The 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $5 in lightly circulated condition to over $25 or more in pristine proof state — and some top-grade examples have sold for even higher at auction. If you found one of these coins and wondered whether it’s just a regular dime, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down exactly what this coin is, why it matters, and what it could be worth today.
What Makes the 1993-S Silver Dime Different From a Regular Dime
Most Roosevelt dimes you’ll find in your pocket change are made from a copper-nickel clad composition. But the 1993-S is a different animal entirely. This coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint specifically for inclusion in the annual Silver Proof Set — meaning it was never meant for circulation at all.
The “S” mintmark on the coin’s obverse (that’s the front, near Roosevelt’s neck) tells you it came from San Francisco. More importantly, the silver version contains 90% silver and 10% copper, just like the old pre-1965 dimes. That silver content alone gives it real intrinsic value beyond its face value of ten cents.
If you’re not sure whether your coin is the silver version or the clad proof version (yes, both exist for 1993-S), the easiest way to check is to look at the edge. A silver dime will show a solid silver edge with no copper stripe. You can also use a coin identifier and value app to help you confirm the composition and get an instant estimate right from your phone.
How Much Is the 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime Worth Today
The value of this coin depends heavily on its grade and whether it has been certified by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. Proof coins are graded on a slightly different scale, with PR70 being perfect and PR69 being nearly perfect.
Here’s a general breakdown of what collectors and dealers are currently paying:
| Grade | Estimated Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 | $5 – $8 | Gem proof, minor contact marks |
| PR67 | $10 – $15 | Superb gem, very clean surfaces |
| PR69 | $18 – $28 | Near perfect, popular with collectors |
| PR70 | $30 – $60+ | Perfect grade, rare at this level |
For the most up-to-date pricing on graded examples, you can check current 1993 Roosevelt Dime prices by grade and mint state to see what certified coins are actually selling for in today’s market.
Silver Melt Value and Why It Matters
Even if your 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime is not in perfect condition, it still has real value because of its silver content. Each coin contains approximately 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver.
When silver is trading around $28 per troy ounce (a common range in recent years), that gives the coin a silver melt value of roughly $2.00 to $2.50. That might not sound like much, but it means this dime is always worth more than face value — and if silver prices rise, so does your coin’s floor value.
This is one reason collectors love pre-1965 silver coins and proof sets from the silver series. They have both numismatic value (collector appeal) and precious metal value built in.
Where to Find Current 1993-S Silver Dime Prices and How to Sell
If you want a more complete picture of what your coin is worth — including recent auction results and price trends — the full 1993 dime value breakdown with grading examples is a great resource to bookmark.
You can also use CoinHix to track the value of your 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime over time. CoinHix is a free app that lets you search coins by year, mint, and grade, so you can see exactly what similar coins have sold for recently. It’s especially useful if you have a whole proof set and want to estimate the total value.
When it comes to selling, your best options are:
– PCGS or NGC certification first — A graded coin always sells for more than a raw one
– eBay completed listings — Shows you what buyers actually paid, not just what sellers are asking
– Coin shows and local dealers — Good for quick sales, but expect offers below retail
– Online coin forums — Fellow collectors often pay fair prices for silver proof coins
Is It Worth Getting This Coin Graded
That depends on the condition. If your 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime looks like it came straight from a sealed proof set with no spots, haze, or scratches, it could grade PR69 or even PR70. At those grades, grading fees are easily worth it.
If the coin shows any cloudiness (common in older proof sets due to improper storage) or has been removed from its original packaging, grading might not add much value over the silver melt price.
CoinHix makes it easy to photograph and assess your coin before you spend money on a submission. Just snap a photo, enter the details, and get a ballpark estimate instantly.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1993-S dime is silver or clad?
A: Look at the edge of the coin. A silver 1993-S dime will have a completely white/silver edge with no orange copper stripe. The clad proof version shows that distinctive copper-colored middle layer. You can also weigh it — a silver Roosevelt dime weighs 2.50 grams, while the clad version weighs 2.27 grams.
Q: How many 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dimes were minted?
A: The 1993-S Silver Proof Set had a mintage of approximately 570,213 sets. That makes these coins relatively scarce compared to regular circulation strikes, which helps support their collector value.
Q: Can I find a 1993-S Silver Roosevelt Dime in pocket change?
A: Almost certainly not. These coins were only sold in proof sets directly from the U.S. Mint and were never released into circulation. If you find one, it most likely came from an old proof set that was broken up — which is actually common and worth keeping an eye out for at estate sales and flea markets.