The 1993-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $2 to $15 for most examples, but proof versions — which is what the “S” mint mark is all about — can fetch $5 to $30 or more depending on condition and grade. If you’ve stumbled across one of these coins and wondered whether it’s a hidden gem, you’re in the right place.
What Does the “S” Mint Mark Mean on a 1993 Dime?
Before diving into values, it helps to understand why a 1993-S Roosevelt Dime is different from the ones you’d find in pocket change. The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint, which has not produced dimes for general circulation since 1955.
Instead, the San Francisco Mint focuses on special collector coins — specifically, proof coins. These are struck using specially polished dies and planchets, producing sharp details and a mirror-like finish that makes them instantly recognizable to collectors.
If you have a 1993-S Roosevelt Dime, it most likely came from a proof set sold by the U.S. Mint directly to collectors. It was never meant to circulate, which is why finding one outside of its original packaging is actually somewhat noteworthy.
If you’re unsure what mint mark your dime carries or whether it’s a proof coin, using a free coin identifier app can help you quickly sort it out from the comfort of your home.
1993-S Roosevelt Dime Value by Grade and Condition
The value of a 1993-S dime depends almost entirely on its grade — basically, how good it looks. Since these were proof coins, they start out looking amazing. But storage, handling, and time can all reduce their grade and therefore their value.
Here’s a general value table for the 1993-S Roosevelt Dime:
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR-60 (Proof, low grade) | $2 – $4 |
| PR-65 (Gem Proof) | $5 – $8 |
| PR-69 (Near Perfect Proof) | $10 – $20 |
| PR-70 (Perfect Proof, DCAM) | $25 – $35+ |
“DCAM” stands for Deep Cameo, which refers to coins with a strong contrast between frosted design elements and the mirror-like background fields. These are the most desirable and valuable versions of the 1993-S dime.
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, you can check current 1993 Roosevelt Dime price data by grade to see how the market is moving in real time.
How Many 1993-S Dimes Were Made?
The U.S. Mint produced approximately 3,394,792 proof dimes in 1993 as part of the annual Proof Set offering. That might sound like a lot, but keep in mind that millions of these were stored, traded, and kept by collectors over the decades — not all of them survived in perfect condition.
The relatively modest mintage (compared to billions of circulation coins struck at Philadelphia and Denver each year) gives the 1993-S some collector appeal. It’s not a rare coin by any stretch, but it’s not entirely common either, especially in top grades like PR-69 or PR-70.
If you want to dig deeper into the full picture of what a 1993 dime is worth across all mint marks and conditions, there are some solid resources out there with detailed breakdowns.
Is the 1993-S Roosevelt Dime Worth Keeping?
Honestly, for most people, the 1993-S dime isn’t going to retire you early. Its value sits in the single digits to low double digits for most examples. But that doesn’t mean you should toss it aside.
If it’s still in its original proof set packaging and in great shape, it’s worth holding onto. Proof sets from the early 1990s have a small but dedicated collector base, and the value can only go up over time as the sets become harder to find in pristine condition.
Serious collectors often use CoinHix to track current market prices and recent sales data. CoinHix is a handy tool that pulls live auction results so you can see what buyers are actually paying — not just what dealers list them for. It’s one of the smarter ways to know if now is a good time to sell.
Tips for Getting the Best Value for Your 1993-S Dime
If you’re thinking about selling, condition is everything. A coin that’s been rattling around in a drawer for 30 years will get you far less than one still nestled in its original U.S. Mint packaging.
Here are a few quick tips:
– Keep it in original packaging if you still have it — that adds legitimacy and visual appeal for buyers.
– Don’t clean the coin. Cleaning destroys a coin’s grade and can slash its value dramatically.
– Consider getting it graded by PCGS or NGC if it looks perfect — a PR-70 DCAM certified coin commands a real premium.
– Use apps like CoinHix to compare recent sold prices on eBay and auction platforms before listing your coin.
—
FAQ About the 1993-S Roosevelt Dime
Q: Is the 1993-S Roosevelt Dime rare?
A: No, it’s not considered rare. About 3.4 million were made as part of proof sets. It does have collector interest, especially in top grades, but it’s widely available in the coin market.
Q: Can I find a 1993-S dime in everyday change?
A: It’s highly unlikely. The San Francisco Mint doesn’t produce coins for general circulation, so 1993-S dimes were only sold in proof sets directly to collectors. If you find one in change, it likely came out of someone’s old collection.
Q: What’s the difference between a regular 1993 dime and a 1993-S dime?
A: Regular 1993 dimes were struck at Philadelphia (no mint mark) or Denver (D mint mark) for everyday circulation. The 1993-S was a proof coin made for collectors, featuring a mirror finish and sharper detail. It’s generally worth more than a circulated 1993 dime, which is typically only worth face value.
