The 2008-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2.50 in typical Proof condition to over $45 for high-grade Silver versions. While it looks like a standard dime, this specific coin was never released into circulation, making it a special find for everyday collectors and hobbyists.

Condition/Type	Estimated Value
PR65 Clad Proof	$2.50 – $4.00
PR70 Deep Cameo Clad	$15.00 – $25.00
PR65 Silver Proof	$10.00 – $12.00
PR70 Deep Cameo Silver	$40.00 – $55.00

Understanding the Rarity of the 2008-S Proof Dime

If you have found a 2008-S Roosevelt Dime, you aren’t looking at a coin that fell out of someone’s pocket after a trip to the grocery store. The “S” mint mark indicates that this coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. These are “Proof” coins, manufactured using a specialized process that involves polished blanks and multiple strikes to create a mirror-like finish. Because they were sold in protective sets, finding one in your change is extremely rare, though it does happen when people break open sets or inherit collections without knowing their true worth.

If you are unsure whether your coin is a standard business strike or a special proof, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the mint mark and the strike type instantly. For most casual collectors, the CoinKnow app is the go-to tool for identifying these subtle differences. The 2008-S was issued in two distinct formats: a core of copper-nickel (clad) and a 90% silver version.

To determine the exact value of your specific 2008-S Roosevelt Dime, you must first identify which metal composition you have. The silver versions naturally carry a higher “melt value” regardless of their condition, while the clad versions rely almost entirely on their eye appeal to collectors. Many hobbyists look at the 2008 Roosevelt Dime price data to compare how these San Francisco proofs stack up against the more common Philadelphia and Denver issues.

Clad vs. Silver: Identifying Your 2008-S Roosevelt Dime

One of the most important factors in determining the 2008-S Roosevelt Dime value is the metal content. The San Francisco Mint produced a “Clad” version made of copper and nickel, which has a reddish-brown edge when viewed from the side. They also produced a “Silver” version made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The silver version has a solid white/silver edge with no copper stripe visible.

The silver proofs are significantly more desirable because they contain roughly 0.0723 ounces of pure silver. This means even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth at least its weight in silver. When you are assessing your collection, the CoinKnow tool can help you catalog these variations effectively. You can also research the 2008 dime value information to see how the market for silver proofs fluctuates with the daily spot price of precious metals.

Feature	Clad Proof (S)	Silver Proof (S)
Composition	75% Copper, 25% Nickel	90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight	2.27 grams	2.50 grams
Edge Appearance	Copper stripe visible	Solid silver color

The “Deep Cameo” Distinction and Why It Matters

When looking at a 2008-S Proof Dime, you will likely notice a heavy contrast between the design (Roosevelt’s portrait) and the background (the fields). In the world of professional coin grading, the term “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) is used to describe coins where the devices are frosted and the fields are highly reflective, like a mirror. Virtually all 2008-S dimes were struck to this standard, but the degree of perfection varies.

A 2008-S dime that has even a tiny hairline scratch will lose its “perfect” status. Collectors use the Sheldon Scale, which goes from 1 to 70. A PR70 Deep Cameo is a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. These are the “holy grails” for modern dime collectors. If you think you’ve found a specimen that looks flawless, using CoinKnow can provide you with guidance on whether it is worth sending to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.

Grading Your 2008-S Roosevelt Dime

Grading is the process of determining the physical condition of a coin. Since the 2008-S Roosevelt Dime was never meant for circulation, you won’t find them in “Good” or “Fine” condition unless they were accidentally spent and worn down. Instead, they are almost always “Proof” (PR). The value jumps significantly when you move from a PR69 to a PR70.

While a PR69 might be worth just $5 to $10, a PR70 can command a premium because registry set collectors compete to own the highest possible grade for every year. This competition drives the 2008-S Roosevelt Dime value upward. For the average person, keeping the coin in its original US Mint plastic lens is the best way to preserve its grade. Once you touch the surface of a proof coin with your bare fingers, the oils from your skin can cause “milk spots” or permanent damage, lowering the value.

Grade	Clad Value	Silver Value
PR 67	$2.00	$8.00
PR 68	$4.00	$12.00
PR 69	$7.00	$18.00
PR 70	$25.00	$50.00

Are There Any Rare 2008-S Dime Errors?

Modern minting technology at the San Francisco Mint is incredibly precise, which means errors in the 2008-S series are extremely rare. However, “rare” does not mean “impossible.” Collectors often look for “Struck Through” errors, where a piece of debris or grease gets between the die and the coin blank, leaving a blurry or missing area in the design.

Another rare occurrence would be a “Double Die,” though none have been significantly documented for the 2008-S Roosevelt Dime specifically. If you find a dime that has strange doubling on the letters “LIBERTY” or the date, it could be a valuable error. Even a minor error on a proof coin can make the 2008-S Roosevelt Dime value skyrocket into the hundreds of dollars because Proof errors are so seldom seen by the public.

Mintages and Production Numbers

The rarity of a coin is often tied to its mintage—how many were actually made. In 2008, the government produced millions of dimes in Philadelphia and Denver, but the San Francisco Mint’s numbers were much lower. Approximately 2.1 million clad proof sets were produced, and about 1.1 million silver proof sets were released.

While these numbers seem high, remember that these are sets. Many remain intact today. The number of individual coins that have been separated and are available for solo purchase is much smaller. This helps maintain a stable price floor for the 2008-S Roosevelt Dime. When you compare these numbers to older dimes from the 1940s, you begin to see why modern proofs are considered a niche but accessible part of the hobby for everyday Americans.

How to Sell Your 2008-S Roosevelt Dime

If you have identified your coin and want to turn it into cash, you have several options. Because the value of a single 2008-S Roosevelt Dime is relatively low (under $50 for most specimens), selling to a local coin shop might not yield the best results, as dealers need to make a profit. You might only be offered the silver melt value for silver coins or face value for clad coins.

For higher-grade PR70 specimens, online marketplaces like eBay are often the best route. Make sure to take high-quality, clear photos that show the “S” mint mark and the mirror-like surfaces. Using the CoinKnow app allows you to stay updated on recent sales and market trends so you don’t undersell your find. Always ship proof coins in protective flips or capsules to ensure they arrive in the same condition you described.

FAQ

Q: Why does my 2008 dime have an ‘S’ but looks like a normal dime?

A: The ‘S’ stands for San Francisco. It is a Proof coin, meant for collectors. While it has the same face value of 10 cents, its mirror-like finish and lower mintage make it worth more to a collector than its face value.

Q: Is every 2008-S dime made of silver?

A: No. Most 2008-S dimes are “Clad” (copper and nickel). However, the US Mint also produced a 90% Silver version for special Silver Proof Sets. Check the edge of the coin; if you see a copper stripe, it is clad. If it is solid silver-colored, it is 90% silver.

Q: Can I find a 2008-S Roosevelt Dime in my pocket change?

A: It is possible, but very unlikely. These were never released into general circulation. If you find one in change, someone likely broke open a collector’s set and spent it. These are often called “impaired proofs” because they usually have scratches from circulating with other coins.

Q: What is the most a 2008-S Dime has ever sold for?

A: Perfect PR70 Deep Cameo Silver versions have sold at auction for over $100 in years when demand is high, though current market prices for a PR70 Silver specimen typically hover around $45-$55.

Q: How should I clean my 2008-S Proof Dime to make it worth more?

A: Never clean your coins! Cleaning a proof coin with a cloth or chemicals will create tiny scratches (hairlines) that drastically reduce its value. Collectors prefer “original” surfaces, even if the coin has some natural toning or aging.