1979-S Type 2 Roosevelt Dime Value: Worth $10 to $10,000?
The 1979-S Type 2 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $10 in standard proof condition to over $10,000 for top-tier specimens. While billions of dimes circulate daily, this specific “Type 2” mint mark variety is a prized find for everyday Americans looking through their old coin collections.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Clean Proof) | $10 – $15 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $25 – $40 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $150 – $450 |
| Rare Mint Errors | $500+ |
Understanding the 1979-S Type 1 vs Type 2 Difference
If you have found a shiny 1979 dime with an “S” mint mark, you first need to identify which variety you have. In 1979, the San Francisco Mint updated its “S” mint mark punch mid-year because the old tool was getting worn out. This resulted in two distinct versions: Type 1 (Filled S) and Type 2 (Clear S).
The Type 1 “S” looks like a blobby, indistinct letter where the center is filled in. Conversely, the Type 2 “S” is crisp, clear, and has well-defined bulbous ends. For a beginner, telling them apart can be tricky, which is why using a free coin identifier app is the best way to get an instant visual confirmation.
Collectors are willing to pay a premium for the Type 2 because it was produced in significantly lower quantities at the end of the year. If you are using CoinKnow to track your inventory, you will notice that the market demand for the “Clear S” variety remains much higher than its “Filled S” counterpart.
Why the 1979-S Proof Dime is Special
Unlike the dimes you find in your pocket change, the 1979-S was never intended for general circulation. It is a “Proof” coin, struck specifically for collectors using polished dies and specially prepared blanks. This gives the coin a mirror-like background and frosted details.
Because these were sold in sets, most are still in relatively good condition. However, “good” isn’t enough to reach the high values seen in auction records. The real money lies in the Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation, which refers to a heavy contrast between the shiny field and the white, frosted portrait of FDR.
When evaluating your collection, checking the 1979 Roosevelt Dime auction prices can help you see what professional graders look for in a high-value specimen. Most 1979-S Type 2 dimes you find will be in the $10-$20 range, but perfection pays well.
| Mint Mark Type | Rarity Level | Average Value (PR69) |
|---|---|---|
| 1979-S Type 1 (Filled) | Common | $5.00 |
| 1979-S Type 2 (Clear) | Scarce | $35.00 |
The Role of Grading in Determining Value
To get the top dollar for a 1979-S Type 2 Roosevelt Dime, the coin must be professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. A grade of PR70 (Proof 70) is considered perfect, with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. While a PR69 might sell for $30, a PR70 can potentially reach several hundred dollars.
For most casual hunters, the question is whether it’s worth the cost of grading. It typically costs $20-$40 to grade a single coin. If your dime has even a tiny scratch or a fingerprint, it likely won’t hit that “perfect” status.
Using the CoinKnow app can help you compare your coin’s luster against high-resolution photos of graded examples. This visual comparison is vital before spending money on professional authentication. You can also view more historical 1979 dime value data to see how the market for Type 2 varieties has fluctuated over the last decade.
Rare Errors and Varieties to Look For
Beyond the Type 2 mint mark, there are other factors that can skyrocket a 1979 dime’s value. Mint errors are rare but highly lucrative. Look for coins that have been struck off-center or have “doubled die” features. A doubled die occurs when the die used to strike the coin has a misaligned image, causing letters or numbers to appear doubled.
In the 1979-S proof series, errors are particularly rare because the San Francisco Mint has much tighter quality control for proof sets than the Philadelphia or Denver Mints have for regular coins. If you find a 1979-S with a clipped planchet or a broadstrike error, you could be looking at a coin worth $500 to $1,000.
Always keep your coins in protective flips if you suspect they are errors. Oils from your skin can degrade the surface of a proof coin, instantly lowering its grade from a “potentially valuable” status to “filler” status.
| Error Type | Detection Method | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Double Die Obverse | Magnified lettering | $50 – $200 |
| Off-Center Strike | Visual alignment | $100 – $500 |
| Wrong Planchet | Check weight (grams) | $1,000+ |
Where to Sell Your 1979-S Type 2 Dime
If you have confirmed your coin is a 1979-S Type 2 and it’s in excellent condition, you have several options for selling. Local coin shops are the fastest way to get cash, but they often pay only 50-60% of the retail value because they need to make a profit.
For the highest return, online marketplaces like eBay or GreatCollections are better. You can see what similar coins have sold for recently by searching “sold listings.” If you have a high-grade PR70 specimen, specialized auction houses are the way to go, as they attract serious collectors willing to pay top market prices.
Before you sell, make sure to document your coin. Taking high-quality photos and storing the digital record in CoinKnow allows you to show potential buyers that you know exactly what you have. A well-documented coin always sells faster and for more money than an “unidentified” silver-colored dime.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1979-S Type 2 Roosevelt Dime made of silver?
A: No. By 1979, the US Mint had long stopped using silver for circulation and standard proof dimes. This coin is made of a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper and 25% nickel). Its value comes from its rarity as a variety, not its metal content.
Q: How can I tell for sure if my “S” is a Type 2?
A: Look at the “S” with a magnifying glass. If the ends of the “S” are flat and the center is filled with metal, it is Type 1. If the “S” has clear, round bulbs at the ends and the background is visible through the loops of the letter, it is a Type 2.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1979-S Type 2 Dime?
A: While average Type 2 dimes sell for under $50, perfect PR70 Deep Cameo examples have sold for over $500 at auction. Rare error versions or those with unique toning can sometimes fetch even higher prices depending on the buyer’s interest.
Q: Can I find a 1979-S Type 2 in my spare change?
A: It is extremely unlikely but not impossible. Occasionally, someone will break open a proof set to spend the money, or a collection is stolen and spent at face value. However, most “S” mint marks found in change will be impaired proofs, meaning they are scratched and worth only a few cents over face value.
