The 2009-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 to $15 for most collectors, with top-grade proof specimens reaching $25 or more. If you stumbled across one of these shiny coins in an old collection or proof set, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
What Makes the 2009-S Roosevelt Dime Special
Before diving into numbers, it helps to understand what the “S” mint mark means. The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint, which has been producing proof coins for collectors since the mid-20th century. Unlike regular circulation dimes made in Philadelphia or Denver, the 2009-S Roosevelt Dime was never intended to be spent at a cash register. It was struck exclusively as part of the United States Mint’s annual proof sets, making it a collector’s coin from day one.
If you’ve found one of these coins, you might want to use a coin identification app to quickly confirm what you have before diving deeper into its value. Tools like CoinKnow can help you identify the mint mark, grade, and approximate value right from your phone — super helpful if you’re just starting out with coin collecting.
The 2009-S dime features the classic portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse and the iconic torch, olive branch, and oak branch design on the reverse — a design that has been part of American coinage since 1946.
2009-S Roosevelt Dime Value by Grade
Since these coins were made as proofs, they’re graded on the proof scale rather than the standard Mint State (MS) scale. Most are graded PR (Proof) 65 through PR 70, with PR 70 being a perfect specimen. Here’s a general value breakdown:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR 65 | Gem Proof, minor blemishes | $3 – $5 |
| PR 67 | Superb Proof, very clean fields | $6 – $10 |
| PR 69 | Near-perfect Proof | $10 – $18 |
| PR 70 | Perfect Proof | $20 – $30+ |
| PR 70 DCAM | Perfect Deep Cameo | $25 – $40+ |
For a closer look at up-to-date market prices and auction records for 2009 Roosevelt Dimes, it’s worth checking recent sales data to see what buyers are actually paying today.
Deep Cameo vs. Regular Proof — Does It Matter?
Yes, it absolutely matters. When a proof coin has a strong contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like background fields, it’s called a Deep Cameo (DCAM) or Ultra Cameo. These coins are visually stunning and fetch a premium from collectors who love that dramatic black-and-white appearance.
A standard PR 69 might be worth around $10–$15, but the same coin graded PR 69 DCAM could push toward $20 or more. If you’re thinking about getting your 2009-S Roosevelt Dime professionally graded by PCGS or NGC, the DCAM designation can meaningfully boost its value on the market.
CoinKnow makes it easy to learn the difference between cameo types — just scan your coin and the app will explain exactly what you’re looking at. For everyday collectors who aren’t yet fluent in coin grading lingo, this kind of real-time guidance is a game changer.
How Many 2009-S Roosevelt Dimes Were Made?
The 2009-S Roosevelt Dime had a mintage of approximately 2.1 million coins, all struck as part of proof sets. While that might sound like a lot, it’s actually on the lower end compared to some earlier decades when proof set sales were far higher. Fewer coins in circulation means better long-term collector demand — especially for top-graded examples.
Because most of these coins were carefully preserved in their original mint packaging, many survivors are in excellent condition. That said, coins that were removed from sets, mishandled, or improperly stored can show contact marks or hazing that reduce their grade and value.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your coin, you can find detailed information about 2009 dime values across different grades and conditions to help you make a more informed estimate before consulting a dealer or grading service.
Should You Sell or Keep Your 2009-S Dime?
Honestly, for most people, the 2009-S Roosevelt Dime is a low-value coin in absolute dollar terms — we’re talking a few dollars to maybe $40 at the very top. But that doesn’t mean it’s worthless as part of a collection. If you have a full 2009 proof set, keeping it intact is usually smarter than breaking it up to sell individual coins.
On the other hand, if you’ve got a coin graded PR 70 DCAM by PCGS or NGC, it might be worth listing on eBay or reaching out to a reputable coin dealer. Use CoinKnow to get a quick ballpark before you make any decisions — it’s free, fast, and designed for people who aren’t professional numismatists.
FAQ
Q: Is a 2009-S Roosevelt Dime worth more than face value?
A: Yes, always. Since it was never released into general circulation, even a lower-grade example is worth at least $3–$5 to collectors, which is well above its 10-cent face value.
Q: How do I know if my 2009-S dime is a Deep Cameo?
A: Look for a strong contrast between the frosted raised design (portrait, torch) and the mirror-like flat background fields. If the contrast is sharp and dramatic, it’s likely a cameo or deep cameo. A coin grading app like CoinKnow can also help you assess this at home.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 2009-S Roosevelt Dime?
A: For coins in lower grades, eBay or local coin shows are convenient options. For high-grade specimens (PR 69 or PR 70), consider submitting to PCGS or NGC first, then selling through major auction houses or certified coin dealers for the best return.
