “grade,” which refers to its physical condition. Because these coins were protected in plastic cases from the mint, most remain in “Gem Proof” condition. However, if a coin was removed from its case and handled, its value can drop to just its face value or its weight in silver.

For the standard clad version, most collectors pay between $3 and $5 for a nice specimen. If the coin is graded as a PR70 (a perfect score) by a service like PCGS or NGC, the price can climb significantly. Collectors often look for 1999 Roosevelt Dime auction records to see what the highest-quality examples are currently commanding.

The silver version is more desirable because it contains 0.07234 ounces of pure silver. Even if the coin is scratched, it will always be worth at least its “melt value.” In top condition, these silver proofs usually sell for $10 to $15. You can check the current resale price of 1999 dimes to get a better idea of what dealers are currently paying for these silver strikes.

Coin Type & Grade	Estimated Value
1999-S Clad Proof (PR65)	$3.00 – $4.00
1999-S Clad Proof (PR70 DCAM)	$25.00 – $40.00
1999-S Silver Proof (PR65)	$10.00 – $12.00
1999-S Silver Proof (PR70 DCAM)	$45.00 – $65.00

Composition and Technical Specifications

Understanding what your coin is made of is a major part of the hobby. From 1965 onwards, standard dimes have been made of a “clad” composition: a core of pure copper sandwiched between layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This gives the coin its familiar silver appearance but reveals a reddish edge when viewed from the side.

The 1999-S Silver Proof Dime is different. It was struck on a planchet of 90% silver and 10% copper. This was done to honor the traditional composition of dimes minted before 1965. If you are unsure which version you have, you can use the CoinHix app to scan the coin; the app can often detect subtle color and luster differences that distinguish silver from clad metal.

The 1999-S dimes also feature the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation quite frequently. This means the contrast between the shiny fields and the frosty portraits of Franklin D. Roosevelt is very sharp. Coins that lack this high contrast are generally less valuable to serious collectors who want the most “mirror-like” appearance possible.

Why Some 1999 Dimes Are Worth More Than Others

While the “S” mint mark indicates a collector’s coin, millions were still produced. To find a truly rare 1999 dime, you would need to look for mint errors. Errors occur when something goes wrong during the manufacturing process. Common errors for this era include “off-center strikes,” where the die hits only part of the coin, or “doubled dies,” where the lettering appears to have a shadow or second image.

Another factor is the grade. In the world of numismatics, the difference between a PR69 and a PR70 (the highest possible grade) can be hundreds of dollars. Even a tiny, microscopic hairline scratch invisible to the naked eye can drop a coin’s value significantly. If you think your 1999-S Roosevelt Dime is perfect, it might be worth sending it to a professional grading service.

For everyday Americans, the best way to determine if a coin is worth the effort of professional grading is to use a mobile tool. The CoinHix app allows you to document your find and get a sense of its market rarity instantly. Most 1999-S dimes found in “junk drawers” or old jars have lost their original luster, meaning they are likely worth their base metal value or a few dollars at most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell if my 1999-S dime is silver?

A: The easiest way is to look at the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge without any copper stripe, it is likely the 90% silver version. You can also weigh it; the silver version weighs 2.50 grams, while the clad version weighs 2.27 grams.

Q: Are there any 1999 dimes worth thousands of dollars?

A: Generally, no. While some rare errors or perfect PR70 specimens can sell for more than $50, the 1999-S is a relatively modern coin with a high survival rate. Most are worth less than $20.

Q: Where did the 1999-S dimes come from?

A: These were originally sold by the US Mint in “Proof Sets” or “Silver Proof Sets.” If you find one in circulation, it means someone broke it out of its protective plastic case and spent it like a regular ten-cent piece.

Q: Is a 1999-P or 1999-D dime worth anything?

A: Dimes with “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mint marks were made for general circulation. Unless they have a major mint error, they are only worth 10 cents.