The 1979-D Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from face value in worn condition to over $35 for specimens in high-grade mint state. While these coins are common in pocket change, finding one with exceptional luster or a rare mint error can significantly increase its market price among competitive coin collectors.
The History and Identification of the 1979-D Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt Dime has been a staple of American currency since it was first introduced in 1946, honoring President Franklin D. Roosevelt following his passing. By 1979, the United States Mint was producing these coins in massive quantities to meet the demands of a growing economy.
The “D” mint mark located just above the date indicates that the coin was struck at the Denver Mint. Finding one of these in your change today is quite common, but many people often wonder if their specific coin holds hidden value. If you are unsure whether your pocket change is a rare gem or just a regular dime, using the top coin identifier app can help you quickly determine the origin and basic specs of your find.
During this era, the composition of the dime was a “clad” sandwich of copper and nickel, a change from the 90% silver coins minted before 1965. Because billions were made, a 1979-D dime must be in nearly perfect condition or possess a unique striking error to be worth more than its ten-cent face value. You can easily check for quality and details using the CoinHix mobile tool.
Grading and Current Market Value of the 1979-D Dime
When determining the 1979 dime value, professional graders look at the “Mint State” (MS) scale, which ranges from 60 to 70. Most 1979-D dimes you find in circulation are considered “Circulated” and are only worth face value. However, coins that have never been spent and retain their original factory shine are highly sought after.
For a 1979-D dime to command a premium, it typically needs to reach a grade of MS65 or higher. At MS67, the price can jump to $20 or $30. The most elusive and valuable versions are those with “Full Bands” (FB), referring to the horizontal lines on the torch on the reverse side. If these lines are crisp and fully separated, the coin is much rarer. To see the most recent auction records for these high-grade specimens, you should review the 1979-D Roosevelt Dime price data.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated) | $0.10 |
| MS60 to MS63 (Uncirculated) | $0.25 – $1.50 |
| MS65 (Gem Uncirculated) | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| MS67 (Superb Gem) | $35.00+ |
| MS67 with Full Bands (FB) | $150.00 – $400.00+ |
Valuable Errors to Look for on a 1979-D Dime
While standard 1979-D dimes are common, mint errors can turn a boring ten-cent piece into a valuable collector’s item. Errors occur during the manufacturing process and are often caught by quality control, making those that escape the mint quite rare. One common error to look for is the “Off-Center Strike,” where the design is pushed to one side, leaving a crescent of blank metal.
Another interesting error is the “Broadstruck” dime, which happens when the coin is struck without the retaining collar. This results in a flatter, wider coin that lacks the distinctive reeded (ridged) edges. Using an app like CoinHix can help you compare your coin to known error catalogs to see if you have discovered something unique.
Collectors also keep an eye out for “Die Cracks” or “Clipped Planchets.” A clipped planchet error occurs when the metal disc the coin is stamped on was improperly cut, leaving a bite out of the side of the dime. Depending on the severity of these errors, a 1979-D dime could sell for $20 to over $100 on the secondary market.
Why the Mint Mark and Luster Matter
The Denver Mint struck over 450 million dimes in 1979. Because of this massive production volume, collectors are very picky about quality. A “D” mint mark is located just above the date on the obverse side. If the mint mark appears blurry or filled in, it might be a “Filled D” error caused by a worn die, which can add a small amount of value to the coin.
Luster is the “cartwheel” effect of light reflecting off the surface of a mint-state coin. If your 1979-D dime looks like it just came out of a fresh roll, it is much more likely to be worth more than its face value. Professional collectors use high-resolution photography and magnification to ensure the surface hasn’t been cleaned or damaged, as cleaning a coin actually destroys its numismatic value.
If you are just starting your collection, keep an eye out for any 1979 dimes that are exceptionally shiny. Even if they aren’t worth hundreds of dollars, they make great additions to a Roosevelt series album. For those looking to get serious about valuation, the CoinHix app provides a streamlined way to track your collection’s growing worth over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 1979-D Roosevelt Dime made of silver?
A: No, the 1979-D dime is not silver. It is composed of a clad mixture of 75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper core. The last silver dimes for general circulation were made in 1964.
Q: How can I tell if my 1979-D dime has “Full Bands”?
A: Look at the torch on the back of the coin. There are two sets of horizontal bands (lines) at the top and bottom of the torch. If those lines are clearly defined and not merged together, it may qualify for the “Full Bands” designation, which is much more valuable.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1979-D dime?
A: The mint mark is located on the front (obverse) of the coin, just above the date on the right side. The “D” stands for Denver.
Q: What is the most expensive 1979-D dime ever sold?
A: High-grade specimens in MS68 condition with Full Bands can sell for several hundred dollars at major auctions, though these are extremely rare to find in circulation.
