The 1978-D Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from 10 cents in heavily worn condition to around $5–$15 in uncirculated grades, with top-tier certified examples occasionally reaching $25 or more. If you found one in your pocket change or a old coin jar, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’ve got.
What Is the 1978-D Roosevelt Dime?
The 1978-D Roosevelt Dime was struck at the Denver Mint, which is why it carries a small “D” mintmark on the obverse, just above the date on the left side. Denver produced a massive number of these coins in 1978 — over 282 million — making them one of the most common dimes from that era.
Because so many were made, the vast majority of circulated examples are worth only face value. However, coins that were saved in uncirculated condition right from the start can be worth a modest premium to collectors.
If you’re not sure what coin you’re holding or want to identify it quickly, a coin identifier and value app can help you scan and recognize your coin in seconds — no experience needed.
1978-D Dime Value by Grade
Coin value is almost entirely based on condition, also called “grade.” A dime that sat in a cash register for decades looks very different from one that was tucked away in a mint set. Here’s a simple breakdown of what collectors typically pay:
| Grade / Condition | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavily worn, design visible but flat | Face value ($0.10) |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, major details clear | $0.10–$0.25 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $0.25–$1.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-58) | Slight friction, near full luster | $1–$3 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | No wear, a few contact marks | $3–$8 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Gem quality, strong luster | $10–$20 |
| Mint State (MS-67+) | Superb gem, virtually flawless | $25–$100+ |
For more detailed grade-by-grade pricing, you can check out the 1978-D Roosevelt Dime price data on CoinHix, which tracks auction results and current market values. CoinHix is a great free resource for staying up to date on what coins are actually selling for.
Are Any 1978-D Dimes Worth Big Money?
Here’s where things get interesting. While most 1978-D dimes are common, a small number graded MS-67 or higher by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC have sold for surprisingly strong prices at auction.
The key is the Full Bands (FB) designation — this refers to the horizontal bands on the torch shown on the reverse of the coin. When those bands are sharp and fully separated, it indicates an especially well-struck coin and commands a higher premium from collectors.
An MS-67 FB example could sell for $50 or more, and in rare cases even higher depending on eye appeal and the current demand in the market.
How to Check Your 1978-D Dime’s Value at Home
You don’t need to be a professional numismatist to get a ballpark value on your coin. Start by examining the coin under good lighting and a magnifying glass. Look for any signs of wear — if Roosevelt’s cheekbone and the torch details look sharp and shiny, you may have an uncirculated example.
Next, use CoinHix or another trusted price guide to compare your coin’s condition to known grades.
You can also visit this detailed breakdown of the 1978 dime’s value by condition and mintmark to see how the 1978-D compares to its Philadelphia counterpart and what specific features add the most value.
If you want the fastest method, download the CoinHix app and use the built-in grading guide to identify and estimate your coin’s worth in just a few taps.
Is It Worth Getting Graded?
For most circulated 1978-D dimes, professional grading is not cost-effective. Grading fees from PCGS or NGC typically run $20–$30 per coin at minimum, which would wipe out any potential profit on a common example.
However, if your coin looks absolutely pristine — no scratches, strong luster, sharp strike — and you believe it might grade MS-66 or better, it could be worth submitting. High-grade certified examples attract serious collector interest and regularly sell well above raw coin prices.
When in doubt, get a second opinion from a local coin dealer before investing in grading.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1978-D dime is uncirculated?
A: An uncirculated coin shows no signs of wear on the highest points of the design — particularly Roosevelt’s cheek and the torch on the reverse. The coin should have a bright, original luster with no dull or flat areas.
Q: Is a 1978-D dime silver?
A: No. The 1978-D Roosevelt Dime is made of copper-nickel clad, not silver. U.S. dimes were made of 90% silver only through 1964. Any dime dated 1965 or later is clad and contains no silver.
Q: Where can I sell my 1978-D dime if it’s in great condition?
A: You can sell high-grade examples on eBay, through coin auction houses, or at local coin shows. If it’s certified by PCGS or NGC, it will attract more buyer confidence and likely a better price. For quick estimates before selling, use CoinHix to check recent sale prices.