Is Your 1968 Roosevelt Dime With No Mint Mark Rare?

The 1968 Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its $0.10 face value in worn condition to over $40,000 for the ultra-rare “No S” proof error. For most coins found in pocket change today, the value stays close to face value, but uncirculated specimens can fetch a significant premium among collectors.

Understanding the 1968 Roosevelt Dime With No Mint Mark

If you are looking at a 1968 dime and cannot see a mint mark, don’t panic—this is actually perfectly normal for coins struck in Philadelphia. During this era, the Philadelphia Mint did not use a “P” mint mark on dimes. Many beginners often get confused when they see a 1968-D (Denver) or a 1968-S (San Francisco) and assume their “No Mint Mark” version is a rare error. In reality, over 424 million of these were struck at Philadelphia for general circulation.

To accurately identify your find, you can use a free coin identifier app to scan the obverse and reverse of the coin. Most 1968 dimes found in change are common “business strikes” made of a copper-nickel clad composition. Unlike dimes from 1964 and earlier, these do not contain any silver. They were designed to replace silver coinage as the price of bullion rose in the mid-1960s.

If you find yourself curious about a large collection, using the CoinKnow app can help you organize your inventory and track which mint marks you are missing. For the 1968 series, the lack of a mint mark simply confirms its origin. However, the value of an average 1968 Roosevelt Dime is generally tied to its condition rather than its rarity, unless you happen to stumble upon a specific minting mistake.

The Rare 1968 No S Proof Error vs. Standard Philadelphia Dimes

When people search for “1968 Roosevelt Dime Value No Mint Mark,” they are often actually looking for the legendary “No S” Proof error. It is vital to distinguish between a regular dime meant for spending and a Proof dime meant for collectors. Proof coins are struck with polished dies on specially prepared planchets, resulting in a mirror-like finish and sharp details.

In 1968, the Mint moved proof production from Philadelphia to San Francisco. All 1968 proof dimes were supposed to have an “S” mint mark. However, a small number of proof dies were sent out without the mint mark. This created the 1968 “No S” Proof dime—the first major proof error of its kind. While a regular Philadelphia dime with no mint mark is worth ten cents, the 1968 No S proof dime value can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars because only about 12 to 20 specimens are known to exist.

Grading and Quality: Why Condition Matters

For the hundreds of millions of regular 1968 dimes without mint marks, the only way to see a high price tag is through professional grading. High-grade coins are categorized as “Mint State” (MS). A coin that looks like it just came off the press with no scratches or wear from fingers is usually graded MS65 or higher.

Collectors also look for “Full Bands” (FB) on the reverse of the dime. This refers to the horizontal bands on the torch being fully separated and distinct. A 1968 dime with Full Bands is extremely rare because the dies used that year were often worn, resulting in mushy details. You can check current 1968 Roosevelt Dime MS Grade prices to see how much a high-grade, graded specimen might bring at auction.

The CoinKnow app is a great tool for beginners to compare their coins against high-resolution images of various grades. If your dime has even a tiny bit of wear on Roosevelt’s cheek or hair, it is likely a circulated coin worth only its face value. Professional grading by companies like PCGS or NGC is typically only worth the cost if the coin is in near-perfect condition.

Common Errors Found on 1968 Roosevelt Dimes

Aside from the famous “No S” proof, several other errors can occur on 1968 dimes. These are often easier to find in pocket change than the rare proof error. One common occurrence is the “Clipped Planchet,” where the coin is missing a circular slice because the metal sheet was misaligned during the cutting process.

Another error to look for is the “Double Die.” While there are no major 1968 doubled die varieties that rival the 1955 penny, minor doubling on the letters “LIBERTY” or the date can sometimes be found. These minor errors might add $5 to $20 to the value of the coin. Off-center strikes are also popular; if the design is shifted so a portion of the metal is blank, the value increases based on the percentage of the shift.

Collecting the 1968 Roosevelt Dime for Beginners

If you are just starting your coin collection, the 1968 dime is a perfect entry point. It represents a transitional era in American coinage history, shortly after the move away from silver. While it might not make you rich, finding a particularly shiny example in a jar of coins is a great way to practice “cherrypicking.”

Check the edges of your dimes. If you see a solid copper stripe, it is a 1968 clad dime. If the edge is solid silver with no stripe, you might have accidentally found a 1964 or earlier dime, which is worth significantly more due to its 90% silver content. Many people use CoinKnow to learn about these metallurgical differences and build their knowledge.

Always store your coins in a cool, dry place. Using PVC-free coin flips helps prevent the metal from reacting with the air and developing ugly spots. Even a 10-cent dime can become a treasured part of a “Year Set” collection from 1968. If you enjoy the hunt, many collectors buy “bank rolls” of dimes to search for high-grade specimens or errors.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1968 dime with no mint mark rare?

A: No, most 1968 dimes with no mint mark were made in Philadelphia and are very common. Only the “No S” Proof version, which has a mirror-like finish, is exceptionally rare and valuable.

Q: Does the 1968 Roosevelt Dime contain silver?

A: Standard 1968 Roosevelt dimes are made of a copper-nickel clad composition and do not contain silver. The last silver dimes intended for circulation were minted in 1964.

Q: How can I tell if I have the rare “No S” Proof?

A: A proof coin has a reflective, mirror-like background and very frosted, sharp details. If your dime looks like a normal shiny coin from your pocket, it is likely a common business strike from the Philadelphia mint.

Q: Where is the mint mark located on a 1968 dime?

A: On a 1968 dime, the mint mark (if present) is located just above the date on the front (obverse) of the coin. You will see either a small “D” for Denver, an “S” for San Francisco (proofs), or nothing at all for Philadelphia.

Q: How much should I pay for a 1968-S Proof Dime?

A: You can usually find a standard 1968-S Proof dime for $3 to $8 at most coin shops or online auctions. They are beautiful coins but were produced in large enough quantities to remain affordable for most collectors.