The 2002-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens. While you won’t find this specific coin in your pocket change, it remains a favorite for collectors who appreciate the mirror-like finish and sharp details of the San Francisco Mint’s craftsmanship.

Grade/Condition	Estimated Value (USD)
PR 65 (Clad)	$3 – $5
PR 69 Deep Cameo (Clad)	$10 – $15
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Clad)	$45 – $60
PR 69 Deep Cameo (Silver)	$25 – $35
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Silver)	$150+

What Makes the 2002-S Roosevelt Dime Special?

The 2002-S Roosevelt Dime was never intended for general circulation. Unlike the dimes minted in Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) that you use to buy a soda or pay for parking, the “S” mint mark indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. These coins were sold by the U.S. Mint in special “Proof Sets.” If you have one of these, it means someone likely broke open a collector’s set to spend it, or you inherited it from a serious numismatist.

If you are unsure whether your coin is a proof or just a very shiny business strike, you can use a top coin identifier app to get instant clarification. Proof coins like the 2002-S are struck twice using polished dies, resulting in a “cameo” effect where the portrait of FDR stands out against a mirror-like background. Because of their limited production, their value is inherently higher than the face value of ten cents regardless of the current market.

When evaluating these coins, the distinction between “Clad” and “Silver” versions is vital. In 2002, the Mint produced proof dimes in a copper-nickel clad version and a 90% silver version. Determining which one you have can drastically change the price. Many collectors use the CoinKnow app to quickly scan the edges of their coins and log their findings into a digital inventory for easy tracking.

Understanding the Grades of the 2002 Proof Dime

In the world of coin collecting, condition is everything. For proof coins like the 2002-S, the grading scale usually ranges from Proof 60 to Proof 70. A “PR 70” is considered a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. Most 2002-S dimes you find in sets will be PR 68 or PR 69. A PR 70 specimen is much rarer and commands a significant premium from collectors who want “Top Pop” (highest population) coins.

The term “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) is also essential when looking at the 2002 Roosevelt dime price data. This refers to the heavy frost on the design elements and the deep, reflective fields of the coin. Modern proofs are expected to have this finish, but those with exceptionally high contrast are highly sought after.

Clad vs Silver Material	Weight (Grams)	Mintage
2002-S Clad Proof	2.27g	2,319,766
2002-S Silver Proof	2.50g	892,229

Silver vs Clad: How to Spot the Difference

One of the most common questions for anyone finding a 2002-S dime is: “Is it silver?” In 2002, the San Francisco Mint released the Silver Proof Set, which contained a dime made of 90% silver and 10% copper. These are much more valuable than the standard clad versions because of their precious metal content and lower mintage numbers.

The easiest way to tell the difference is by looking at the edge of the coin. A clad dime will have a visible copper stripe around the side. A silver dime will have a solid silver edge with no brown or orange coloring. Additionally, a silver dime weighs more (2.50 grams) compared to the clad version (2.27 grams). If you have a precise jewelry scale at home, this is the most definitive way to verify your coin’s composition.

Many hobbyists rely on the CoinKnow mobile app to help them identify these subtle differences. By photographing the coin, the app can often detect the luster and strike characteristic of a silver proof versus a clad one. Knowing the exact material of your coin is the first step in determining the correct 2002-S dime value and market trends.

Potential Errors on the 2002-S Roosevelt Dime

While errors are much rarer on proof coins than on circulation coins, they do happen. The U.S. Mint has very strict quality control for proof sets, but occasionally, a coin might escape with a minor flaw. For the 2002-S series, collectors look for “Struck Through” errors, where a piece of debris or grease gets between the die and the planchet, leaving an indentation or a blurry area on the coin’s surface.

Another rare but possible error is a “Double Die” strike. While no major doubled dies have been widely reported for the 2002-S specifically, it is always worth checking the lettering of “LIBERTY” or the date under a magnifying glass. Even a slight doubling can push the price from a few dollars to several hundred for a niche error collector.

If you think you’ve found an error, compare your coin to photos of known errors using the CoinKnow database. This can save you the cost of professional grading if the “error” turns out to be simple post-mint damage. Because proofs are handled so carefully, any deviation from perfection is usually of extreme interest to the numismatic community.

Market Demand and Selling Your 2002-S Dime

The market for modern proof dimes is generally stable. Most collectors who buy 2002-S dimes are looking to complete their “Dansco” albums or registry sets. Because millions were made, a standard PR 69 clad dime is not an “investment” piece in the traditional sense, but it is a beautiful piece of American history that holds its value better than a standard dime you’d find in a jar.

When selling, your best bet is often eBay or a local coin shop. However, if you have a coin that looks absolutely perfect, you might consider sending it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC. A perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo silver dime can sell for over $150 at auction. For most people, though, a 2002-S silver dime is worth its “melt value” plus a small premium for being a collector’s item.

Metal Type	Melt Value (Estimated)	Collector Value (Average)
Copper-Nickel Clad	$0.02	$3 – $10
90% Silver	$2.00 – $2.50 (Live Spot)	$25 – $50

Summary: Is Your 2002-S Dime Worth a Fortune?

While most 2002-S Roosevelt Dimes won’t allow you to retire early, they are certainly worth more than ten cents. The key factors to remember are the mint mark (S), the metal composition (silver vs. clad), and the grade (absence of scratches or fingerprints). A silver 2002-S in its original packaging is a great find and a solid store of value.

If you ever come across a dime that looks exceptionally shiny and has an “S” mark, take a moment to inspect it. These coins represent the pinnacle of United States Mint production. Whether you are a casual hunter or a serious collector, the 2002-S dime is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Roosevelt design, which has remained largely unchanged since 1946.

FAQ

Q: Why is there an “S” on my 2002 dime?

A: The “S” mint mark stands for the San Francisco Mint. In 2002, this mint only produced proof coins for collectors, not coins for general circulation.

Q: How can I tell if my 2002-S dime is 90% silver?

A: Check the edge of the coin. If it is solid silver-colored with no copper stripe, it is likely silver. Also, a silver dime weighs 2.5 grams, while a clad dime weighs 2.27 grams.

Q: Can I find a 2002-S dime in my pocket change?

A: It is rare, but possible. Sometimes collector sets are broken open and the coins are spent by accident or out of necessity. If you find one, it is likely “impaired,” meaning it has scratches from being in circulation, which lowers its value.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2002 dime?

A: High-grade silver proofs in PR70 DCAM condition have been known to sell for over $500 in specialized auctions, though most average proof specimens sell for under $20.