The 1955-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from around $2 in heavily worn condition to well over $30 or more in mint state, with top-grade examples sometimes reaching $100 or beyond at auction. If you found one of these in an old coin jar or inherited collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
What Makes the 1955-S Roosevelt Dime Special
The 1955-S Roosevelt Dime was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which is indicated by the small “S” mintmark on the reverse of the coin, just above the “E” in “ONE.” The San Francisco Mint was actually closed to circulating coin production later in the 1950s, making coins from this era a bit more historically interesting to collectors. The Roosevelt Dime series itself began in 1946, honoring President Franklin D. Roosevelt shortly after his death, largely because of his famous association with the March of Dimes polio campaign.
If you’re not sure whether your coin has an “S” mintmark or you’re trying to figure out exactly what you have, a coin identification app can help you quickly confirm the mint, date, and even get an estimated value just by taking a photo. Tools like this are a great starting point for everyday collectors who are just getting into the hobby.
The 1955-S had a mintage of about 18.5 million coins, which is actually on the lower end compared to Philadelphia and Denver issues from the same year. Lower mintage generally means slightly more collector interest and, in high grades, a better price.
1955-S Roosevelt Dime Value by Grade
Condition is everything when it comes to coin values. A heavily circulated 1955-S dime may only be worth a dollar or two above face value, but an uncirculated example with full torch bands — collectors call these “Full Bands” or FB — can be worth significantly more. Here’s a simple breakdown of approximate values:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavy wear, design visible | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear, details clearer | $2.50 – $4.00 |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Light wear on high points | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| MS-63 (Uncirculated) | No wear, some contact marks | $12 – $20 |
| MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) | Sharp, attractive luster | $25 – $50 |
| MS-65 FB (Full Bands) | Complete bands on torch, gem quality | $60 – $150+ |
For the most current market figures, you can check up-to-date 1955-S Roosevelt Dime price data by grade to see how recent auction results are trending.
How to Grade Your 1955-S Dime at Home
You don’t need to be an expert to get a rough idea of your coin’s grade. Start by looking at the high points of the design — Roosevelt’s cheekbone, the top of his hair, and the torch bands on the reverse. If these areas look smooth and flat from rubbing, the coin has wear and falls into circulated grades. If the coin still has a bright, slightly shiny surface with no obvious wear, it’s likely uncirculated.
Check the coin under good lighting, tilting it back and forth. A coin with original mint luster will show a cartwheel effect as the light rolls across it. Scratches, cleaning, and discoloration can all lower value significantly, so avoid rubbing or polishing your coins — that’s one of the most common mistakes new collectors make.
CoinKnow is a handy app that walks you through the grading process step by step, making it much easier to evaluate coins like this without needing years of experience. It’s particularly useful when you have a whole collection to sort through.
Is the 1955-S Roosevelt Dime a Good Coin to Collect?
For anyone building a Roosevelt Dime set, the 1955-S is an important date to include. While it’s not a rare coin by any stretch, its relatively modest mintage and the fact that the San Francisco Mint stopped producing circulating dimes shortly after makes it a coin with genuine collector appeal. In circulated grades, it’s affordable and easy to find. In gem uncirculated with Full Bands, it becomes a more serious coin that commands real money.
Many collectors pursue the entire Roosevelt Dime series from 1946 to present day, and the 1950s issues from San Francisco are among the more sought-after entries in that set. If you’re interested in the full value breakdown of the 1955 Roosevelt Dime across all three mints, comparing the S, P, and D issues side by side gives you a better picture of the complete year.
CoinKnow also lets you track your collection’s total estimated value over time, which is a great feature if you’re sitting on a larger group of old coins and want to stay organized.
Where to Sell a 1955-S Roosevelt Dime
If you’re ready to sell, circulated examples can move quickly through online coin forums, eBay, or local coin shops. For nicer uncirculated examples, especially those with Full Bands, it’s worth having the coin graded and certified by PCGS or NGC first. A certified MS-65 FB example will sell for more and attract more serious buyers than a raw coin in the same condition. CoinKnow can help you decide whether your coin is worth the cost of professional grading before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my 1955 dime is from San Francisco?
A: Look on the reverse of the coin just above the letters “ONE” in “ONE DIME.” You should see a small letter. An “S” means it was made at the San Francisco Mint. No mintmark means it’s from Philadelphia, and a “D” means Denver.
Q: Is a 1955-S Roosevelt Dime made of silver?
A: Yes! Roosevelt Dimes made before 1965 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This means even a heavily worn 1955-S dime has some melt value based on silver content, typically around $1.50 to $2.00 depending on current silver prices.
Q: What’s the most valuable version of the 1955-S Roosevelt Dime?
A: The most valuable examples are graded MS-65 or higher with Full Bands (FB) designation on the torch. These can sell for $100 or more depending on the exact grade and eye appeal. A coin certified by PCGS or NGC in MS-67 FB could be worth several hundred dollars to the right collector.
