1955 Dime Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1955 Roosevelt dime stands as a remarkable collector’s coin from the silver era of American coinage, marking a significant year in numismatic history due to its exceptionally low mintage figures across all three mints.

The 1955 Philadelphia variety achieved the record for the lowest mintage in all Roosevelt dime circulation series with just 12,450,181 pieces produced, while the Denver mint’s 13,959,000 pieces represents the third lowest mintage of the entire silver series. Additionally, 1955 marked the final year of San Francisco circulation strike issues, making it a particularly dynamic year for the Roosevelt dime series.

With their 90% silver content providing a solid foundation worth approximately $3.13-$3.42 in melt value alone, circulated examples typically trade for around $2-$4, while mint state specimens can command $15-$40 or more.

Understanding the complete scope of 1955 Dime Value requires examining multiple factors including specific mint varieties, grading standards, and current market trends that we’ll explore throughout this comprehensive guide.

 

1955 Dime Value By Variety

Here’s a comprehensive value guide showing what your 1955 Roosevelt dime might be worth depending on its condition and variety. 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 1955 Dime Worth Money

High-grade specimens command exceptional prices, with MS-68 examples reaching nearly $10,000 – a testament to the extreme scarcity of pristine survivors from this era’s limited production runs.

The dramatic value accelerates in top grades, where even single point improvements can double or triple prices. The Denver mint variety shows especially strong performance, likely reflecting lower survival rates in pristine condition.

This price structure indicates a mature collector market that recognizes true condition rarity – when fewer than 50 million dimes were originally minted across all three facilities, finding examples that escaped seven decades of circulation becomes exponentially difficult.

 

History of The 1955 Dime

The year 1955 emerged from a complex economic landscape that defined the mid-1950s American experience under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Following the post-World War II prosperity boom, the nation experienced a mild recession in 1954, creating economic uncertainty that extended into 1955.

The mid-1950s represented a unique period in American monetary policy and industrial production. Economic conditions created a situation where there was lackluster demand for coins, reflecting broader patterns in consumer spending and business activity. This economic climate was further complicated by the Eisenhower administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, even as they navigated the challenges of maintaining prosperity in the post-Korean War era.

The economic pressures of this period led to significant decisions about mint operations, including the announcement in January 1955 that the San Francisco Mint would cease operations at year’s end. This decision reflected broader government cost-cutting measures and the reality of reduced demand for new coinage during a period of economic adjustment.

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

 

Is Your 1955 Dime Rare?

For detailed information about your coin’s specific variety and current market value, our CoinValueChecker App provides the accurate rarity and value assessment for your coins.

 

Key Features of The 1955 Dime

The 1955 Roosevelt dime emerges as a testament to American craftsmanship during an era when reduced demand and economic pressures created one of the most collectible issues in the silver series.

The Obverse Of The 1955 Dime

The obverse features Roosevelt’s dignified profile with “LIBERTY” gracefully inscribed along the upper rim, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears below the chin in carefully proportioned lettering.

The date “1955” is positioned at the lower right, with designer John Sinnock’s identifying initials “JS” placed subtly at the base of Roosevelt’s neck truncation. This placement had generated controversy in the series’ early years but by 1955 had become an accepted signature element of the design.

The Reverse Of The 1955 Dime

The reverse showcases Sinnock’s symbolic composition featuring the central torch of liberty with its characteristic flame, flanked by complementary botanical elements. An olive branch representing peace appears to the left, while an oak branch symbolizing strength occupies the right position, creating the series’ distinctive tripartite design.

“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs around the upper rim, with “ONE DIME” positioned at the bottom, while the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is elegantly distributed between the design elements. For 1955 issues, mintmarks appear at the left side of the torch base – a small “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, or no mark indicating Philadelphia production.

Other Features Of The 1955 Dime

The 1955 Roosevelt dime maintains precise specifications of 17.91 millimeters in diameter and 2.50 grams in weight, featuring the traditional reeded edge with 118 individual reeds. Its composition of 90% silver and 10% copper provides both the lustrous metallic appearance and intrinsic precious metal value, containing exactly 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver.

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

 

1955 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The dramatically reduced circulation strikes across all three facilities – with Philadelphia’s historic low of just 12.45 million pieces – reflect the broader economic uncertainties that characterized the mid-1950s American economy under Eisenhower’s fiscal conservatism.

The uniform 10% survival rate across circulation strikes demonstrates typical patterns for heavily circulated silver coinage, influenced by the 1965 silver removal legislation that prompted widespread melting and the natural attrition from decades of commercial use.

While standard proofs maintain nearly 60% survival, the dramatic drop to 19.17% for Cameo specimens and just 2.25% for Deep Cameo examples reflects both the technical challenges of early proof production and evolving collector preferences for high-contrast finishes.

The data illustrates how economic constraints of 1955 inadvertently produced one of the most collectible years in Roosevelt dime history, combining low original production with natural attrition to create sustained numismatic demand across multiple collecting specialties.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1955 Dime Value

1955 Dime Value Guides

1955 No Mint Mark Dime Value

The 1955 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime represents a remarkable anomaly in American coinage history. In a dramatic reversal of typical production patterns, the Philadelphia Mint—which traditionally dominated dime production throughout the silver era—struck only 12,450,181 pieces in 1955, significantly fewer than both the Denver Mint and San Francisco Mint. This unprecedented reduction stemmed from economic circumstances: a sagging national economy and diminished coin demand that ultimately led to the closure of the San Francisco Mint at year’s end.

This unusual production scenario resulted in the 1955 Philadelphia dime achieving the distinction of having the lowest mintage of any regular-issue Roosevelt dime ever produced for circulation.

Beyond its historical significance, the coin presents exceptional rarity in premium condition, particularly for specimens exhibiting “Full Bands”—the sharp striking characteristic showing complete separation of the horizontal bands on the reverse torch. Among these superior strikes, fewer than 500 examples are estimated to exist across all grades, with perhaps only four specimens achieving MS67+ Full Bands.

Recent auction results reflect the coin’s premium status in the market.

 

1955-D Dime Value

What sets the 1955-D apart from its Philadelphia and San Francisco counterparts is “common rarity”—while it trades at similar prices to common dates in MS60-MS66 conditions due to the large numbers preserved, it becomes notably scarcer than typical dates in MS67 and higher grades.

Exceptional examples can command substantial premiums, as evidenced by a remarkable MS68 specimen that achieved $7,763 at Stack’s Bowers auction in March 2011—demonstrating.

The 1955-D became a victim of collector psychology, as massive hoarding inspired by the 1950-D Jefferson nickel’s success resulted in large numbers surviving in top grades, preventing expected rarity premiums. When collecting interest declined around 1965 due to mintmark removal policies, demand further weakened just as recognition should have increased.

Auction records reveal the coin’s grade-sensitive pricing structure across different platforms.

Market activity demonstrates steady collector engagement with notable seasonal variations.

 

1955-S Dime Value

The 1955-S Roosevelt Dime holds an irreplaceable position in American numismatic history as the final circulation strike dime ever produced by the San Francisco Mint, marking the end of an era that began in 1946. 

The coin’s rarity becomes apparent in higher grades, with population data revealing the dramatic scarcity escalation: while 147 examples exist in MS66, only 19 specimens have achieved MS67, and a mere 3 coins reach MS67+ condition.

This scarcity translated into significant market value when an MS67 example realized $4,025 at Superior Galleries in January 2009, demonstrating how condition rarity can drive substantial premiums for this historically significant issue.

Recent auction results demonstrate strong performance across multiple platforms, with MS67 examples ranging from $51 to $1,140.

Market activity shows collector interest with notable peaks in recent months.

 

1955 Proof Dime Value

The 1955 Proof Roosevelt Dime was struck at Philadelphia with a mintage of 378,200 pieces, marking the sixth year of proof dime production alongside reduced circulation strikes.

What distinguishes the 1955 proof from other years is its position within the transitional period of proof production techniques, where the coin remains fairly common up to PR67 condition but becomes scarce in PR68 or higher grades.

Market values for standard 1955 proofs range from $1 to $23 or more, depending on grade, with examples reasonably available up to PR67.

Auction performance reflects the market’s appreciation for this challenging San Francisco production.

This chart captures the evolving collector engagement and market momentum for 1955 Proof Roosevelt dimes throughout the past year.

 

1955 CAM Dime Value

The 1955 Proof Roosevelt Dime represents an important early example of cameo contrast in proof coinage production. During the early striking cycles with fresh dies, the distinctive frosted appearance on Roosevelt’s portrait and the reverse torch created a three-dimensional visual depth that was difficult to sustain consistently in early 1950s proof production.

Market data reflects this scarcity: a 1955 Proof CAM Roosevelt Dime graded PR69 sold for $690 at Heritage Auctions on 11-13-2007. Population data shows 222 coins in PR67, 2 in PR67+, 116 in PR68, and 8 in PR69, with current market values ranging from $55 (PR67) to $750 (PR69).

Auction records reflect this coin’s market appeal.

Market activity reveals collector interest.

 

1955 DCAM Dime Value

The 1955 Deep Cameo Roosevelt Dime occupies the pinnacle of rarity and desirability within the Roosevelt proof series, representing one of the most challenging early proof varieties to obtain. With the Deep Cameo designation, it is very difficult to find, with about 100 examples known more or less in all grades combined, and no examples graded higher than PR68 Deep Cameo.

This extraordinary scarcity stems from the technical limitations of 1950s proof production, where achieving and maintaining the heavy frosted surfaces required for Deep Cameo designation proved nearly impossible with the die preparation methods of the era.

The coin achieved a notable auction record of $2,588 for a PR69 example in July 2003 at Heritage Auctions, demonstrating the intense collector demand for these rare early Deep Cameo specimens.

Here are the auction records.

Here’s the market activity data.

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

 

Rare 1955 Dime Error List

Here’s the rare 1955 dime error collection data.

1. 1955 Roosevelt Dime Die Cud Error

The die cud error appears as raised metal areas on the coin where the die has broken or cracked, commonly found on the letters “E” and “S” of the word “STATES”.

This error occurs when portions of the die crack and break away during the striking process, causing metal to flow into the damaged area and create raised, blob-like formations on the finished coin. Die cuds are particularly noticeable because they disrupt the normal design elements.

Values for 1955 dime die cud errors typically range from $25 to $150 depending on the size and prominence of the cud, with larger and more dramatic examples commanding higher prices. The location of the cud also affects value, with those affecting major design elements being more desirable to collectors.

2. 1955 Roosevelt Dime Doubled Die Error

Doubled die errors appear on both obverse and reverse sides of 1955 dimes, with notable doubling in the word “TRUST,” the “E” in “E Pluribus,” and on mint marks.

This error occurs when the die receives a double impression during the hubbing process, creating visible doubling of letters, numbers, or design elements. The doubling appears as a shadow effect or complete duplication of certain features.

The more prominent the doubling, the higher the coin’s value could be. Values for 1955 doubled die dimes range from $50 to $500 or more, depending on the grade and prominence of the doubling. Examples with strong doubling visible to the naked eye are most valuable, while minor doubling requiring magnification brings lower premiums.

3. 1955 Roosevelt Dime Repunched Mintmark (RPM)

Repunched mintmarks occur when the mint mark is punched twice at slightly different angles, creating visible doubling of the letter. This was common before 1990 when mintmarks were manually punched onto working dies using steel punches and mallets. On 1955 dimes, RPM errors are most commonly found on the “D” (Denver) and “S” (San Francisco) mintmarks located at the base of the torch on the reverse.

Values for 1955 RPM dimes typically range from $15 to $75, with the degree of separation and visibility of the repunching determining the premium. Clear, well-separated repunching visible without magnification commands the highest prices within this range.

4. 1955 Roosevelt Dime Die Break/Crack Error

Die breaks occur when the die develops cracks on its surface due to wear and tear, and when the die hits the planchet, the crack is also impressed on the coin. These appear as raised lines across the coin’s surface, following the path of the crack in the die. Die breaks can range from minor hairline cracks to major breaks that split design elements.

On 1955 dimes, die breaks often appear as lines cutting through Roosevelt’s portrait or the torch on the reverse. Values range from $10 to $100 depending on the size and location of the break. Major breaks that dramatically alter the coin’s appearance or affect primary design elements are most valuable, while minor hairline breaks add modest premiums to the base silver value.

 

Where to Sell Your 1955 Dime?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.

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

 

1955 Dime Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about 1955 Dime

1. What makes a 1955 dime worth significantly more than its silver value?

Beyond the base silver content worth around $3, condition is crucial. Mint state examples can be worth $15-40, while high-grade specimens (MS-67+) can reach thousands. The “Full Bands” designation, showing complete separation of torch bands on the reverse, adds substantial premiums. Error varieties like doubled dies or die cuds also command higher prices.

2. Are 1955 proof dimes rare, and what’s the difference between regular proofs and cameo varieties?

Standard 1955 proofs with 378,200 minted are relatively common in lower grades, worth $1-23. However, Cameo proofs showing frosted designs against mirror fields are scarcer, valued at $55-750. Deep Cameo examples are extremely rare with only about 100 known across all grades, making them highly sought after by specialists.

3. What should I look for when examining a 1955 dime for errors?

Common 1955 dime errors include die cuds (raised metal blobs, often on “STATES”), doubled dies (visible doubling of letters like “TRUST”), repunched mintmarks (doubled D or S), and die cracks (raised lines across the design). Use good lighting and magnification to spot these varieties, which can increase value from $15 for minor errors to $500+ for dramatic examples.