The 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in lightly circulated condition to over $20 or more in pristine mint state — and if you’ve got a top-grade example, certified coins have sold for significantly more at auction. If you recently found one of these in a proof set or inherited a coin collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’re holding.
What Makes the 2002-S Silver Dime Different from a Regular Dime
Not all Roosevelt dimes are created equal. The 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime was never released into everyday circulation — it was minted exclusively at the San Francisco Mint and sold directly to collectors as part of a special Silver Proof Set.
The “S” mintmark stands for San Francisco, and the word “silver” here actually means something. Unlike standard clad dimes (which are made from copper and nickel), this coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. That alone gives it more intrinsic value than any dime you’d find in your pocket change.
Because these were proof coins, they were struck multiple times with specially polished dies, giving them sharp details, mirror-like fields, and frosted raised designs. They were made to be admired, not spent. If you’re not sure whether yours is the silver version or a regular clad proof, using a free coin identifier app can help you quickly sort it out before you head to a dealer.
How Much Is the 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime Worth Today
Value depends heavily on condition. Proof coins are graded on a scale from PR60 (lowest) to PR70 (perfect). Most 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dimes come in at PR69 or PR70 because they were specially made and never handled in circulation — but the difference between those two grades can be significant in terms of price.
Here’s a general value table to give you a quick idea:
| Grade | Estimated Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 | $5 – $7 | Minor blemishes, still attractive |
| PR67 | $8 – $12 | Solid collector coin |
| PR68 | $10 – $15 | Near-perfect, popular grade |
| PR69 | $15 – $22 | Very desirable, sharp details |
| PR70 | $30 – $60+ | Perfect coin, highest demand |
For the most up-to-date pricing data, you can check out current market values for the 2002 Roosevelt Dime across different grades — prices do shift with silver spot prices and collector demand, so it pays to look at recent sales.
Silver Content and Melt Value
Even if a 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is heavily toned or not in top condition, it still has intrinsic value because of its silver content. Each coin weighs 2.5 grams and contains 90% silver, which works out to about 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver.
With silver trading around $25–$30 per troy ounce (prices fluctuate), the melt value of this coin sits roughly around $1.80 to $2.20. That’s the absolute floor — no matter the grade, this dime is worth at least that much in silver alone.
Of course, collector value far exceeds melt value for well-preserved examples. So don’t melt your coins. Even a modest PR67 coin is worth several times its silver melt value to the right buyer.
If you want a detailed breakdown of the full value range for 2002 dimes including silver and clad versions, that resource breaks it down clearly for everyday collectors and beginners alike.
How to Know If Your Coin Is the Silver Version
Here’s a common question: how do you tell if your 2002-S dime is actually the silver version? There are a few easy ways to check.
First, look at the edge of the coin. A clad dime shows a visible copper stripe around the edge. A silver dime has a solid, uniformly silvery edge with no color band.
Second, check the packaging or original set it came in. Silver Proof Sets from the U.S. Mint were usually labeled and sold separately from the standard clad Proof Sets. If your coin is still in its original packaging, the label should confirm whether it’s silver.
Third, you can use CoinHix to scan and identify your coin instantly. CoinHix is a handy app that identifies coins by photo and pulls up current market values — perfect for someone who isn’t a seasoned numismatist but wants to know what they’ve got. It saves you the guesswork.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2002-S Silver Roosevelt Dime rare?
A: It’s not considered rare in the traditional sense — the U.S. Mint produced hundreds of thousands for collector sets. However, it’s not something you’d ever find in circulation, and high-grade certified examples (PR70) can still command strong prices from collectors.
Q: Can I spend it like a regular dime?
A: Technically, yes — it’s legal tender worth 10 cents. But that would be a big waste. Even the lowest-grade example is worth far more than face value due to its silver content and collector appeal.
Q: How do I find out the exact value of my specific coin?
A: The best approach is to check recent sold listings on auction sites, consult a price guide, or use an app like CoinHix to get an instant estimate. If you think your coin is high-grade, consider having it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC for authentication and maximum resale value.
