The Legend: The 1951 Proof Deep Cameo Dime
The 1951 Roosevelt Dime is generally common in standard proof condition. However, specimens with exceptional visual contrast are extremely rare.
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Why it’s worth $23,500: A 1951 proof dime graded PR68 Deep Cameo (DCAM) by PCGS holds the auction record of $23,500, set in January 2014.
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What to Look For: “Deep Cameo” refers to coins where the design (Roosevelt’s portrait and the reverse torch) has a frosted, white appearance that contrasts sharply against highly polished, mirror-like fields.
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Rarity: Out of over 57,000 proof dimes minted in 1951, PCGS has certified only a tiny fraction with the coveted Deep Cameo designation.
Top Rare Roosevelt Dimes Worth Big Money
Beyond the 1951 rarity, several other dimes in the series are “holy grails” for collectors.
1. 1968 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dime
In 1968, proof sets were struck at the San Francisco Mint. A few dimes were accidentally released without the required “S” mint mark.
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Value: These errors are extremely valuable, often selling for $15,000 to over $40,000 depending on the grade.
2. 1999-D Broadstruck on a Cent Planchet
This spectacular error occurred when a 1999 Denver dime die struck a copper penny blank (planchet).
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Identification: The coin will be the size and color of a penny but feature the Roosevelt dime design.
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Value: A high-grade example (MS65 Brown) sold for $6,325 at auction.
3. 1975 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dime
This is one of the rarest modern United States coins.
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Rarity: Only two confirmed specimens are known to exist.
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Value: It is widely considered one of the most valuable modern coins, with estimated values reaching into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
4. 1946-S Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)
This early variety features distinct doubling on the reverse design elements.
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What to Look For: Look for a “double” appearance on the flame of the torch, the oak branch, and the olive branch.
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Value: While circulated versions are more modest, a specimen graded MS68FB (Full Bands) sold for $5,819.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Rare Dimes
| Step | Action | What to Check |
| 1 | Check the Date | Dimes from 1946–1964 are 90% silver and worth at least their bullion value (roughly $2+). |
| 2 | Look for Mint Marks | Check for “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco), or “W” (West Point) marks above the date or near the torch. |
| 3 | Inspect for Errors | Use a 10x magnifying loupe to look for doubling in the lettering or “off-center” strikes. |
| 4 | Check Proof Sets | Look for dimes in official U.S. Mint proof sets that are missing their “S” mint mark. |
| 5 | Examine “Full Bands” | On the reverse, check if the horizontal bands on the torch are fully separated; these “Full Band” (FB) coins command high premiums. |
Market Value Summary for Rare Roosevelt Dimes
| Year / Type | Rarity / Grade | Record Auction Price |
| 1951 Proof | PR68 Deep Cameo | $23,500 |
| 1968 “No S” | Proof Error | $15,000+ |
| 1999-D | Struck on Cent Planchet | $6,325 |
| 1946-S DDR | MS68 Full Bands | $5,819 |
| 1996-W | Uncirculated (Commemorative) | $15 – $50+ |
Pro Tip: Never clean a rare coin, as chemical cleaning can permanently reduce its collector value by 50% or more. If you believe you have found a rarity, have it appraised by a professional or submitted to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Would you like me to show you exactly where to look for the doubling on a 1946-S dime so you can check your own coins?
