2019-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Collector Prices and Guide
The 2019-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in standard proof condition to over $50 in top-tier Silver Reverse Proof sets. While this modern coin isn’t as old as a Liberty Head or a Barber dime, its unique finishes and limited mintages make it a fascinating find for everyday Americans looking to spark a collection.
| Condition/Version | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR 69 Deep Cameo (Clad) | $5 – $8 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Clad) | $15 – $25 |
| PR 69 Silver Proof | $12 – $18 |
| Reverse Proof (Silver) | $35 – $60 |
Understanding the San Francisco Mint 2019 Roosevelt Dime
If you have found a dime with an “S” mint mark dated 2019, you aren’t looking at a regular pocket change coin. These coins were produced specifically for collectors at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the dimes minted in Philadelphia or Denver that you spend at the grocery store, the “S” mint mark indicates a Proof strike. These coins feature a mirror-like finish and sharp details intended for display rather than spending.
To accurately identify these specimens, many hobbyists utilize a free coin identifier app to ensure they aren’t confusing a proof coin with a shiny business strike. Utilizing CoinKnow can help you instantly distinguish between the various finishes released this year. In 2019, the Mint produced three distinct versions of the Roosevelt dime at San Francisco: the standard clad proof, the .999 fine silver proof, and the highly sought-after reverse proof.
The mintage for these coins is significantly lower than the billions of dimes struck for general circulation. For example, the standard clad proof had a mintage of roughly 600,000, which is tiny compared to the hundreds of millions coming out of Denver. This scarcity is what drives the premium over the coin’s ten-cent face value, making it a “keeper” for any casual hunter.
Different Varieties of the 2019-S Dime Value
The value of your 2019-S Roosevelt Dime depends heavily on which specific “variety” you have in your hand. The most common is the Proof Clad dime, which is made of the same copper-nickel composition as your regular change but struck with specially polished dies. These were sold in the standard 2019 United States Mint Proof Set.
Then there is the Silver Proof version. 2019 was a milestone year because the U.S. Mint transitioned from 90% silver to .999 fine silver for its proof sets. This increased the intrinsic melt value of the coin. Furthermore, a special “Reverse Proof” was included in the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Silver Dollar Coin & Currency Set. This version has frosted fields and mirrored devices—essentially the opposite of a standard proof—making it a visual standout.
| Metal Composition | Weight | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-Nickel Clad | 2.268 grams | Common (Proof Set) |
| .999 Fine Silver | 2.537 grams | Scarce (Silver Proof Set) |
| .999 Fine Silver (Reverse Proof) | 2.537 grams | Rare (Limited Edition Set) |
Judging the Grade and Quality of Your Coin
For modern coins like the 2019-S, the condition is everything. Collectors rarely settle for anything less than a “Proof 69” or “Proof 70” grade. A grade of 70 means the coin is perfect, with no visible flaws even under 5x magnification. If your dime has small scratches or fingerprints from being handled, its value drops significantly, often back down to just a few dollars.
Because these coins are so young, the market focuses on “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations. This refers to the intense contrast between the shiny background and the white, frosted portrait of FDR. To get a better sense of how your coin stacks up against professional standards, you can check the 2019-S dime auction prices for top-graded specimens.
Using the CoinKnow app allows you to compare your coin to high-resolution images of certified PR70 specimens. Most modern collectors prefer coins already slabbed by NGC or PCGS. If your dime is still in its original government packaging (OGP) from the Mint, leave it there! Breaking it out can lower its perceived value to certain buyers who want the original box and Certificate of Authenticity.
2019-S Reverse Proof Silver Roosevelt Dime Premium
The true “star” of the 2019 lineup is the Reverse Proof 2019-S Silver Dime. This coin was not sold in the regular silver proof set. It was tucked away in the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary set, which had a limited mintage. This makes it one of the harder-to-find modern Roosevelt dimes.
The visual appeal of the reverse proof is stunning. The background is a matte, frosted finish, while the portrait of Roosevelt and the torch on the reverse are polished to a mirror shine. This creates a “glow” that regular dimes simply don’t have. Because fewer of these were produced, they command a significant price increase over the standard copper-nickel version.
| Set Type | 2019-S Finish | Primary Value Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Proof Set | Mirror Background | Collector Demand |
| Silver Proof Set | Mirror Background | Silver Content + Scarcity |
| Apollo 11 Anniv. Set | Frosted Background | Low Mintage / Unique Look |
Market Outlook for the 2019-S Dime Value
Is the 2019-S dime a good investment? Generally, modern proof coins are stable but don’t see the explosive growth that coins from the 1800s enjoy. However, for a beginner, they are an affordable way to enter the hobby. You can see the full 2019 Roosevelt dime price breakdown and mint errors to see how the “S” proofs compare to the high-grade “P” and “D” business strikes.
The value of the silver versions fluctuates slightly with the spot price of silver. If the price of silver goes up, your 2019-S Silver Proof dime automatically increases in value because of its .999 purity. For the clad versions, value is driven entirely by the numismatic community. Keeping an eye on CoinKnow trends will help you decide if it’s the right time to sell or if you should hold onto your coins for the long term.
Collectors often look for “Full Band” (FB) details on the torch on the reverse of the dime. While this is primarily a concern for business strikes from Philadelphia and Denver, having a perfectly struck proof with deep details ensures its lasting desirability. As more of the Apollo 11 sets are broken up by dealers, the individual price for the Reverse Proof “S” dime may continue to rise due to its unique aesthetic.
How to Store Your 2019-S Roosevelt Dime
If you’ve identified your 2019-S dime and realize it has some value, you must protect it. Since most of these are proof coins, the surfaces are incredibly sensitive. Touching the face of a proof coin with your bare hands leaves oils that can eventually turn into permanent, ugly brown stains called “toning.”
Place your coin in a PVC-free plastic flip or a hard plastic capsule. If it is already in a certified holder (slab) from a company like PCGS or NGC, do not attempt to open it. The air-tight seal preserves the “Deep Cameo” finish that makes these coins so attractive. Storing them in a cool, dry place is essential to prevent environmental damage that could strip away the premium you worked hard to identify.
For many Americans, finding a 2019-S in a roll of coins or an old drawer is a lucky break. While it won’t buy you a new car, it is a beautiful piece of American minting history that is worth significantly more than its face value. Whether you decide to start a collection or sell it to a local shop, knowing the specific variety and condition of your 2019-S is the first step to maximizing your find.
FAQ
Q: Why is my 2019 dime shiny but doesn’t have an “S” mark?
A: Many 2019 dimes from the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) mints are very shiny when they first enter circulation. However, unless it has the “S” mint mark, it is a standard business strike and usually only worth ten cents unless it’s in perfect, uncirculated condition.
Q: What is the silver content of a 2019-S Silver Proof Dime?
A: The 2019-S Silver Proof Dime is made of .999 fine silver. This is a higher purity than the 90% silver dimes made between 1964 and 2018, making it heavier in pure silver content and more valuable as bullion.
Q: Can I find a 2019-S dime in my regular pocket change?
A: It is very rare, but it happens. This occurs when someone accidentally spends a proof set or a collector passes away and their heirs don’t realize the “S” mark coins are special. These are called “impaired proofs” and usually have scratches, lowering their value to $1-$2.
Q: How can I tell the difference between a Clad and Silver 2019-S dime?
A: The easiest way is the “tissue test” or the edge. Silver dimes have a solid silver edge with no brown copper stripe. You can also weigh them: Clad dimes weigh 2.27g, while Silver dimes weigh 2.54g. CoinKnow provides detailed guides on weight and metal detection for these specific years.