1950 Dime Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

If you’ve come across a 1950 dime in your collection or inherited one from a family member, you’re holding more than just ten cents—you’re holding a piece of American history with genuine silver content.

The 1950 dime value starts at around $3 for circulated examples, primarily due to its 90% silver composition, but depending on its condition and where it was minted, your coin could be worth significantly more.

Understanding what determines the value of your 1950 Roosevelt dime doesn’t require advanced numismatic knowledge—just a few key factors like mint marks, condition grades, and special features such as “Full Bands” on the torch.

Whether you have a common Philadelphia issue worth $15 in mint state or a scarcer San Francisco coin valued around $26-35 in uncirculated condition, knowing how to properly assess your 1950 dime value can help you make informed decisions about keeping, selling, or adding to your collection.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about identifying and valuing these classic silver dimes from the early Roosevelt series.

 

1950 Dime Value By Variety

This chart displays the various 1950 Roosevelt dime varieties, including coins from Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) mints, along with their values across different condition grades from Good to Proof.

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 1950 Dime Worth Money

The auction records for 1950 Roosevelt dimes reveal a clear hierarchy of value determined primarily by grade level, surface quality designation, and mint origin.

The chart displays realized prices from 2004 to present, with values ranging from $2,415 to $18,800, demonstrating the substantial premium commanded by superior preservation.

The highest recorded sale reached $18,800 for a 1950 proof specimen graded PR68 Deep Cameo (DCAM). Deep Cameo designation requires dramatic contrast between frosted devices and deeply mirrored fields, a technical achievement that early 1950s Philadelphia Mint production methods struggled to replicate consistently.

This specimen represents the technical ceiling for the series, as production limitations from 75 years ago make higher grades virtually nonexistent. The $16,800 realized price for another PR69 proof specimen reflects similar scarcity factors at the apex of the grading scale.

Business strike circulation coins occupy the mid-tier price range, with MS68 and MS69 grades achieving $2,415 to $8,813 depending on mint mark and Full Bands designation.

The 1946 inaugural-year Roosevelt dime in MS69 represents the highest grade achievable for business strike coins, establishing precedent for valuation patterns throughout the early silver series.

The 1950-S mint mark varieties command premiums of $4,025 in MS68 grade due to lower mintage figures and reduced survival rates in pristine condition.

The price escalation between grade levels reflects population scarcity rather than incremental quality differences. MS67 specimens trade around $2,915, while MS68 examples jump to $3,450-$8,813, representing a 150-300% premium for a single grade increment.

This exponential pricing structure results from the collision of technical grading standards with practical survival reality—coins struck 75 years ago rarely survive in flawless condition regardless of original mintage figures.

The 1950 proof resumption adds historical significance beyond technical metrics. Following an eight-year suspension of proof production during wartime (1942-1949), the 1950 proofs marked the return of collector-focused production.

Limited distribution through proof sets, combined with early striking die technology, created inherent scarcity in premium surface quality designations that persists in today’s certified population reports.

 

History of the 1950 Dime

The 1950 dime represents a pivotal moment in American numismatics, marking the resumption of proof coin production and reflecting the nation’s transition from wartime to peacetime coinage operations.

The 1950 dime marked the first year since 1942 that proof coins were made at the U.S. Mint, ending an eight-year suspension implemented during World War II when production capacity was redirected to support the war effort.

Legislation permitting the Mint to resume proof coin manufacture was passed on May 10, 1950, enabling collectors to once again acquire specially struck specimens showcasing the Roosevelt design’s full artistic potential.

The resumption of proof production addressed an unusual economic situation. The Philadelphia Mint had shut down regular issue production for two months starting June 13, 1950, because of lack of demand for coins, and making proof sets was seen as a good outlet for this excess capacity.

Domestic coinage demand had fallen sharply in the post-war years, creating idle production capacity that proof coinage could effectively utilize.

Approximately 10,000 proof sets were initially available, with a temporary limit of five sets per person until the expected initial rush of orders could be handled. Collector enthusiasm exceeded expectations, demonstrating sustained interest in quality numismatic products.

The earliest production lacked the brilliant finish of previous proofs, though quality improved after collector complaints, showing the Mint’s responsiveness to collector feedback as it reestablished proof coin standards after the lengthy hiatus.

Production occurred across three mint facilities—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The year 1950 recorded mintages placing it as the third lowest year of the silver era, reflecting reduced coinage demand rather than deliberate rarity creation.

Low production was unusual for Philadelphia, making 1950 the third lowest year of the silver era Roosevelt series. The San Francisco facility produced the smallest output among the three mints, establishing a scarcity pattern that would later drive premium values for well-preserved specimens.

The 1950 dime maintained the design introduced four years earlier. Designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, the dime features a bust of Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the obverse, with a flaming torch representing Liberty on the reverse, along with an oak branch symbolizing strength and independence and an olive branch signifying peace.

This design honored President Roosevelt following his death in 1945, with particular significance given his founding role in the March of Dimes organization dedicated to combating polio.

All 1950 dimes retained the 90% silver, 10% copper composition that characterized American coinage of the era. This precious metal content would remain standard for another fifteen years until the Coinage Act of 1965 transitioned denominations to copper-nickel clad composition.

Overall demand for coinage was low at the time, with premiums for lightly circulated examples indicating few were saved into collections. This relatively low preservation rate, combined with modest production levels, established the foundation for the 1950 dime’s collectible appeal in high grades. The San Francisco issues and proof specimens, in particular, would later command significant premiums due to their scarcity in pristine condition.

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

 

Is your 1950 Dime rare?

Discover your coin’s true rarity instantly with CoinValueChecker app—the essential app that reveals whether your dime is Uncommon, Scarce, or Legendary, helping you identify valuable variants you might be holding.

 

Key Features of the 1950 Dime

The 1950 Dime belongs to the Roosevelt dime series, designed by John R. Sinnock. 1950 marked a significant year as proof coins returned to production after being suspended since 1942. With a total of just over 117 million dimes struck from three mints, 1950 recorded the third lowest mintage year of the silver era.

The Obverse of the 1950 Dime

The obverse displays a left-facing profile bust of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, honoring the president who led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II. Numismatist Mark Benvenuto suggested that the image of Roosevelt on the coin is more natural than other such presidential portraits, resembling that on an art medal.

The word “LIBERTY” appears along the left side of the coin, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” is positioned in the lower left area near the portrait.

The date “1950” appears on the right side of the obverse. Designer John R. Sinnock’s initials “JS” appear at the base of Roosevelt’s neck, which initially sparked controversy and unfounded rumors during the anti-Communist era.

The Reverse of the 1950 Dime

The reverse shows a torch in the center representing liberty, flanked by an olive sprig representing peace and one of oak symbolizing strength and independence. The reverse design is symbolic of the victorious end of World War II.

The reverse includes “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircling the upper rim, with the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (meaning “Out of many, one”) arcing across the field above the torch.

The mint mark (D for Denver, S for San Francisco) appears to the left of the torch. Philadelphia coins bear no mint mark. The denomination “ONE DIME” is positioned along the bottom rim.

Other Features of the 1950 Dime

The coin maintains a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, containing 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver. It has a diameter of 17.91 mm, making it the smallest and thinnest U.S. coin in circulation, with a weight of approximately 2.5 grams and a traditional reeded edge.

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

 

1950 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The year 1950 recorded a total of just over 117 million dimes struck from three mints, placing it as the third lowest mintage year of the silver era.

The Philadelphia Mint produced 50,130,114 pieces without a mint mark, while Denver struck 46,803,000 dimes marked with a “D,” and San Francisco contributed 20,440,000 pieces with an “S” mint mark, making it about the fifth lowest mintage in the silver circulation strike series.

Additionally, 1950 marked a significant milestone as the year proof Roosevelt dimes returned to production, with 51,386 proof specimens struck at Philadelphia.

Survival rate in numismatics represents the percentage of the original mintage that remains in the hands of collectors, providing crucial insight into a coin’s true availability beyond mere production figures.

The data reveals a remarkably consistent pattern across all three circulation strike varieties, with each maintaining approximately a 10% survival rate. An estimated 5,013,011 Philadelphia dimes, 4,680,300 Denver examples, and 2,044,000 San Francisco pieces remain in existence today.

The 1950-S dime commands premium values due to two critical factors: its lower mintage and the reality that few were saved in high grades before becoming heavily worn through circulation.

The proof production presents a dramatically different preservation story that illustrates how original production intent and subsequent collector treatment fundamentally shape long-term survival patterns. Standard proof specimens show a 68.11% survival rate with approximately 35,000 pieces extant, reflecting the careful handling these specially-struck coins received from collectors who purchased them directly from the Mint.

However, as preservation quality increases, survival rates decline precipitously. Proof Cameo examples, distinguished by their frosted devices against mirror-like fields, show only an 8.95% survival rate with 4,600 specimens identified, while the highly desirable Proof Deep Cameo designation exhibits a mere 0.73% survival rate with just 375 examples known.

This stark contrast between the uniform 10% survival of circulation strikes and the widely varying survival rates among proof varieties underscores how collector behavior and technical quality requirements determine which coins ultimately survive in the numismatic marketplace.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1950 Dime Value

The value of a 1950 dime is determined by three primary factors: metal content, condition, and rarity.

Since all 1950 Roosevelt dimes contain 90% silver, their base worth moves up or down with changing silver prices, establishing a minimum value. Beyond this silver floor, two critical considerations affect pricing: the type of coin based on its mint mark, and the overall condition or grade of the specimen.

The mint mark, located on the reverse at the left side of the torch base, identifies whether the coin was struck at Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), or San Francisco (“S”). The 1950-S variety commands the highest premiums due to its lower mintage and scarcity in well-preserved grades. Condition assessment requires examining the coin’s surface for wear, particularly on Roosevelt’s facial features and hair details on the obverse, and the horizontal bands on the torch on the reverse.

Coins showing “Full Bands”—where the horizontal lines across the torch remain sharp and unbroken—carry significant premiums above standard examples. Professional grading services assign numerical grades from 1 to 70, with higher numbers indicating better preservation and correspondingly higher values.

For collectors seeking accurate valuations without the complexity of manual assessment, the CoinValueChecker App offers an efficient solution through advanced image recognition technology that instantly identifies mint marks, assesses condition, and delivers current market values based on real-time data.

 

1950 Dime Value Guides

• 1950 No Mint Mark Dime
• 1950-D Dime
• 1950-S Dime
• 1950 Proof Dime
• 1950 Proof CAM Dime
• 1950 Proof DCAM Dime

The 1950 Roosevelt Dime encompasses six distinct categories, divided into circulation strikes and proof coins. Circulation strikes include versions from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints, with the S-mint being more collectible due to lower mintage.

The proof series is distinguished by mirror-like surfaces and cameo contrast depth, with DCAM (Deep Cameo) specimens being the rarest and most valuable. Each category’s value is determined by its rarity, condition, and market demand among collectors.

 

1950 No Mint Mark Dime Value

The 1950 Philadelphia Dime holds a meaningful place in American numismatic history as it emerged during the post-war era when the nation was rebuilding and establishing new collecting traditions. 

In circulated condition, these dimes typically trade between $3-5, largely reflecting their silver content of approximately 0.07234 troy ounces. However, uncirculated specimens in MS63 grade can reach around $11, while MS65 examples command approximately $16.

What truly sets exceptional pieces apart is the Full Bands designation—when the horizontal bands across the torch on the reverse are completely defined and unbroken, indicating superior strike quality. Coins with Full Bands are significantly rarer and often sell for 2-5 times more than standard mint state examples.

The rarity becomes more pronounced in higher grades, with MS67 specimens being scarce and only a single example reaching MS68 grade. Proof versions, with their mirror-like surfaces, are valued around $55 in PR65 condition, and become particularly challenging to find in PR67 and above, with PR68 specimens being very scarce.

From an investment perspective, these dimes offer dual appeal: the intrinsic value of their precious metal content provides a solid foundation, while their historical significance and condition scarcity attract serious collectors.

The certification from recognized grading services adds liquidity and reduces risk in the marketplace, with certified examples typically trading at premiums over non-certified coins of similar quality. The top specimens have achieved $8,813 at auction, demonstrating the premium that collectors place on exceptional quality and preservation.

For those interested in the auction record chart below, you’ll find the historical performance of different grades across major sales events.

Additionally, the market activity section provides insight into current collector interest and trading momentum for this classic silver dime.

 

1950-D Dime Value

The 1950-D Dime from the Denver Mint presents a unique collecting opportunity, particularly for variety hunters and condition rarity specialists. Denver’s production that year is particularly notable for its error varieties, including repunched mintmark specimens and doubled die reverse variants, making it a favorite among specialists who appreciate manufacturing anomalies.

In worn condition, these dimes typically range from around $5, reflecting their silver content. Uncirculated examples in MS63 grade are valued near $10, while MS65 specimens approach $17.

The pursuit of Full Bands examples—where the torch’s horizontal bands display complete separation—adds another dimension to this coin’s collectibility. While the Denver issue remains fairly common through MS66 grade with or without Full Bands designation, specimens in MS67 become notably scarcer, though still accessible to dedicated collectors.

At the MS68 level, both standard strikes and Full Bands examples are rare and highly sought after, typically residing in advanced collections. The documented auction ceiling stands at $3,525 for a Full Bands MS68 example, demonstrating the premium that superior strike quality commands in today’s market.

What distinguishes the Denver issue from its Philadelphia counterpart is the frequency of striking variations. The Denver facility produced a higher incidence of mint errors, with collectors particularly prizing pieces showing repunched mintmarks or slight design shifts.

These certified varieties in MS66 and higher grades often generate competitive bidding at auctions. Even standard strikes without error designations are less frequently encountered with Full Bands quality compared to Philadelphia production, adding subtle rarity to well-struck Denver examples.

The auction record chart detailed below tracks the performance of various grades and varieties across the marketplace.

Additionally, the market activity metrics reveal current collector engagement with this Denver-minted classic.

1950-D FS-501 Dime Value

The 1950-D FS-501 represents a scarce overmintmark variety where a Denver “D” mintmark was stamped over a San Francisco “S” mintmark. This variety proved elusive to identify, with collectors noting it was difficult to find information about it through standard online resources.

This die variety occurred during die preparation when a die originally intended for San Francisco production was later repurposed at the Denver facility, creating this distinctive D/S overmintmark characteristic that appears on all coins struck from that particular die.

While recognized in certification databases, this variety currently shows no recorded auction history, suggesting it remains quite rare in certified form. The scarcity of authenticated examples makes it particularly appealing to variety specialists who focus on mintmark anomalies as part of their die variety collections.

Like other 1950-D varieties, examples with Full Bands designation would command additional premiums, though the rarity of this specific overmintmark makes any certified specimen a noteworthy find for advanced Roosevelt Dime variety collections.

 

1950-S Dime Value

The 1950-S Dime from the San Francisco Mint stands out as a recognized semi-key date within the Roosevelt series, commanding consistent premiums across all grade levels.

While several other dates show lower production figures, the 1950-S remains notably more difficult to locate and consistently brings higher prices, particularly from circulated through MS63 grades. This scarcity pattern reflects not just limited production but also lower survival rates in pristine condition.

In average circulated condition, these dimes trade around $6, while certified mint state examples can reach approximately $83. However, the real collecting challenge emerges in higher grades.

The 1950-S proves notably scarce in mid-range Mint State grades, with MS64-MS66 specimens being tough to locate. The quest for Full Bands examples—displaying complete separation on all horizontal torch bands—adds another layer of desirability and value.

In MS67 condition, several hundred examples exist and are considered scarce, while MS68 specimens number only a handful and represent the finest known examples with none grading higher. The documented auction record stands at $4,025 for an MS68 specimen, reflecting the strong collector demand for exceptional preservation. 

The auction record chart below illustrates the historical performance across different grade levels and strike qualities.

Market activity data further demonstrates the sustained collector interest in this West Coast classic.

1950-S/S S/Inverted S FS-501 Dime value

The 1950-S/S S/Inverted S FS-501 represents a distinctive die variety where the San Francisco mintmark was initially punched in an inverted orientation before being corrected with a properly positioned “S.”

This repunched mintmark variety combines the already-desirable semi-key date status of the 1950-S with an additional layer of numismatic interest for variety specialists.

The documented auction record for this variety stands at $646 for an MS67+ specimen, achieved in 2016. More recently, MS66 examples have been offered in the market around $185, reflecting steady collector interest in certified specimens.

The variety’s value benefits from the overall scarcity of high-grade 1950-S dimes combined with the specialized appeal of the inverted mintmark characteristic.

As with standard 1950-S issues, examples exhibiting Full Bands designation would command additional premiums. The combination of semi-key date status, die variety designation, and strike quality creates a tiered value structure that rewards both condition and completeness of bands.

Certified examples with strong eye appeal and clear evidence of the inverted mintmark positioning remain actively sought by Roosevelt Dime variety collectors.

 

1950 Proof Dime Value

The 1950 Proof Dime represents a pivotal moment in post-war American coinage. 1950 marked the first year since 1942 that proof coins were produced at the U.S. Mint, resuming a tradition interrupted by wartime production demands.

This eight-year gap in proof manufacturing makes 1950 specimens particularly noteworthy for collectors documenting the transition from wartime coinage back to peacetime collector programs. Production from the Philadelphia Mint totaled 51,386 pieces, distributed exclusively through proof sets.

The grade distribution reveals clear collecting challenges. While specimens in PR60-66 grades remain fairly accessible, those grading PR67 and higher become increasingly difficult to locate. Current market offerings show PR67 examples trading around $92. At the PR68 level, these proofs are very scarce with approximately two dozen known examples.

The technical ceiling sits at PR69, where a single documented specimen achieved $10,949 at auction—no examples have been certified at higher grades.

The auction record chart below tracks pricing performance across different grade levels for this historically significant issue.

Market activity metrics further illustrate sustained collector interest in this resumption-year proof.

 

1950 Proof CAM Dime Value

As the inaugural year of the Roosevelt proof series, 1950 faced technical challenges in achieving cameo contrast, with only about 20% of certified proofs qualifying as Cameos and less than half of one percent reaching Deep Cameo designation.

The Cameo designation requires noticeable contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields, a production standard that proved difficult to maintain consistently from the 51,386-piece mintage.

Grade distribution shows PR60-66 examples remain fairly accessible, while PR67 and higher become increasingly scarce, with approximately two dozen PR68 specimens known.

Market pricing for early 1950s CAM proofs demonstrates the scarcity premium: a 1952 CAM PR68 realized $4,313 in 2007, while a 1951 CAM PR69 brought $2,990. These auction results reflect the technical difficulty of preserving cameo contrast during early proof production.

The auction records below document realized prices for certified 1950 proof dimes across different designations, illustrating how grade distinctions and special labels affect valuations.

Market activity data demonstrates steady collector engagement throughout the year.

 

1950 Proof DCAM Dime Value

The 1950 Proof Deep Cameo (DCAM) Roosevelt dime stands at the pinnacle of the series’ rarity hierarchy. Statistical analysis of comparable early 1950s issues reveals that less than one-half of one percent of certified proofs achieve Deep Cameo designation, making these specimens extraordinarily scarce.

The Deep Cameo designation requires maximum contrast between heavily frosted devices and brilliant mirror fields, creating an almost three-dimensional visual effect. Early 1950 production from the Philadelphia Mint faced technical challenges that made consistent Deep Cameo surfaces extraordinarily difficult to achieve, with examples surviving in extremely limited numbers.

Market valuations reflect this exceptional rarity: a PR68 Deep Cameo example realized $18,800 at auction in 2014, demonstrating the substantial premium collectors place on these coins.

Comparative data from the closely-related 1951 Deep Cameo, which brought $14,100 for a PR68 specimen, confirms the strong demand across the early 1950s DCAM series.

While standard PR65 proofs trade under $60 and even CAM examples remain in the hundreds, DCAM specimens command four-figure to five-figure prices depending on grade—a premium multiplier of 20-30x or more over non-contrast counterparts.

The auction record chart detailed below tracks the performance of various grades and varieties across the marketplace.

Market activity data demonstrates steady collector engagement throughout the year.

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

 

Rare 1950 Dime Error List

While 1950 Roosevelt dimes were produced in substantial quantities across three mints, a select group of error coins and die varieties have emerged as collectible treasures.

These minting anomalies—ranging from doubled dies to die breaks—transform ordinary ten-cent pieces into sought-after numismatic specimens, offering collectors an opportunity to own tangible evidence of the human and mechanical imperfections that occasionally slip through quality control.

1. 1950-D DDR FS-801 Dime

The 1950-D Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 shows doubling on the reverse design elements. The most prominent separation appears on “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME.” The flame tips also display lighter doubling characteristics.

Examples showing strong, shelf-like doubling beneath the primary lettering exist in the marketplace. Well-preserved specimens command premiums above standard circulation strikes, with mint state examples reaching several hundred dollars depending on eye appeal and strike quality.

2. 1950 Proof DDR FS-801 Dime

The proof version of the FS-801 Doubled Die Reverse is rare within an already limited mintage. With only 51,386 proof dimes struck in 1950, the subset exhibiting this die variety remains scarce. The doubled die characteristics match those found on circulation strikes, displaying separation on reverse inscriptions and design elements.

The proof surface quality—with its mirror-like fields and frosted devices—combined with the diagnostic doubling creates a distinct appearance. Authentication of this variety requires careful examination under magnification to distinguish genuine die doubling from other forms of surface disturbance or mechanical doubling.

3. 1950-D RPM FS-502 Dime

The 1950-D FS-502 is a Repunched Mintmark variety where the “D” mintmark shows evidence of multiple punching attempts. This error occurred when mint workers manually punched mintmarks onto individual working dies.

When the initial punch landed off-target or at an incorrect angle, a corrective second strike created overlapping impressions visible as doubled serifs or secondary outlines. Few certified examples exist in grading service population reports, making this one of the rarer 1950 Roosevelt dime varieties.

4. 1950 Die Crack Error Dime

Die crack errors occur when striking dies develop stress fractures from repeated use, with metal fatigue causing fragments to detach during production.

Examples from 1950-D include specimens showing die cracks running through Roosevelt’s head, while reverse die cracks manifest as “cud” errors—raised featureless areas typically appearing along the rim. Documented 1950 examples show cuds at the 6 o’clock position on the reverse.

The most significant die breaks create large raised areas where planchet metal flows into voids left by detached die fragments. Value correlates directly with the size and visual impact of the break—larger, more prominent cracks command higher premiums among error coin specialists. These varieties document die deterioration that occurred before striking.

 

Where to Sell Your 1950 Dime ?

Whether your 1950 dime is a common circulated piece or a rare mint-condition treasure, taking the time to research its value and choose the right selling platform will ensure you get the best price for this piece of American numismatic history.

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

 

1950 Dime Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About the 1950 Dime

1. Is the 1950 dime made of silver?

Yes, the 1950 Roosevelt dime is 90% silver and 10% copper, containing 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver.

2. What is a “Full Bands” designation?

Full Bands (FB) refers to fully struck, clearly defined horizontal bands on the torch on the coin’s reverse. Coins with strong luster and full torch lines command premium prices, especially in MS65 and above.

3. How much is a 1950 dime worth?

The base value is tied to its silver content (currently around $2-3), but uncirculated examples can be worth $11-$50 depending on condition and mint mark. The 1950-S dime is particularly valuable, worth around $35 in MS 63 grade.