Reports have circulated about a rare old Roosevelt dime that could be worth as much as 9.8 million and may still be in circulation. Whether or not a specific coin reaches that figure, the headline is a reminder: a single dime can sometimes be worth far more than its face value.
How to identify this rare Roosevelt dime
Start with a careful visual inspection in good light. Use a loupe or magnifying glass and handle the coin by its edges to avoid fingerprints and damage.
Look for three basic things that often make a Roosevelt dime rare: date and mintmark, minting errors, and overall condition or grade.
Check date and mintmark on a Roosevelt dime
The date and mintmark are the first clues to rarity. Pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes are 90% silver, which already makes them more valuable for metal content. Certain dates and mintmarks are much scarcer than others and attract collector interest.
Look for minting errors and varieties
Error coins and die varieties can drive values up dramatically. Common valuable varieties include doubled dies, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and clipped planchets. These differences are often subtle and require magnification to confirm.
- Double die obverse or reverse
- Repunched mintmark (RPM)
- Off-center or weak strikes
- Clipped planchet or wrong planchet
Why collectors value this rare Roosevelt dime
Collectors pay premiums for coins with documented rarity, excellent condition, and interesting historical context. Provenance or a well-documented find can also increase buyer confidence and price.
Third-party grading adds credibility. Grading companies like PCGS and NGC grade and encapsulate coins, making them easier to value and sell.
Condition and grade matter
Even a rare date or error is worth much more when the coin is well preserved. Uncirculated examples graded MS60 and higher typically bring larger premiums than heavily worn specimens.
Practical steps to verify if your dime is the rare Roosevelt dime
Follow these steps to avoid costly mistakes and protect a possibly valuable coin.
- Do not clean the coin. Cleaning can destroy surface details and reduce value.
- Use a magnifier and record the date, mintmark, and any visible errors.
- Compare to reference images in reliable numismatic guides or online databases.
- Seek an expert opinion from a reputable dealer or forum before any sale.
- If the coin appears rare, consider professional grading and authentication.
How authentication and grading work for a rare Roosevelt dime
Authentication confirms a coin is genuine and the variety claimed. Grading assigns a condition score that helps establish market value.
Send the coin to a recognized service (PCGS, NGC) for encapsulation only after getting preliminary expert feedback. These services charge submission and grading fees and may require membership or dealer sponsorship for high-value submissions.
Where to sell a rare Roosevelt dime
If authenticated, you have several options. Each has benefits and trade-offs in fees, buyer reach, and selling speed.
- Auction houses: Good for very rare, high-value coins due to wide collector access.
- Specialist coin dealers: Faster sale but may offer lower prices than auction.
- Online marketplaces: Reach many buyers; require careful listing and secure shipping.
- Consignment through a reputable dealer or auction house: Often best for maximizing price but includes commission fees.
Costs and considerations before selling
Expect grading and auction fees. Insurance, shipping, and professional photography add to costs. Balance these against the potential premium a certified, professionally sold coin can achieve.
Small case study: finding and selling a rare dime
A regional collector found a Roosevelt dime in a jar of mixed coins while sorting a deceased relative’s estate. The date looked unusual and the coin had an odd doubling on the obverse. After getting a local dealer’s opinion, the collector submitted the coin for third-party grading.
Authentication confirmed a recognized die variety. The collector then consigned the graded coin to a major auction house. The auction drew multiple competitive bidders, and the coin sold well above what local shops had initially offered.
This example shows the typical path from discovery to sale: careful handling, expert consultation, authentication, and auction or consignment.
Quick checklist if you think you have this rare Roosevelt dime
- Do not clean the coin; preserve original surfaces.
- Handle by the rim; photograph both sides in good light.
- Note the date, mintmark, and any visible errors.
- Get a preliminary opinion from a reputable dealer or collector forum.
- Consider professional grading if the coin seems rare or in high grade.
Finding a rare Roosevelt dime is exciting, but careful steps improve the chance of a good outcome. Authentication and professional sale channels often produce the best results. Even if the headline figure seems extreme, the process to confirm and realize value is the same: identify, protect, verify, and then sell through trusted, transparent routes.