2011-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Is Your Proof Coin Worth Money?
The 2011-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3.50 in standard proof condition to over $35 for high-grade silver specimens. While these coins were never intended for general circulation, finding one in a collection or a “bank roll find” can be an exciting discovery for any casual collector.
| Condition / Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 2011-S Clad Proof (PR69) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| 2011-S Clad Proof (PR70) | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| 2011-S Silver Proof (PR69) | $10.00 – $14.00 |
| 2011-S Silver Proof (PR70) | $30.00 – $45.00 |
Understanding the 2011-S Roosevelt Dime Minting Process
The 2011-S Roosevelt Dime was produced exclusively at the San Francisco Mint, denoted by the small “S” mint mark located just above the date. Unlike the dimes you receive in your change from the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) mints, the “S” version is a “Proof” coin. These are specially manufactured for collectors using polished dies and planchets, resulting in a mirror-like background and frosted details.
If you are unsure whether your dime is a standard business strike or a special proof, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish the finish and mint mark instantly. This is crucial because a standard 2011 dime found in your pocket is usually only worth its face value of ten cents, whereas the “S” mint mark signals a premium.
Collectors often look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations on these coins. This refers to the intense contrast between the shiny fields and the white, frosted appearance of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s portrait. Because these were sold in protective sets, they are rarely found in “circulated” condition, making the grade and the metal composition the primary drivers of their secondary market price. To get a better sense of the market, you can check the latest 2011 Roosevelt Dime auction records for high-grade specimens.
By downloading CoinKnow, you can track your collection’s growth and stay updated on how the San Francisco mintages are performing in the current market. Knowing the difference between a common dime and a proof strike is the first step in successful coin hunting.
Clad vs. Silver: Which 2011-S Dime Do You Have?
In 2011, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types of Roosevelt Dimes. The first is the “Clad” version, which is composed of copper and nickel, just like standard circulating coins. The second is the “Silver” version, which consists of 90% silver and 10% copper. Identifying which one you have is the most significant factor in determining its melt value and collector premium.
Determining the composition is relatively simple. You can look at the edge of the coin; if you see a solid silver stripe with no copper (orange/brown) showing through, it is likely the silver variety. Alternatively, you can weigh the coin on a jeweler’s scale. A clad dime weighs 2.27 grams, while a 90% silver dime weighs 2.50 grams.
| Feature | Clad Proof | 90% Silver Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.27 Grams | 2.50 Grams |
| Main Value Driver | Eye Appeal/Grade | Silver Content + Grade |
| Edge Appearance | Layered (Copper core) | Solid Silver |
The silver version is inherently more valuable because of its precious metal content. Even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it will always be worth at least its weight in silver. For those curious about current market fluctuations, you can find a detailed breakdown of the 2011 dime’s worth based on metal spot prices.
Grading the 2011-S Roosevelt Dime: From PR60 to PR70
When dealing with proof coins, the condition is everything. Professionals use a 70-point scale to grade coins, where PR70 (Proof 70) represents a perfect coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification. Because modern minting techniques are so precise, many 2011-S dimes come out of the Mint in PR68 or PR69 condition.
A 2011-S Clad Dime in PR69 might only sell for $3 to $5 because they are quite common. However, the jump to a “Perfect 70” can significantly increase the price. Serious collectors want the absolute best, and they are willing to pay a premium for a slabbed coin from a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC that carries that “70” label.
If you find a dime that has been removed from its original plastic lens (the case it came in from the Mint), it might have developed “hairlines” or tiny scratches. Even light handling can drop the grade of a proof coin down to the PR60-PR63 range. In these lower proof grades, the value drops closer to the core metal value. Using a tool like CoinKnow allows you to compare your coin against high-resolution photos of graded specimens to estimate where your coin falls on the scale.
Mintage Numbers and Rarity of the 2011-S Dime
Relative to the hundreds of millions of dimes struck in Philadelphia and Denver, the 2011-S mintage is quite low. There were approximately 2,973,733 Clad Proof dimes struck and roughly 1,091,332 Silver Proof dimes struck. While over a million sounds like a lot, these sets were mostly purchased by collectors and held in private hands.
| Mint Location | Strike Type | Approximate Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (P) | Business Strike | 745,000,000 |
| Denver (D) | Business Strike | 757,000,000 |
| San Francisco (S) | Clad Proof | 2,973,733 |
| San Francisco (S) | Silver Proof | 1,091,332 |
This rarity is the reason why a 2011-S dime is almost never found in pocket change. If you do find one in the wild, it’s usually because someone broke open a proof set and spent the coins. This is known as an “impaired proof.” Even an impaired 2011-S dime is a great find for a beginner collector, although its value to a serious professional decreases significantly once it shows signs of circulation.
Monitoring these mintage figures through CoinKnow can help you understand the “supply” side of the coin market. In years where the U.S. Mint sells fewer sets, the secondary market value for individual dimes from those years tends to rise over time as they become harder to find in the open market.
Where to Buy and Sell Your 2011-S Roosevelt Dime
If you have discovered a 2011-S dime and want to turn it into cash, you have several options. For standard clad proof dimes, selling on platforms like eBay is common. However, keep in mind that shipping costs might eat up most of your profit if the coin is only worth $4.00. Selling in lots or as part of a complete 2011 proof set is often more lucrative.
For high-grade silver versions or coins graded PR70, you might consider reaching out to a local coin shop or a specialized numismatic auction house. Because these coins have a specific market, buyers are often looking for the Deep Cameo effect and a pristine slab. Always check the current silver spot price if you are selling a silver proof, as this serves as your “floor” price.
Before selling, ensure you have correctly identified the coin. It is easy to mistake a clean 2011-P or 2011-D for a proof if you aren’t familiar with the “S” mint mark. The 2011-S is distinct because of its highly reflective surface. Taking clear photos and using a valuation tool will ensure you don’t accidentally undersell a rare silver specimen for the price of a common clad one.
FAQ
Q: Why is my 2011 dime shiny but doesn’t have an “S” mint mark?
A: You likely have a well-preserved business strike from Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D). While they can be shiny when new, they lack the specialized mirror finish and frosted details of a Proof coin minted in San Francisco. These are typically only worth ten cents.
Q: Is every 2011 dime with an “S” made of silver?
A: No. The Mint produces both “Clad” proof sets (made of copper-nickel) and “Silver” proof sets. You must check the edge of the coin or weigh it to be sure. The silver version is 2.5 grams, while the clad version is 2.27 grams.
Q: Can I find a 2011-S Roosevelt Dime in my pocket change?
A: It is very rare but possible. This happens when someone breaks open a proof set and spends the coins. These are called “impaired proofs” and usually have scratches from circulating with other coins, reduce their collector value to just a few dollars or silver melt value.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2011-S Dime?
A: While standard proofs sell for under $50, perfectly graded PR70 Deep Cameo specimens can sometimes fetch higher prices at boutique auctions depending on the demand from Registry Set collectors who need a perfect coin to complete their collection.
