1998-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Most Recent Prices and Guide
The 1998-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $500 for perfect Deep Cameo specimens. While you won’t find this specific coin in your pocket change, it remains a favorite for collectors due to its mirrored finish and sharp details.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 Deep Cameo | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo | $40.00 – $110.00 |
| Unique Errors | $200.00+ |
Why the 1998-S Roosevelt Dime Stands Out
If you have stumbled upon a 1998 dime that looks exceptionally shiny, notice the “S” mint mark next to Roosevelt’s shoulder. This indicates the coin was minted in San Francisco. Unlike the dimes made in Philadelphia or Denver, San Francisco coins from 1998 were specifically produced for collectors as “Proof” coins. They were never meant to buy a soda or a newspaper. If you are unsure what kind of coin you have, using a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common circulation coin and a specialty proof.
The 1998-S is compositionally similar to your standard dime, made of a copper-nickel clad. However, the manufacturing process is much slower. The dies are polished to a mirror-like shine, and the planchets (the blank metal discs) are struck twice to ensure every detail of the design pops. This creates the “Deep Cameo” effect, where the portrait of FDR appears frosted while the background is slick like a black mirror.
Most Americans who own this coin found it inside a 1998 United States Proof Set. If yours is loose, it might have been “broken out” of a set. Serious hobbyists use the CoinKnow app to log these finds and keep track of their growing collections. Even though it is a modern coin, the 1998-S remains a staple for anyone trying to complete a full run of Roosevelt Dimes.
Deep Cameo Grading and Market Prices
When discussing the 1998-S Roosevelt Dime value, it is all about the grade. Coin grading follows a 70-point scale. For proof coins like the 1998-S, you will almost exclusively see grades ranging from Proof-60 to Proof-70. Because these coins were handled with gloves and placed in plastic cases at the mint, they are usually in fantastic condition.
A “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation is essential for reaching the top price brackets. This means there is a high contrast between the designs and the fields. If you check the current 1998 dime market valuation, you will see that common business strikes can be quite affordable, but the pristine S-mint proofs carry a premium.
| Grade Designation | Characteristic | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| PR 60-64 | Minor scratches or haze | $2.50 |
| PR 67 DCAM | Strong contrast, few marks | $10.00 |
| PR 68 DCAM | Nearly perfect specimens | $15.00 |
| PR 70 DCAM | Museum quality perfection | $90.00+ |
Identifying Rare 1998-S Dime Errors
Errors are where the real money is made in the coin world. While the San Francisco Mint has strict quality control, mistakes occasionally slip through. The 1998-S is not known for many major hub doubling issues, but collectors still search for “Off-Center” strikes or “Broadstrikes.” An off-center proof dime is incredibly rare because proof presses are manually monitored.
If you believe you have found an error, the CoinKnow app can help you examine the coin’s features against known authentic specimens. Common 1990s errors include “Struck Through” errors, where a piece of debris or grease gets between the die and the coin, leaving a blurry or missing part of the image.
For those interested in historical pricing trends for this year, reviewing the comprehensive 1998 dime price guide will show that while the base metal value is only about 2 cents, the numismatic (collector) value of an error can easily reach $100 to $500 depending on the severity of the mistake.
| Error Type | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Double Die Obverse | Doubling on ‘LIBERTY’ or Date | $50 – $150 |
| Missing Clad Layer | One side appears copper-red | $250+ |
| Proof Die Clash | Reverse image faint on obverse | $100+ |
Silver vs. Clad: How to Tell the Difference
Many people don’t realize that in 1998, the U.S. Mint produced two different versions of the “S” Mint dime. One is the standard Clad version (copper and nickel), and the other is the 90% Silver version. This is a critical distinction because the silver version is worth significantly more due to its precious metal content alone.
To tell them apart, hold the coin on its side and look at the edge. A clad dime will show a orange/copper stripe along the rim. If the edge is solid silver-white with no copper core visible, you likely have the 90% Silver 1998-S Roosevelt Dime.
The silver proof 1998-S is more desirable because it contains 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver. This means even if the coin is scratched or damaged, it still has “melt value.” Tools like CoinKnow are excellent for verifying weights and dimensions to confirm if your coin is silver without damaging it.
| Coin Version | Composition | Base Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1998-S Clad Proof | 91.67% Cu, 8.33% Ni | $3.00 |
| 1998-S Silver Proof | 90% Silver, 10% Cu | $10.00 – $15.00 |
Maintaining Your 1998-S Dime Collection
If you find a 1998-S dime, the most important thing is to avoid cleaning it. Novice collectors often think they are helping by scrubbing a coin with soap or polish to make it “look new.” In reality, cleaning a coin leaves microscopic scratches that destroy its numismatic value. A “wiped” proof coin can lose 50-80% of its market price instantly.
To preserve the 1998-S Roosevelt Dime value, store the coin in a PVC-free flip or a plastic capsule. This protects the delicate mirrored surface from oils on your fingers and moisture in the air. Environmental damage, known as “toning,” can sometimes turn a coin purple or blue. While some collectors love “rainbow toning,” most prefer their dimes to be brilliantly white.
High-grade PR70 DCAM (Deep Cameo) coins are the gold standard. These are coins that have been professionally graded by companies like PCGS or NGC. If your coin is in a plastic slab with a barcode, it is much easier to sell at a premium to a coin shop or through an online auction. Keep an eye on auction records to see when prices for modern proofs start to climb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I find a 1998-S Roosevelt Dime in my pocket change?
A: While it is theoretically possible if someone accidentally spent a proof set, it is extremely rare. Almost all 1998-S dimes come from collector sets. If you find one in circulation, it will likely be scratched and called an “impaired proof,” worth only a few dollars.
Q: How many 1998-S Roosevelt Dimes were made?
A: The U.S. Mint produced approximately 2,086,507 clad proof dimes and another 878,792 silver proof dimes in San Francisco in 1998. These numbers are much lower than the hundreds of millions produced in Philadelphia and Denver.
Q: Is the 1998-S Dime made of real silver?
A: Only the coins specifically issued in the “Silver Proof Set” are made of 90% silver. The standard proof coins are made of copper and nickel. You can check the edge of the coin; a silver coin has a solid white edge, while a clad coin has a copper-colored stripe.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1998-S Dime?
A: Perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens have sold for over $400 in years past. However, most collectors can expect to pay between $40 and $100 for a certified perfect coin today. Standard uncertified proofs usually sell for around $5.
