1964 Roosevelt Dime Value: Is Your No Mint Mark Coin Rare?
The 1964 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these coins in your pocket change is an exciting moment because they represent the final year the United States Mint produced circulating dimes with 90% silver content.
| Grade | Estimated Value (No Mint Mark) |
|---|---|
| Good / Very Good | $2.10 – $2.50 (Melt Value) |
| Fine / Very Fine | $2.50 – $3.00 |
| Extremely Fine | $4.00 – $6.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS63+) | $15 – $50 |
| Pristine Mint State (MS67+) | $500 – $1,500+ |
Historical Significance of the 1964 Roosevelt Dime
If you have discovered a shiny dime dated 1964 in your collection, you are holding a piece of American monetary history. This was the last year the U.S. Mint used silver for common circulating silver dimes. Beginning in 1965, the composition changed to the copper-nickel “sandwich” coins we use today. Because inflation and the rising cost of silver caused people to hoard these coins, the 1964 mintage was absolutely massive.
To identify if your coin is special, you might want to use a free coin identifier app to check the condition. Most people overlook these coins thinking they are just “ten cents,” but their bullion value alone is significantly higher than their face value. The CoinKnow app can help you distinguish between a common coin and a high-grade investment piece.
Because the Philadelphia Mint produced over 930 million of these coins, they are very common today. However, many were melted down over the decades, making well-preserved examples more lucrative for collectors. If yours is in “No Mint Mark” condition, it simply means it was born in the “City of Brotherly Love,” Philadelphia.
Identification and the Lack of a Mint Mark
One of the most common questions new collectors ask is, “Why doesn’t my 1964 dime have a letter on it?” In the mid-1960s, the U.S. Mint traditionally did not place a mint mark on coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint. While coins from Denver (D) or San Francisco (S) usually bore a mark, the Philadelphia issues remained blank.
Identifying a no-mint-mark dime is easy. Look at the reverse (back) of the coin. Near the bottom of the torch, on the left side, you would normally see a “D.” If that area is empty, you have a Philadelphia strike. Using CoinKnow, you can take a photo of this area to verify that what you are seeing is indeed a standard Philadelphia mintage and not a grease-filled die error.
Keep in mind that while a lack of a mint mark isn’t rare, the quality of the strike is what counts. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for “Full Band” (FB) dimes, where the horizontal lines on the torch are clearly visible and separated. You can find detailed 1964 no mint mark dime price data for coins that achieve these high technical grades.
| Mint Branch | Mint Mark | Mintage Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | 930,160,000 |
| Denver | D | 1,357,517,180 |
| Proof (Philly) | None | 3,950,762 |
Determining the Value of 1964 Dimes Without Mint Marks
The value of a 1964 dime is primarily determined by two factors: the spot price of silver and the numismatic (collector) grade. Because each dime contains 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver, it will always be worth at least its weight in precious metal. When silver prices rise, the value of even the most damaged 1964 dime goes up.
For collectors, however, the “melt value” is just the floor. A coin that has never been spent—meaning it has no scratches or wear on Roosevelt’s cheek—can be worth ten to twenty times its silver content. You can check the current 1964 silver Roosevelt dime value chart to see how much “Proof” versus “Circulated” coins are selling for on the open market.
If you find a coin that looks exceptionally shiny, it might be a Proof coin. These were specially minted for collectors and often have a mirror-like finish. Even though they have no mint mark, their sharp details make them stand out. The CoinKnow app’s AI recognition can often distinguish between a high-sheen business strike and a true Proof coin, helping you avoid under-selling your find.
Key Variations and Error Varieties to Look For
While most 1964 dimes are standard, there are a few errors that can turn a $2 coin into a $200 treasure. One of the most famous is the “Pointed 9” vs. “Blunt 9” on the date, though this is more common in proof sets. Another area to inspect is the reverse for “Doubled Die” errors, where the lettering or the torch appears to have a ghosted second image.
Clip errors, off-center strikes, and broadstrikes are also possible with the 1964 mintage. Because the production speed was so high that year to combat a national coin shortage, quality control sometimes slipped. A dime struck on a 1-cent planchet (penny blank) is one of the most valuable errors known to exist for this era.
Always use a magnifying glass to check the dates and the word “LIBERTY.” If you see any doubling or strange distortions, do not clean the coin! Cleaning a coin actually reduces its value significantly by scratching the surface. Professional collectors prefer the natural patina or “toning” that develops over time, which can range from rainbow colors to deep charcoal.
| Error Type | Identification Tip | Est. Value |
|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die Reverse | Look for doubling on “E Pluribus Unum” | $30 – $100 |
| Off-Center Strike | Design is not centered on the coin | $20 – $150 |
| Blank Planchet | Solid silver disc with no design | $5 – $10 |
Grading Your 1964 Roosevelt Dime at Home
Before you send your coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC, you can do a rough assessment yourself. A “Good” grade coin will have worn-down hair details on Roosevelt’s head, and the torch on the back will look flat. An “Uncirculated” coin should have a “cartwheel luster,” which is a shimmering effect when you rotate the coin under a light bulb.
Professional grading is usually only worth the cost if you believe your coin is in MS67 condition or higher. Dimes at this level are essentially flawless. If you are unsure, the CoinKnow app is a great middle-step to help you decide if it is worth the $20-$50 grading fee. For most 1964 dimes found in change today, they will fall into the “Circulated” category.
Check the edges of the coin as well. A 1964 silver dime will have a solid silver-colored edge. If you see a strip of copper or brown, you have a modern clad dime that might have a fake date or is just a common post-1965 coin. Silver dimes have a distinct “ring” when dropped on a wooden table, sounding much higher-pitched than modern coins.
Where to Sell Your No Mint Mark Dime
If you decide to sell your 1964 Roosevelt dime, you have several options. For a single, worn coin, a local coin shop is the easiest route. They will likely pay you the silver melt value. However, if you have a coin in a plastic “slab” or one that appears to be in perfect condition, online auctions like eBay or GreatCollections might fetch a higher price from specialist collectors.
When selling online, high-quality photos are your best friend. Take clear, well-lit shots of both sides and the edge. Mentioning that the coin has “no mint mark” is helpful for buyers searching for Philadelphia strikes specifically. Be wary of “scam” listings online that list common 1964 dimes for thousands of dollars; these are usually over-optimistic sellers hoping for an uneducated buyer.
Always check the current price of silver before selling. Since these coins are 90% silver, their value fluctuates daily with the commodities market. Many people choose to save these dimes as a “poor man’s gold,” keeping them in jars as a hedge against inflation. Whether you sell now or hold, the 1964 dime remains a staple of American numismatics.
| Sales Channel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Instant cash, safe | Lower payout than retail |
| eBay / Online | Access to many buyers | Shipping fees and commissions |
| Coin Shows | Great for high-value errors | Requires travel/time |
FAQ
Q: Is a 1964 dime with no mint mark rare?
A: No, it is actually the most common silver Roosevelt dime. Over 930 million were minted in Philadelphia. However, because it is 90% silver, it is much more valuable than a regular dime.
Q: How can I tell if my 1964 dime is silver?
A: Look at the edge of the coin. If it is solid silver/white all the way through, it is 90% silver. If you see a copper stripe, it is a post-1964 clad coin. Silver dimes also make a high-pitched “ping” sound when tapped.
Q: What is the “melt value” of a 1964 dime?
A: The melt value depends on the current price of silver. A 1964 dime contains approximately 0.0723 ounces of silver. You can multiply the current silver spot price by 0.0723 to find the base value, which is usually around $1.80 to $2.20.
Q: Are there any 1964 dimes worth thousands?
A: Yes, but only in extremely high grades (MS67 or MS68) or with significant errors. Coins that feature “Full Bands” on the reverse torch also command a massive premium. Standard circulated 1964 dimes are typically not worth thousands.
Q: Can I find 1964 silver dimes in my pocket change today?
A: While it is rare, it still happens! Most silver was pulled from circulation in the late 60s and 70s, but occasionally someone spends a collection or an old jar of coins, and they back into the wild. Use CoinKnow to quickly scan any old-looking dimes you find.