The 1964 Roosevelt Dime holds a special place in coin history. It’s important because it was one of the last U.S. dimes made with silver before the switch to cheaper metals like nickel and copper, driven by rising silver prices.
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What’s in a 1964 Roosevelt Dime?
The 1964 dime features a design of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, made up of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin weighs about 2.5 grams, with 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver. It has a face value of 10 cents, a diameter of 17.91mm, and a thickness of 1.35mm. Its edges are reeded, which means they have ridges, and the design on the coin hasn’t changed much since it was first introduced.
Design Details: On the front, you’ll find Roosevelt’s portrait facing left, surrounded by the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.” The back features a torch, symbolizing freedom, with an olive branch on the left representing peace and an oak branch on the right representing strength.
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Is Your 1964 Dime Made of Silver?
If you’ve got a 1964 dime, it’s most likely made of silver. But how can you be sure? The easiest way is to check the edge of the coin. If it shows a solid silver stripe, your coin is silver. If there’s a copper line, it’s not.
Variations of the 1964 Dime
- 1964 No Mint Mark Dime
Minted in Philadelphia, this version has no mint mark and is made with the standard 90% silver and 10% copper composition. - 1964 D-Dime
This was minted in Denver and features a small “D” mint mark. - 1964 Proof Dime
Specially minted in Philadelphia, this version was made for collectors, and only about 4 million were made.
What Are the Errors in the 1964 Dime?
Some 1964 dimes were struck with errors, making them more valuable to collectors:
- Doubled Die Error: The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME” on the back are doubled. Coins with this error can be worth anywhere from $6 to $170, depending on their condition.
- Clipped Planchet: Part of the coin is missing, usually due to a minting error. These dimes can sell for $30 or more.
- Off-Center Strike: The coin’s image wasn’t aligned correctly, leading to a deformed appearance. Depending on how off-center the strike is, these dimes can be worth $10 to $20.
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How Much is a 1964 Roosevelt Dime Worth?
While the face value is only 10 cents, the silver content alone makes these dimes worth much more. In good condition, a 1964 dime can sell for $3 or more, and proof coins can fetch up to $4. Error coins or those in mint condition can bring even higher prices.
Coin Grading System: Collectors use the Sheldon Scale to grade coins. Here’s a quick look at how the grades work:
- Poor (P-1): Damaged, barely recognizable.
- Very Good (VG-8): The design is worn but still visible.
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): Only slight wear, with clear details.
- Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70): Uncirculated, no wear, possibly flawless in higher grades.
Why Aren’t 1964 Dimes Rare?
Most 1964 dimes aren’t rare because so many were minted—over 1.3 billion! However, dimes in top condition, proof dimes, or error coins can still be valuable to collectors.
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Where to Buy or Sell 1964 Dimes?
You can find 1964 dimes at local pawn shops, online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, or coin dealers. Coins in top condition or with errors can fetch premium prices on specialized sites like Vcoins.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.