2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime Value: Price Guide for Collectors

The 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in typical Proof condition to over $100 for perfect specimens. While this coin wasn’t made for general circulation, finding one in a collection or an estate set can be a rewarding experience for any casual treasure hunter or serious numismatist.

Understanding the Basics of the 2002-S Silver Dime

If you’ve recently come across a shiny dime dated 2002 with an “S” mint mark, you might be holding something more valuable than your average pocket change. Most dimes you find in your wallet are made of a copper-nickel clad composition.

However, the “S” mint mark indicates that this coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. While San Francisco creates some clad proofs, they also produced special 90% silver versions for 2002. If you aren’t sure how to tell the difference, using a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard clad proof and the silver variant instantly.

The 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime was issued as part of the United States Mint’s annual Silver Proof Set. Because these were never intended to spend at the grocery store, they usually retain a high-gloss, mirror-like finish known as “Proof.”

For those looking to track their finds, the CoinKnow app is an excellent tool for cataloging these specialized proof coins and monitoring their market fluctuations. It is important to check the edge of the coin—if you see a solid silver stripe with no copper showing, you have the silver version.

Grading and 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime Values

Pricing for the 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime depends heavily on its “grade,” which is a numerical score from 1 to 70. Since these coins were sold in protective plastic cases, most remain in the PR67 to PR70 range.

A coin graded PR69 is quite common and carries a modest premium, while a “Perfect 70” is the holy grail for collectors. You can find detailed current auction prices for 2002 dimes to see how much people are actually paying on the open market.

Most casual collectors find that their silver dimes fall into the PR68 or PR69 category. At these levels, they are affordable but still worth significantly more than their ten-cent face value. The CoinKnow platform helps you understand these grading tiers through visual comparisons, making it easier to estimate your coin’s worth.

*Represents total mintage for the 2002-S Silver Proof Dime.

Identifying the Deep Cameo (DCAM) Effect

When looking at your 2002-S Silver Dime, you might notice a striking contrast between the frosty portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the mirror-like background. This is known as “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM).

Collectors highly prize the DCAM finish because it represents the highest quality of the minting process. Most 2002-S Silver Dimes will have this effect, but pieces with exceptionally heavy frost are more desirable.

The fair market value of 2002 silver dimes often hinges on this visual appeal. If the “fields” (the flat parts) are cloudy or scratched, the value will drop toward the lower end of the spectrum, typically closer to its melt value.

If your coin has been removed from its original mint packaging, it is considered “loose.” While it is still silver, any fingerprints or hairline scratches will drastically reduce its potential to reach a PR70 grade.

Mintage Figures and Rarity of the 2002-S Silver Proof

In 2002, the San Francisco Mint struck 892,229 silver dimes. While nearly 900,000 might sound like a lot, compare that to the hundreds of millions of dimes struck in Philadelphia and Denver for circulation that same year.

Because these were sold exclusively in the 10-coin Silver Proof Sets, they are inherently scarcer than the dimes you find in your change. The CoinKnow app allows you to compare mintage numbers across different years to see which dates are the rarest in the Roosevelt series.

Despite being twenty years old, many of these coins are still in the hands of the original buyers or their heirs. If you are looking to sell, keep in mind that coin shops usually pay slightly less than the retail prices listed above, as they need to make a profit.

The Silver Content and Melt Value Factor

Even if your 2002-S Silver Dime is damaged or scratched, it still has a “floor” value based on its metal content. Since it is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, its price will rise and fall with the global price of silver.

Each silver dime contains approximately 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver. If silver is trading at $25 per ounce, the melt value of your dime is roughly $1.80. However, because the 2002-S is a proof coin, it almost always sells for a premium above this silver melt price.

It is rare to see a 2002-S Silver Dime sell for just its silver weight unless it is extremely damaged. Most collectors are willing to pay the extra few dollars for the “numismatic” value, which is the value based on the coin’s beauty and rarity rather than just its metal.

How to Safely Store Your Silver Roosevelt Dimes

If you have a 2002-S Silver Proof Dime, you want to keep it in its current condition. The best way to do this is to keep it in its original U.S. Mint plastic lens. If the coin has already been removed, use a PVC-free “flip” or a plastic capsule.

Avoid touching the surfaces of the coin with your bare hands. The oils from your skin can cause permanent staining or “milky” spots on the proof surface over time. Handling the coin only by its edges is a standard practice for coin enthusiasts.

By maintaining the quality of your coin, you ensure that it remains a liquid asset. Coins in pristine condition are much easier to sell to dealers or other collectors on platforms like eBay or at local coin shows.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 2002-S dime is silver or clad?

A: Check the edge of the coin. A silver dime will have a solid silver/white edge. A clad dime will have a visible copper stripe around the edge. Additionally, the silver version weighs 2.50 grams, while the clad version weighs 2.27 grams.

Q: Is a 2002-P or 2002-D dime worth anything?

A: Generally, no. Dimes minted in Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) were made for circulation in the billions. Unless they are in a high “Mint State” or have a major error, they are only worth face value (10 cents).

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 2002 Roosevelt Dime?

A: The mint mark is located just above the date on the bottom right of Roosevelt’s bust on the obverse (front) of the coin. Look for a small “S” to identify the San Francisco Proof.

Q: Can I find a 2002-S Silver Dime in my pocket change?

A: It is highly unlikely but possible. Sometimes people break open proof sets and spend them by mistake. If you find one, it will likely be “impaired” (scratched or worn), which reduces its value.