1946 Dime Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1946 Roosevelt Dime holds special significance as the first year of this iconic series. Released on January 30, 1946—what would have been President Roosevelt’s 64th birthday—these silver dimes honored the leader who had passed away less than a year earlier.

Today, 1946 Dime value ranges from around $1.80-$2.00 in Good condition to over $20 in Mint State, with Full Bands varieties commanding even higher premiums. Understanding what makes certain 1946 dimes more valuable helps collectors appreciate this historic first-year issue.

 

1946 Dime Value By Variety

The 1946 Roosevelt Dime was struck at three mints, and each variety carries different values based on mintage and condition.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Roosevelt Dime Value (1946-Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1946 Dime Worth Money

The highest-graded 1946 dimes command impressive premiums at auction. A 1946 Roosevelt Dime in MS 69 condition leads the chart at $12,650. This exceptional grade represents near-perfect preservation from the series’ first year.

The second position goes to a 1946 MS 68 Full Bands specimen at $10,869. Full Bands coins show complete horizontal lines on the torch bands. This sharp strike detail significantly increases collector demand and value.

MS 68 grades show dramatic price variations across different varieties. A 1946-D Full Bands MS 68 reaches $4,888, while a regular 1946 MS 68 brings $2,588. The 1946-S MS 68 commands $1,840, and a standard 1946-D MS 68 fetches $1,000.

The chart also includes a notable error variety. The 1946-D/D RPM FS-501 in MS 67 grade sold for $995. This repunched mintmark shows doubled “D” marks from the Denver Mint.

Philadelphia Mint coins tend to achieve the highest values in top grades. The Full Bands designation can more than triple a coin’s worth compared to regular strikes of the same grade.

 

History Of The 1946 Dime

President Franklin D. Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945, leaving a nation deeply mourning its wartime leader. Roosevelt had guided America through the Great Depression and most of World War II.

His death came just months before final Allied victory. The profound sense of loss felt across America prompted Treasury officials to honor him on circulating coinage.

The dime was chosen for particularly meaningful reasons. Roosevelt had battled polio since 1921 and helped establish the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis.

The organization’s fundraising campaign asked Americans to send dimes to the White House. This effort became known as the March of Dimes.

Less than a month after Roosevelt’s death, Representative James Hobson Morrison introduced legislation for the new design. President Harry Truman quickly signed it into law.

The Roosevelt Dime replaced the Mercury Dime design that had circulated since 1916. Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock created the new portrait under intense time pressure.

The Mint rushed production to have coins ready for the January 1946 March of Dimes campaign. The dimes entered circulation on January 30, 1946—Roosevelt’s birthday.

For post-war America, these coins symbolized both tribute and renewal.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money List

 

Is Your 1946 Dime Rare?

Determining rarity requires examining mint marks, strike quality, and condition grades. Most 1946 dimes are common in circulated grades. However, high-grade examples and Full Bands varieties can be scarce. Check your coin’s specific details with the CoinValueChecker App for accurate rarity assessment.

 

Key Features Of The 1946 Dime

John R. Sinnock designed the 1946 Roosevelt Dime with symbolic elements honoring the late president. The obverse displays Roosevelt’s dignified profile. The reverse features a torch flanked by branches representing American ideals.

Understanding these design details helps collectors identify authentic specimens and assess condition accurately.

The Obverse Of The 1946 Dime

The obverse presents a left-facing portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The word “LIBERTY” appears along the upper rim in front of his face. Below Roosevelt’s chin sits the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” in smaller letters.

The date “1946” is positioned at the lower right side of the coin. Designer John R. Sinnock placed his initials “JS” just below the neck truncation. This placement sparked controversy when released.

Some mistakenly believed the initials referenced Joseph Stalin during early Cold War tensions. The portrait conveys dignity through its clean, classical design approach.

The Reverse Of The 1946 Dime

The reverse displays three powerful American symbols arranged symmetrically. A flaming torch occupies the center, representing liberty and freedom. An olive branch appears to the left, symbolizing peace. An oak branch sits to the right, signifying strength and independence.

The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs along the top rim. The denomination “ONE DIME” appears at the bottom. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” stretches across the field.

For 1946 dimes, mint marks appear on the reverse when present. The “D” or “S” mark sits to the left of the torch’s base.

Other Features Of The 1946 Dime

The 1946 dime measures 17.91 mm in diameter and weighs 2.50 grams. Its composition consists of 90% silver and 10% copper. The edge features reeding with 118 distinct ridges.

Philadelphia Mint coins carry no mint mark. These specifications remained standard for all silver Roosevelt dimes through 1964.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Dimes Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

1946 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The 1946 Roosevelt Dime saw massive production across three mints, totaling over 344 million coins. Philadelphia led production with 255,250,000 pieces struck without a mint mark. This represented nearly 74% of the total mintage. Denver followed with 61,043,500 dimes bearing the “D” mint mark.

San Francisco produced the lowest quantity at 27,900,000 coins with the “S” designation. This makes it the scarcest variety by mintage numbers.

Despite different production volumes, all three varieties share identical 10% survival rates today. Approximately 25.5 million Philadelphia dimes remain, while 6.1 million Denver pieces survive. San Francisco has about 2.8 million coins still in existence.

The uniform survival rate suggests similar circulation patterns across all mints. Most 1946 dimes entered commerce and wore down through daily use. The surviving coins represent those saved by collectors or lost from circulation over the decades.

Also Read: Top 70+ Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money (Chart By Year)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1946 Dime Value

Determining your 1946 dime’s value requires examining several key factors. First, locate the mint mark on the reverse near the torch base. Check the coin’s overall condition, looking for wear on high points. Inspect the torch bands for complete separation, which indicates Full Bands designation.

Professional grading provides the most accurate assessment, but initial evaluation is simple. Compare your coin’s details against reference images. For instant, accurate valuations based on current market data, use the CoinValueChecker App to scan your coin.

 

1946 Dime Value Guides

• 1946 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)– Struck at the main Philadelphia Mint with the highest production of 255,250,000 pieces. These coins carry no mint mark on the reverse and represent the most common variety of this first-year issue.
• 1946-D (Denver)– Produced at the Denver Mint with 61,043,500 coins struck. The “D” mint mark appears on the reverse to the left of the torch base, identifying these dimes as Denver products.
• 1946-S (San Francisco)– The San Francisco Mint created the lowest mintage at 27,900,000 pieces. The “S” mint mark is located on the reverse near the torch’s left base.

Each variety presents different collecting opportunities based on mintage and availability. Philadelphia dimes are most abundant due to massive production numbers. Denver pieces fall in the middle for scarcity. San Francisco coins represent the lowest original mintage among the three mints.

Collectors typically pursue all three varieties to complete a 1946 set. Condition and strike quality matter more than mint mark for common grades.

Full Bands designation significantly impacts desirability across all three varieties. Higher mint state grades become scarce regardless of which mint produced them.

 

1946 No Mint Mark Dime Value 

The 1946 Philadelphia dime carries no mint mark and represents the most common variety. Over 255 million pieces were struck, making circulated examples widely available. Most Philadelphia dimes entered circulation immediately and show wear from decades of use.

However, pristine specimens become remarkably scarce in higher grades. Coins grading MS67 are limited to roughly 150-250 known examples. The MS68 grade level proves exceptionally rare. Full Bands examples showing complete torch band separation add further scarcity.

Top-quality examples command substantial premiums at auction. A certified MS69 specimen achieved $12,650 in 2004. Full Bands examples in MS68 have reached $10,870 at major auctions. These prices reflect the difficulty of finding coins that escaped circulation.

The first-year status adds historical appeal to high-grade survivors. Collectors compete intensely for specimens showing sharp strikes and original luster. Finding coins preserved in pristine condition for nearly 80 years requires patience and diligent searching.

Recent auction records demonstrate the range of prices across different grades and platforms.

Market activity tracking shows consistent monthly interest from buyers and sellers nationwide.

 

1946-D Dime Value 

The 1946-D dime features a “D” mint mark on the reverse near the torch base. Denver produced 61,043,500 pieces, making it the second-highest mintage among the three varieties. Most examples remain readily available in circulated conditions through MS64 grade.

Scarcity increases substantially in higher grades. MS65 and above specimens become somewhat challenging to locate. MS67 coins are very scarce with approximately 200 examples known. MS68 represents extreme rarity for this variety.

Standard MS68 examples have reached $1,000 at auction. Full Bands specimens command significantly higher prices.

An MS68 Full Bands piece achieved $4,888 in 2007. The Full Bands designation indicates complete separation of the horizontal torch bands. This detail reflects superior strike quality from the Denver Mint.

Collectors actively pursue well-struck Denver coins from this inaugural year.

Historical sales data reveals pricing patterns for Denver mint examples across certification services.

Trading volume data indicates steady collector participation throughout the year for this variety.

 

1946-S Dime Value 

The 1946-S dime displays an “S” mint mark on the reverse near the torch base. San Francisco struck only 27,900,000 pieces, representing the lowest production among all three mints. Circulated examples remain readily available through MS63 grade with modest premiums.

Scarcity increases dramatically in higher mint state grades. MS66 coins become noticeably scarcer with approximately 2,000 examples surviving. MS67 specimens present a real challenge with only 500-1,000 pieces estimated. MS68 examples prove exceptionally rare with fewer than two dozen known.

Premium examples command strong prices at auction. A standard MS68 specimen reached $1,840 in 2007. Full Bands varieties bring significantly higher premiums. An MS68 Full Bands example achieved $5,819 in the same year.

The low original mintage makes pristine survivors highly sought after. Collectors specifically pursue San Francisco coins with complete torch band separation.

Auction results document the performance of San Francisco varieties across different grade levels.

Monthly transaction data shows sustained collector interest in premium-quality San Francisco specimens.

1946-S Sans Serif MM FS-504 Value

The Sans Serif mint mark variety features a distinctly different “S” style. Standard 1946-S dimes use a “Trumpet Tail” font with decorative serifs. The Sans Serif version displays a simpler “S” with uniform line thickness. The letter lacks ornamental curves and tails found on regular examples.

This variety represents one of three different mint mark punches used in 1946. San Francisco workers applied different tools during die preparation. The Sans Serif style appears on very few certified examples.

An MS66 Full Bands specimen achieved $999 in 2019. A lower-grade AU58 example sold for $500 in 2015.

The extreme scarcity makes this variety challenging to locate. Most collectors never encounter one in circulation or dealer inventory. Certified population numbers remain in single digits across all grades.

Monthly trading activity reflects the limited availability and specialized collector interest in this variety.

Also Read: 16 Rare Dime Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1946 Dime Error List

The 1946 Roosevelt Dime series includes several collectible die varieties and minting errors. These errors originated during die production or mintmark application at the three U.S. Mints.

Doubled dies result from misaligned hub impressions during die creation. Repunched mintmarks occurred when mint workers hand-punched the “D” or “S” multiple times.

1. 1946 DDO & DDR FS-101

The FS-101 variety combines both doubled die obverse and reverse features on a single coin. This error occurred when the working die received multiple misaligned impressions from the hub. The doubling appears most prominently on the obverse.

The letters “B” and “E” in “LIBERTY” show clear doubled images. The numeral “6” in the date displays visible separation. These features can be identified with careful examination under magnification.

The reverse also exhibits doubling, though less dramatic than the obverse. Only five mint state examples have been certified without Full Bands designation. A specimen in MS64 condition achieved $750 at auction in 2021.

2. 1946 DDO (FS-102 To FS-104)

Three additional doubled die obverse varieties affect Philadelphia dimes from 1946. The FS-102 through FS-104 designations identify distinct die states with varying doubling strength. Each variety shows doubled letters on “LIBERTY” and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

The FS-102 variety presents moderate doubling visible under magnification. Both regular strikes and Full Bands examples exist for this variety. An MS65 specimen sold for $210 in 2019.

The FS-103 shows similar characteristics with slightly different doubling patterns. An MS63 example brought $115 at auction in 2020. The FS-104 represents the weakest doubling among these three varieties.

These varieties demonstrate how multiple working dies can develop similar errors. Both mint state and Full Bands specimens have been certified across all three FS numbers.

3. 1946-D/D RPM (FS-501 And FS-502)

Denver Mint coins display repunched mintmark varieties designated FS-501 and FS-502. These errors occurred during manual mintmark application to working dies. Mint technicians used a steel punch and mallet to add the “D” mintmark.

If the initial impression appeared weak or misaligned, workers punched again. Slight movement between strikes created doubled mintmark images. The secondary impression typically appears lighter or thinner than the primary mark.

The FS-501 variety shows the repunching most clearly under magnification. Both standard mint state coins and Full Bands examples exist. A Full Bands specimen in MS67 condition reached $995 at auction in 2021.

4. 1946-S/S DDR & RPM (FS-501 And FS-502)

San Francisco produced two notable varieties combining repunched mintmarks with doubled die reverses. The FS-501 and FS-502 designations identify distinct combinations of these two errors. This dual error nature increases collector interest significantly.

The doubling appears most visible on the torch’s left side and olive branch. The repunched “S” mintmark shows clear separation under magnification. Both varieties exist in regular strike and Full Bands conditions.

The FS-501 in MS68 Full Bands represents the finest known example. This specimen achieved $2,760 at Heritage Auctions in 2020. The FS-502 variety typically sells for lower premiums.

5. 1946-S/S RPM FS-503

The FS-503 variety features a repunched “S” mintmark without accompanying doubled die features. This makes it purely a repunched mintmark error. The secondary impression appears in a different position from the primary mark.

Collectors can identify this variety by examining the mintmark area with magnification. The repunching shows clear evidence of multiple punch applications. An MS67 specimen sold for $120 in 2021.

Collector interest remains steady for premium-quality specimens showing strong error characteristics.

 

Where To Sell Your 1946 Dime?

Ready to sell your 1946 dime? We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on the best places to sell coins online, complete with pros and cons for each platform. Whether you choose auction sites, dealer networks, or specialized marketplaces, our detailed comparison will help you make an informed decision and maximize your coin’s value.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons) 

 

1946 Dime Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1946 Dime

1. What is a 1946 dime worth?

A 1946 dime’s value ranges from $1.80-$2.00 in Good condition to over $20 in Mint State. High-grade specimens command significant premiums, with MS69 examples reaching $12,650.

Full Bands varieties showing complete torch band separation are worth substantially more. The specific variety (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco) and condition grade determine the exact value.

2. Is there anything special about a 1946 dime?

The 1946 Roosevelt Dime is historically significant as the first year of this iconic series. Released on January 30, 1946—Roosevelt’s 64th birthday—it honored the late president who championed the March of Dimes campaign.

The dime replaced the Mercury design and symbolized both tribute and post-war renewal for America.

3. Where is the mint mark on a 1946 silver dime?

The mint mark on a 1946 dime appears on the reverse (back) side, located to the left of the torch’s base. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark, Denver coins show a “D,” and San Francisco pieces display an “S.” The mint mark helps identify which of the three facilities produced your coin.