The 1964 Roosevelt Dime holds a special place in coin collectors’ hearts, as it was one of the last dimes minted with a silver composition. Understanding its history and value is essential if you’re looking to add this coin to your collection. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the 1964 Roosevelt Dime’s composition, variations, errors, and current market value.
What Is the 1964 Roosevelt Dime?
The 1964 Roosevelt Dime was the final year dimes were produced using a silver composition before transitioning to copper and nickel. The coin is named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose image is on the obverse (front) side. The coin is 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total silver weight of 0.07234 troy ounces, making it valuable beyond its 10-cent face value.
Its physical features include a diameter of 17.91mm, a thickness of 1.35mm, and a reeded edge, which is a standard design element on modern U.S. dimes. The reverse side features a torch, flanked by an olive branch representing peace and an oak branch symbolizing strength.
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Is a 1964 Roosevelt Dime Made of Silver?
Yes, all U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted before 1965 contain 90% silver. You can easily identify a silver dime by examining its edge. A solid silver stripe indicates that the coin is made of silver. If you see a copper stripe, it means the coin is clad, which is the modern metal composition used after 1964.
Types of 1964 Roosevelt Dimes
- 1964 Dime (No Mint Mark) – Minted in Philadelphia, these dimes do not have a mint mark and over 929 million were produced.
- 1964 D Dime – Minted in Denver, these have a small “D” mint mark on the reverse side. Over 1.3 billion of these were made, making them more common.
- 1964 Proof Dime – Proof dimes are specially minted for collectors. Nearly 4 million proof coins were struck, making them slightly more valuable.
Error Coins
Some 1964 dimes are more valuable due to minting errors, making them a popular target for collectors. Here are a few notable error types:
- Doubled Die Reverse: This error occurs when the reverse design is struck twice slightly misaligned. The doubling is most apparent in the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME.” These coins can be worth between $6 and $170 depending on their condition.
- Clipped Planchet: Coins with a clipped planchet have a piece of the coin missing due to a minting error. This error can increase the coin’s value to around $30, especially in mint condition.
- Blank Planchet: Some dimes left the mint without receiving the design, making them blank on both sides. These are rare but usually not very valuable, often selling for just a few dollars.
- Off-Center Strike: Off-center strike errors occur when the coin is not properly aligned during the minting process, resulting in a deformed appearance. Depending on the degree of misalignment, these coins can fetch between $10 and $20.
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Value of the 1964 Roosevelt Dime
The value of a 1964 Roosevelt Dime depends primarily on its condition and any errors it may have. Since the coin is made of silver, its melt value (the value of its silver content) currently sits around $2.89, significantly higher than its 10-cent face value.
However, dimes in exceptional condition or with errors can command a much higher price. For example:
- 1964 No Mint Mark: These dimes can sell for $3 or more depending on their grade.
- 1964-D: Like the Philadelphia-minted coins, these can also be valued at $3 or more.
- 1964 Proof: Proof dimes generally start at $4, but prices can increase for coins in flawless condition.
Grading the 1964 Roosevelt Dime
Coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from poor (P-1) to perfect mint state (MS-70). Here’s a brief overview of the most common grades:
- P-1 (Poor): Barely recognizable and likely damaged.
- G-4 (Good): Worn, but all major details are still visible.
- VF-20 (Very Fine): Some wear is present, but finer details are still visible.
- AU-50 (Almost Uncirculated): Only slight wear on the highest points of the design.
- MS-65 (Mint State Choice): Uncirculated with only minor imperfections.
- MS-70 (Mint State Perfect): A perfect coin with no visible flaws, even under magnification.
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Where to Buy or Sell 1964 Roosevelt Dimes
Collectors looking to buy or sell 1964 Roosevelt Dimes can turn to several outlets:
- Silver Dealers and Pawnshops: Since these dimes contain silver, they are often traded by silver dealers and pawnshops.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay and Etsy are popular for trading common and error coins.
- Specialist Websites: For rare error coins, platforms like Vcoins offer a trusted marketplace.
Conclusion
The 1964 Roosevelt Dime is a common coin, but its silver composition and historical significance make it a valuable addition to any collection. While most of these dimes are worth just a few dollars, those in mint condition or featuring unique errors can be far more valuable.