Many people would never think twice about spending a 1973 Roosevelt dime. After all, it looks modern and common. But certain examples from this year have sold for hundreds — and even thousands — of dollars 
.
Every price mentioned here is backed by real auction data from top auction houses like Heritage, and these results show exactly why condition, mintmark, and timing matter.
Let’s break this down step by step so you know which 1973 dimes are worth keeping 
1973 Roosevelt Dime Basics
Denomination: 10 cents
Year: 1973
Mints: Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S)
Key Value Factors: Grade, Full Bands, Proof vs. business strike
Remember: 70 is the highest grade possible, and even one point lower can mean a huge price difference 
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1973 Philadelphia Dime With Full Bands — $89
This first coin is a 1973 Roosevelt dime from Philadelphia (no mintmark).
What Are Full Bands?
On the back of the coin, you’ll see:
- A torch
Horizontal bands across the torch
These bands are the highest points on the coin, meaning:
- They wear down the fastest
- They are the hardest part to strike fully
Coin Details
- Mint: Philadelphia
Grade: MS65 Full Bands (PCGS)
Sale Price
- $89
That’s a strong premium for a coin most people spend without a thought 
.
1973-D Roosevelt Dime With Toning — $114
Next up is a 1973-D dime, struck at the Denver Mint.
What Makes This Coin Special?
D mintmark above the date
Beautiful natural toning
Comes from NGC’s Original Bag Series
- Includes an actual fragment of the original mint bag embedded in the holder
Coin Details
- Mint: Denver
- Grade: MS67 (NGC)
Sale Price
- $114
Toning and presentation can significantly increase collector demand .
1973-S Proof Dime, Perfect Grade — $3,525
Now things get serious.
This coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which is known for producing proof coins.
How to Spot a Proof Coin
Extremely reflective, mirror-like surfaces
Struck individually using high-pressure machines- You will know it when you see it
Coin Details
- Mint: San Francisco (S)
- Grade: PR70 (PCGS) — a perfect grade
Sale Price
- $3,525
A flawless modern dime can be worth more than many gold coins 
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Same Coin, Different Year — $7,050 vs. $3,525
Here’s where an important lesson comes in.
The exact same coin:
- 1973-S Proof Roosevelt Dime
- PCGS Proof 70
Auction Results
- 2014 sale: $7,050
- Later sale: $3,525
Over time, values can drop significantly, even for perfect-grade coins.
Another PR70 Example — Sold for Just $552
Now for the most eye-opening example.
- Sold: May 28, 2024
- Grade: PCGS Proof 70
- Mint: San Francisco
Sale Price
- $552
That’s a massive drop from $7,050.
If someone bought at the peak and waited 10 years, they lost thousands.
Key Takeaways for Collectors
Not all 1973 dimes are valuable
Full Bands and Proof coins matter
Timing the market is critical
Sometimes selling sooner is smarter than holding too long
This is why understanding real auction data is essential.
Final Thoughts
Most 1973 dimes are worth 10 cents — but the right one can be worth $89, $114, $3,525, or even $7,050 .
Before you spend a 1973 dime:
- Check the mintmark
- Look for Full Bands
- Watch for proof surfaces
That small silver-colored coin could surprise you.
