The 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in standard proof condition to over $100 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While it looks like a normal dime at first glance, its 90% silver content makes it a prized find for everyday Americans checking their collections.

Grade/Condition	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 Deep Cameo	$5 – $8
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$12 – $18
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$45 – $135

Understanding the 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime

If you have discovered a shiny 2002 dime with an “S” mint mark, you might be holding something more than just ten cents. Most dimes we use today are made of copper and nickel, but the San Francisco Mint produces special versions for collectors. Identifying whether yours is the silver variety or the standard clad proof is the first step. You can use a top coin identifier app to quickly discern the metallic composition of your find.

The 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime was never intended for circulation. It was sold by the U.S. Mint as part of the annual Silver Proof Set. Because these were handled with care and packaged in protective plastic lenses, they often remain in beautiful, mirror-like condition. For a casual hunter, finding one in a “junk bin” or a deceased relative’s collection is a lucky break. Many people use CoinKnow to track the fluctuating silver melt value, which provides a “floor” for the coin’s price.

Unlike the business strikes from Philadelphia or Denver, this coin features a sharp strike and a “Deep Cameo” finish. This means the portrait of FDR and the torch on the back look frosty and white, while the background fields are as reflective as a mirror. If your coin looks exceptionally “black and white” in its contrast, you may have a high-grade specimen. To get a better sense of current market trends, check out the 2002 dime value guide to see how the silver version compares to its common counterparts.

Silver Content vs. Clad Composition

The most important factor in the 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime value is its metal content. Unlike the standard dimes in your pocket, this specific version is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. In 2002, the U.S. Mint also produced a “clad” proof dime, which has the same “S” mint mark but contains no silver. Distinguishing between the two is vital because the clad version is usually worth only a dollar or two, whereas the silver version carries a premium.

One easy way to check is the “edge test.” If you look at the edge of a silver dime, it will be solid silver/white all the way through. A clad dime will show a distinct copper stripe buried in the middle. However, if you want to be 100% sure without damaging the coin, weighing it is the professional method. A silver dime weighs 2.50 grams, while a clad dime weighs 2.27 grams. CoinKnow users often utilize the app’s database to verify weights and diameters for various years.

Feature	90% Silver Proof	Clad Proof
Weight	2.50 Grams	2.27 Grams
Edge Appearance	Solid Silver Color	Copper-Nickel Stripe
Mintage	892,229	2,319,766

Grading and the “Deep Cameo” Distinction

When professional grading services like PCGS or NGC look at a 2002-S silver dime, they aren’t just looking for scratches. They are looking for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” (UCAM) designation. This refers to the intensity of the frost on the raised parts of the coin. A perfect PR70 Deep Cameo is the “Holy Grail” for modern dime collectors. While most silver dimes from 2002 are high quality, only a small percentage are truly flawless under 5x magnification.

Casual collectors might wonder why one silver dime sells for $7 while another sells for $100. The answer is almost always the grade. A PR69 is nearly perfect but might have a microscopic hairline scratch or a tiny pin-sized white spot (milk spot). A PR70 is visually perfect. If you are comparing your coin to professional sales data, it is helpful to look at the current Roosevelt Dime pricing trends to see how scarcity in the highest grades drives up the cost.

Because the mintage for the silver variety was under 900,000, it is significantly rarer than the P-mint and D-mint coins intended for circulation. Most of these silver dimes have been preserved, but if you find one that has been “cabinet worn” or touched by oily fingers, the value will drop closer to its raw silver melt value. Keeping your silver coins in PVC-free flips is the best way to maintain their $10 to $50 potential value.

The Role of Silver Bullion Markets

Since the 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is 90% silver, its value will never drop to zero. It has an “intrinsic” value based on the spot price of silver. Each dime contains approximately 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver. When silver prices rise, the value of even damaged or “filler” 2002-S dimes goes up. This makes them a popular choice for “stackers”—people who collect silver as a hedge against inflation.

Using CoinKnow, you can see real-time updates on what the silver content in your coins is worth. For example, if silver is at $25 an ounce, the melt value of your dime is roughly $1.80. However, because this is a Proof coin with a limited mintage, it almost always sells for a premium above the melt price. You should expect to pay or receive at least $5 for a common silver proof, even if silver prices are low, due to the collector demand.

Silver Price (Per Oz)	Melt Value of 2002-S Dime
$20.00	$1.44
$25.00	$1.81
$30.00	$2.17

Collecting Tips for Modern Silver Proofs

If you are just starting your journey into coin collecting, the 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is an excellent entry point. It is affordable, beautiful, and holds its value well. When buying these, look for coins that are still in their original U.S. Mint packaging. “Premier” silver proof sets or the standard red-box silver sets often contain the best-preserved specimens. If the coin has turned a golden or rainbow color, this is called “toning.” Some collectors will pay extra for attractive toning, while others prefer a white, original look.

Avoid cleaning your coins at all costs. Some people think that using silver polish will make the 2002-S dime worth more, but the opposite is true. Cleaning a proof coin creates tiny scratches that ruin the mirror finish, instantly devaluing it to its basic silver melt price. Instead, use a soft pair of cotton gloves if you must handle the coin outside of its holder.

Finally, keep an eye on auction results. Sites like eBay or Heritage Auctions frequently host sales of certified PR70 2002-S silver dimes. While common PR69s are plentiful, the competition for perfect 70s can be fierce among registry set collectors. Monitoring these sales will give you a realistic idea of what you can actually get for your coin in the current market.

FAQ

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

A: Check the edge for a solid silver color. If you see a copper or brown stripe, it is a “clad” dime. Additionally, a silver dime weighs 2.5 grams, whereas a clad one weighs 2.27 grams.

Q: Where can I sell my 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime?

A: You can sell it to local coin shops, through online marketplaces like eBay, or to reputable bullion dealers. Because it is a modern proof, small-town shops might offer closer to melt value, while specialized online collectors might pay a premium.

Q: Are there any 2002-S dime errors to look for?

A: Errors on modern proof coins are extremely rare because of the rigorous inspection process at the San Francisco Mint. However, keep an eye out for “doubled dies” (where the lettering looks doubled) or “clipped planchets” (where the coin is missing a circular piece).

Q: Is the 2002 silver dime rare?

A: With a mintage of around 892,229, it is much rarer than standard dimes, but it is not considered a “key date” rarity. Thousands of these exist in high grades, making them very accessible for the average collector.