1948 Roosevelt Dime: Complete Value Guide & Rare Varieties
The 1948 Roosevelt dime marked a continuation of the newly introduced design that honored President Franklin D. Roosevelt, replacing the Mercury dime. These coins were minted at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. Collectors value the 1948 issue for its historical importance and early mint-state examples.
This guide helps you identify rare varieties, high-grade specimens, and understand current market values. You’ll explore what drives collector interest and where to locate dimes with premium potential. Use this information to evaluate your coin before making a purchase or listing it for sale.
History of the 1948 Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt dime was first released in 1946 to commemorate President Roosevelt’s efforts and his work in polio awareness. The 1948 issue maintained the same artistic style and was struck at all three major U.S. Mint facilities. Collectors look closely at these coins to compare strike quality from each location—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—with special interest in coins that still have strong luster.
Before Roosevelt’s image appeared on the dime, the Mercury design featuring Liberty with a winged cap was used. The design shift reflected a new post-war America. Coin dealers continue to study 1948 Roosevelt dime values as part of the series transition. Mint-state survivors are popular among collectors for their beauty and relevance.
If you come across a 1948 dime, whether in old change or inherited collections, you might wonder about its worth. Circulated coins often sell for just above melt value, while high-grade uncirculated or proof examples can fetch significant sums. Error coins and early mint-state pieces also tend to do well at auction.
Key Events Leading to Roosevelt’s Appearance on the Dime
- The death of President Roosevelt in 1945 sparked public calls to honor him on currency.
- Sculptor John R. Sinnock’s profile design was selected for its clarity and realism.
- The U.S. Mint ended production of the Mercury dime to introduce a modern, symbolic design representing national progress.
1948 Dime Value Today – Circulated to Mint State
For many, the first question is: how much is a 1948 dime worth? In circulated grades, values range from $2 to $6, depending on wear and mint origin. A Good (G) condition coin might trade around $2–$3, while a Very Fine (VF) example can go for $4–$6.
Uncirculated coins bring higher prices. A Mint State 60 (MS60) 1948 dime is typically valued at $10–$12, and MS63 examples range from $15–$20. Premium-quality coins graded MS65 or better can command $30–$50, or more if they have exceptional eye appeal.
Mint marks also affect value. Coins from Philadelphia lack a mint mark and in MS63, usually sell for $12–$15. Denver and San Francisco coins often fetch slightly more. Proof coins—especially those from San Francisco—can bring high prices if well-preserved.
Value Chart by Grade and Mint
| Grade | Philadelphia (P) | Denver (D) | San Francisco (S) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | $2 – $3 | $2 – $3 | $3 – $4 |
| VF | $4 – $6 | $4 – $6 | $5 – $7 |
| AU | $8 – $10 | $8 – $10 | $10 – $12 |
| MS60 | $10 – $12 | $12 – $15 | $15 – $18 |
| MS63 | $15 – $20 | $20 – $25 | $25 – $30 |
| MS65 | $30 – $35 | $35 – $40 | $40 – $50 |
| MS67+ | $60 – $75 | $70 – $90 | $80 – $100+ |
Grading Terms Used by Collectors
- Good (G): Heavy wear, major design elements still visible.
- Very Fine (VF): Moderate wear with most design features sharp.
- About Uncirculated (AU): Light friction on high points, retains mint shine.
- Mint State (MS): No wear; uncirculated and graded from MS60–MS70.
Mint Mark Breakdown – P, D & S Varieties
Identifying mint marks is key. You’ll find the mint mark just to the right of the torch on the coin’s reverse. Philadelphia coins lack a mint mark and are common in circulation. Even Mint State Philadelphia pieces often sell around $10–$15.
Denver coins show a small “D” next to the torch. Around 51 million were produced there in 1948, keeping prices lower in circulated grades. Collectors watch for Denver errors like doubled dies or die cracks, which can significantly raise value.
San Francisco issues feature an “S” mint mark. With only about 15 million struck, these coins usually carry higher premiums, especially uncirculated ones. A 1948-S in MS63 might sell for $15–$20, and proof versions go for much more.
Mintage and Value by Mint
- Philadelphia (No Mint Mark): ~112 million; common in circulated condition; $10–$15 in Mint State.
- Denver (D): ~51 million; modest value in MS60–MS63 ($12–$18); errors may reach $25+.
- San Francisco (S): ~15 million; $15–$30 in MS63–MS65; proof coins often start at $20+.
Silver Content and Melt Value of the 1948 Dime
Composed of 90% silver and weighing 2.5 grams, the 1948 dime contains 0.0723 troy ounces of silver. To estimate melt value, multiply this silver weight by the spot price. For instance, at $25 per ounce, the coin’s silver content is worth about $1.81.
Most circulated 1948 dimes sell close to this melt value. However, collector premiums apply to uncirculated or high-grade coins. It’s common for these coins to sell well above their silver content depending on condition and rarity.
Melt Value Table
| Silver Price (USD/oz) | Silver Content (oz) | Melt Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| $25.00 | 0.0723 | $1.81 |
| $30.00 | 0.0723 | $2.17 |
| $35.00 | 0.0723 | $2.53 |
| $40.00 | 0.0723 | $2.89 |
1948 Dime Error List and Rare Varieties
Collectors follow the 1948 dime error list closely, especially near the mint mark area. Notable varieties include doubled dies, repunched mint marks, off-center strikes, die cracks, and clipped planchets. These can dramatically boost a coin’s value.
For example, an off-center strike may show part of the design missing. Die cracks appear as raised lines across the surface, while repunched marks show faint, doubled lettering. These varieties can command two to three times the standard value.
5 Notable 1948 Dime Errors
- Die Cracks: Raised lines from die fractures.
- Off-Center Strikes: Misaligned design leaving blank space.
- Repunched Mint Marks: A second, faint impression behind the main letter.
- Clipped Planchets: Missing metal from the edge due to blank-cutting errors.
- Strike-Throughs: Embedded debris causes raised streaks or marks.
Proof and High-Grade 1948 Dimes
Top-grade and proof 1948 dimes are standout coins in the Roosevelt series. Coins graded MS66 and above are scarce and often command high premiums. Even minor wear can reduce their appeal and value significantly.
The most valuable are Denver Mint coins in top grades. A 1948-D graded MS67 by NGC or PCGS can fetch $150 or more. Only a select few make MS68 or feature full torch details, which makes them highly desirable.
Signs of Top-Quality Coins
- Sharp Torch Flames: Each flame sharply defined without softness.
- Clear Denticles: Crisp, separated rim teeth.
- Full Luster: Even mint brilliance across both sides.
- Strong Strike: Bold features and clean details.
- Clean Fields: Minimal scratches or marks, even under magnification.
Collector Demand for the 1948 Dime Series
Collectors prize 1948 dimes for marking the first full year of the Roosevelt series. Interest stems from both the coin’s design and its silver content. These dimes serve as reference points for early post-WWII coinage.
Even lower-grade pieces can attract interest from those building complete year sets. Uncirculated examples draw higher bids. 1948 Roosevelt dimes are among the more collected ten-cent coins of the mid-20th century, making them appealing to both novice and seasoned numismatists.
Final Thoughts: Should You Keep or Sell a 1948 Dime?
When deciding whether to keep or sell a 1948 dime, consider the mint mark and grade. Higher-grade and mint-marked coins usually perform better at auction. Some buyers even compare potential to rare headlines—like the $2 million 1984 dime—to gauge future potential.
Philadelphia strikes without a mint mark are still collectible. While circulated versions hover near melt value, uncirculated ones can bring premiums worth holding onto. If you’re seeking liquidity, selling may make sense—especially if the coin isn’t high enough in grade for long-term appreciation.
For trusted evaluations and selling guidance, consider using reliable coin services. To learn more about the selling process, explore the Sell a Coin Collection Guide, which outlines where to list, what platforms to use, and how to get an accurate appraisal.
