Found a 1966 dime in your pocket change or old coin jar? You might be sitting on more than ten cents.
The 1966 dime value for most circulated examples is roughly face value — around 10 to 15 cents. But the story changes dramatically once you factor in grade, strike type, and special designations. Uncirculated examples in high mint state grades can reach $8 or more, while Special Mint Set (SMS) varieties with Deep Cameo (DCAM) finishes have sold for thousands at auction.
What makes 1966 especially interesting is that it sits right in the middle of one of the most turbulent periods in American coinage history. It was the second year after silver was removed from dimes, and the last year dimes were struck without mint marks — a policy introduced specifically to discourage coin collecting during a national shortage crisis.
Whether you’re holding a plain circulation strike or a rare SMS specimen, this guide will walk you through everything that determines your 1966 dime’s true worth.
Coin Value Contents Table
- 1966 Dime Value By Variety
- 1966 Dime Value Chart
- Top 10 Most Valuable 1966 Dime Worth Money
- History of the 1966 Dime
- Is Your 1966 Dime Rare?
- Key Features of the 1966 Dime
- 1966 Dime Mintage & Survival Data
- 1966 Dime Mintage & Survival Chart
- The Easy Way to Know Your 1966 Dime Value
- 1966 Dime Value Guides
- 1966 No Mint Mark Dime Value
- 1966 SMS Special Strike Dime Value
- 1966 SMS Special Strike CAM Dime Value
- 1966 SMS Special Strike DCAM Dime Value
- Rare 1966 Dime Error List
- Where to Sell Your 1966 Dime?
- 1966 Dime Market Trend
- FAQ About the 1966 Dime Value
1966 Dime Value By Variety
This chart displays the values of 1966 Roosevelt dimes across different conditions and varieties, including standard circulation strikes and Special Mint Set (SMS) coins with various designations such as Full Bands, Cameo, and Deep Cameo finishes.
If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.
1966 Dime Value Chart
| TYPE | GOOD | FINE | AU | MS | PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 No Mint Mark Dime Value (MS) | $0.10 | $0.31 | $0.79 | $8.86 | — |
| 1966 No Mint Mark Dime Value (FB) | $0.23 | $0.80 | $2.05 | $105.27 | — |
Also Read: Roosevelt Dime Value (1946-Present)
Top 10 Most Valuable 1966 Dime Worth Money
Most Valuable 1966 Dime Chart
2003 - Present
The auction record data spanning from 2003 to the present reveals that Special Mint Set specimens dominate the highest value tier for 1966 dimes. The current top position belongs to a 1966 SMS SP67 that sold for $12,500 via eBay in February 2021, according to PCGS CoinFacts records.
Regular circulation strikes, even at the elite MS68 grade level, reach auction values near $2,375. That figure comes from a November 2021 eBay sale also documented by PCGS. For Full Bands (FB) examples at MS68 — meaning the horizontal torch bands are fully and cleanly separated on the reverse — Heritage Auctions has documented a population of only 4 examples graded MS68 FB at NGC and just 2 at PCGS, making this one of the true condition rarities in the Roosevelt dime series.
The most powerful value driver in this series is not scarcity of the coin itself, but scarcity of preservation. With over 1.38 billion business strikes produced, the 1966 dime is extraordinarily common at face value. The market rewards the tiny fraction that survived in gem condition.
History of the 1966 Dime
The 1966 dime continued the Roosevelt dime series introduced on January 19, 1946 — exactly one year after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt — to honor his legacy of leadership through the Great Depression and World War II.
But the 1966 issue stands apart for a very different reason: it marks the second year of a sweeping transformation in American coinage. The Coinage Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 23, 1965, permanently eliminated silver from dimes and quarters. Before this law, every dime in circulation since 1792 had contained silver. After it, dimes became copper-nickel clad coins — a copper core sandwiched between outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
The reason for this dramatic change was economic. Beginning around 1959, the United States experienced a serious coin shortage. Rising silver prices and widespread hoarding of silver coins — some people were even melting them for bullion — drained the supply of circulating coinage. By late 1963, the Federal Reserve was rationing coins to commercial banks across the country.
The Coinage Act addressed this crisis in two ways. First, it replaced silver with cheaper base metals. Second, it ordered the removal of mint marks from all U.S. coins between 1965 and 1967. The government reasoned that if collectors couldn’t distinguish coins by mint of origin, they’d be less likely to hoard specific varieties, easing the shortage.
This is why every 1966 dime lacks a mint mark — even though the coins were struck at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The total combined mintage of 1,382,734,540 pieces was reported as a single undivided figure, making it impossible to determine how many were produced at each facility.
Simultaneously, the U.S. Mint suspended traditional proof set production. To satisfy collector demand, Special Mint Sets (SMS) were offered as an alternative. The 1966 SMS, officially released on June 30, 1966, contained five coins including the Roosevelt dime. All SMS dimes were struck at the San Francisco Mint using polished dies and specially prepared blanks — but without the “S” mint mark, following the policy of the era.
Mint marks returned to dimes in 1968, moved from the reverse to the obverse. This made 1966 the last year of the no-mint-mark era, closing a brief but historically significant chapter in American numismatics.
Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money List
Is Your 1966 Dime Rare?
1966 No Mint Mark Dime (MS)
1966 No Mint Mark Dime (FB)
Understanding the rarity of your 1966 dime varieties is crucial for accurate valuation, and the CoinValueChecker App provides instant rarity assessments and rankings to help collectors identify whether they possess a common circulation strike or an uncommon SMS specimen worth significantly more.
Key Features of the 1966 Dime
The 1966 Dime belongs to the Roosevelt dime series, designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock. His initials “JS” appear at the base of Roosevelt’s neck on the obverse. All 1966 dimes were struck without mint marks, regardless of production facility, making them unique among Roosevelt dimes. Both regular circulation strikes and Special Mint Sets (SMS) with enhanced finishes were produced to meet collector demand during the temporary suspension of proof coinage.
The Obverse of the 1966 Dime
The obverse displays President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s left-facing profile. “LIBERTY” arcs along the left rim, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears beneath his chin. The date “1966” and designer’s initials “JS” are positioned at the base of Roosevelt’s neck.
The Reverse of the 1966 Dime
The reverse shows a central torch representing liberty, flanked by an olive branch on the left (symbolizing peace) and an oak branch on the right (representing strength and independence). “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the top rim, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” crosses the middle field, and “ONE DIME” appears at the bottom.
Other Features of the 1966 Dime
The coin features a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper, 25% nickel bonded over a pure copper core), measuring 17.9 millimeters in diameter and weighing 2.27 grams, with a reeded edge. Its melt value is approximately $0.03 — far below its 10-cent face value, reflecting that all numismatic value is condition-based rather than metal-content-based.
Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Dimes Worth Money (Most Expensive)
1966 Dime Mintage & Survival Data
1966 Dime Mintage & Survival Chart
Survival Distribution
| Type | Mintage | Survival | Survival Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Mint | 1,300,000,000 | unknown | unknown |
| SMS SP | 2,260,000 | unknown | unknown |
| SMS SP CAM | 2,260,000 | unknown | unknown |
| SMS SP DCAM | 2,260,000 | unknown | unknown |
The 1966 dime saw one of the largest production runs in Roosevelt dime history. A total of 1,382,734,540 regular circulation strikes were minted across all three facilities combined. Because the temporary no-mint-mark policy made each coin identical regardless of origin, this figure was reported as one undivided number — making it permanently impossible to know exactly how many came from Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco.
In sharp contrast, the Special Mint Set program produced only 2,261,583 SMS dimes. These were struck at the San Francisco Mint using polished dies and more carefully prepared planchets, resulting in superior surface quality compared to regular business strikes.
Among SMS coins, the breakdown by designation creates its own rarity tier. Standard SP examples are the most common, followed by Cameo (CAM) specimens — which require frosted devices against mirror-like fields — and finally Deep Cameo (DCAM), which requires “blatant surface contrast” and exists in far smaller numbers. As of 2012, NGC reported a population of only two coins graded MS-69 Ultra Cameo with none grading higher.
Survival rates for regular business strikes are difficult to calculate. Decades of circulation have worn, lost, or melted countless examples. According to NGC and PCGS data, fewer than 900 examples of regular business strikes grade above MS65, and fewer than 50 are known above MS67 across both services combined.
Also Read: Top 70+ Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money (Chart By Year)
The Easy Way to Know Your 1966 Dime Value
Determining your 1966 dime’s true value comes down to four factors: grade, strike type, special designations, and errors. Let’s walk through each one.
Grade is your starting point. Professionals use the Sheldon Grading Scale (1 to 70, with 70 being perfect) to assign a numerical grade. Circulated coins — showing visible wear — grade from G-4 up to AU-58. Uncirculated or Mint State (MS) coins, meaning they show no wear at all, grade from MS-60 to MS-70. For SMS coins, graders use SP (Specimen) or MS designations depending on the grading service — PCGS uses SP, NGC uses MS, but both refer to the same coins.
Strike type matters enormously. A regular business strike and an SMS dime of the same grade can differ by hundreds or thousands of dollars. SMS coins show a distinctive satin-like or brilliant finish that sets them apart from the standard “cartwheel” luster of business strikes. If your coin came from pocket change, it’s almost certainly a business strike.
Special designations add major premiums. For business strikes and SMS coins alike, look for Full Bands (FB) — called Full Torch (FT) at NGC — which means the horizontal bands on the reverse torch are fully and cleanly separated. On SMS coins, look for Cameo (CAM) or Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation, referring to the frosted contrast between design devices and mirror-like fields. DCAM is rarest and most valuable.
Errors can transform an ordinary coin into a prize. The FS-401 “5 on Cheek” variety — catalogued in the Cherrypickers’ Guide — is the most famous 1966 error and sold for $1,500 in October 2023 in SP67. A 1966 dime with a missing clad layer was sold at Heritage Auctions graded NGC MS63 — its obverse showed a rich orange-gold copper core where the nickel layer was absent, and it weighed only 1.9 grams versus the standard 2.27 grams.
For a precise, instant assessment of all these factors, the CoinValueChecker App uses advanced image recognition technology to evaluate condition, detect errors, and provide current market valuations in seconds.

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1966 Dime Value Guides
- 1966 No Mint Mark Dime
- 1966 SMS Special Strike Dime
- 1966 SMS Special Strike CAM Dime
- 1966 SMS Special Strike DCAM Dime
The 1966 Roosevelt Dime marks the transitional year when regular Proof production was suspended and replaced with Special Mint Sets (SMS). These copper-nickel clad dimes contain no silver content. Circulation strikes hold minimal premium over face value in worn grades, while SMS versions — especially those with Cameo (CAM) or Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations — command significantly higher prices. Grade sensitivity is extreme at the top end of the scale.
1966 No Mint Mark Dime Value
The 1966 No Mint Mark Dime is one of the most common Roosevelt dimes ever struck — yet it offers some of the most exciting condition-rarity collecting in the entire series.
With roughly 1.38 billion pieces minted, circulated examples are easy to find and typically worth only 10 to 35 cents. Standard uncirculated business strikes range from about $1 at MS60 up to $8 at MS65, making them very accessible for new collectors. The real challenge begins at MS67 and above.
According to PCGS CoinFacts, fewer than 900 examples grade above MS65 across NGC and PCGS combined. At MS68, the coin becomes genuinely rare — less than 50 are known across both grading services. The PCGS CoinFacts population data for MS68 FB shows only 2 examples at PCGS and 4 at NGC, making any Full Bands MS68 example an extreme rarity. The single most important designation for business strikes is Full Bands (FB) — known at NGC as Full Torch (FT). This means the upper and lower horizontal bands on the reverse torch are fully separated with no merging. Full Bands examples command substantially higher premiums, ranging from around $10 at lower grades to nearly $2,900 in the finest known examples.
The auction record for the regular business strike stands at $2,375 for an MS68 example sold via eBay in November 2021 (per PCGS CoinFacts). For Full Bands, the record is $2,820 set in 2013 for an MS68 FB specimen documented as the finest Full Bands example known at that time.
1966 No Mint Mark Dime (MS) Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
1966 No Mint Mark Dime (FB) Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
For a closer look at how auction prices have evolved across different grades, check the Auction Record Chart below.
| Date | Platform | Price | Grade |
|---|
The Market Activity section provides current insights into trading volumes and collector interest levels for this transitional-year coin.
Market Activity: 1966 No Mint Mark Dime
1966 SMS Special Strike Dime Value
The 1966 SMS Special Strike Dime represents the collector-focused production created during a pivotal gap in American coinage history — the only three-year window (1965–1967) when traditional proof sets were not offered by the U.S. Mint.
All 1966 SMS dimes were struck at the San Francisco Mint using polished dies and specially prepared planchets, producing a satin-like finish and sharper details than typical business strikes. The process excluded the multiple strikes used for true proof coinage, placing SMS coins in a middle tier between standard mint state and classic proofs. They were packaged in rigid two-piece plastic holders inside navy-blue boxes labeled “UNITED STATES SPECIAL MINT SET.”
The original retail price was $4.00 per five-coin set — nearly double the $2.10 charged for 1964 proof sets. With only 2,261,583 SMS sets produced, compared to over 1.38 billion regular business strikes, the rarity differential is enormous. PCGS grades SMS coins as “SP” (Specimen) while NGC uses “MS” — both designations refer to the same coins and should be treated equally when comparing populations.
Standard SP examples remain accessible. Typical SP63–65 specimens sell for under $20, while gem SP65 pieces bring around $35. Premiums escalate sharply at higher grades: SP67 examples routinely bring $125 or more. The overall auction record for any 1966 SMS dime stands at $12,500 for an SP67 example sold via eBay on February 8, 2021, per PCGS CoinFacts.
1966 SMS Special Strike Dime Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
The Auction Record Chart below documents realized prices across SP grade levels, illustrating how condition scarcity drives valuations in this collector-oriented production.
| Date | Platform | Price | Grade |
|---|
1966 FS-401, “5” on Cheek Dime Value
The 1966 FS-401 “5 on Cheek” is the most famous and sought-after variety in the entire 1966 dime series. It features a distinctive impression resembling the numeral “5” on Roosevelt’s cheek, catalogued in the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties as FS-401.
This marking was caused by a piece of lint or debris embedded in the die during the production process — not an intentional design element. When the die struck coins, it transferred this accidental shape onto Roosevelt’s face. The result is a visually striking and officially catalogued variety that commands strong premiums from both error coin specialists and Roosevelt dime collectors.
Over a 15-year span, documented sales for certified SP66 to SP67+ examples ranged between $180 and $500. More recently, a specimen graded SP67 achieved $1,500 at auction in October 2023, reflecting growing collector recognition. The overall record for this variety — a PCGS SP67 — stands at $12,499.99 from February 2021. It is important to note that population data indicates only a handful of examples have been professionally certified across all grade levels, making SP67 and finer specimens extremely scarce.
1966 FS-401, 5 on Cheek Dime Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
1966 SMS Special Strike CAM Dime Value
The 1966 SMS Cameo (CAM) dime is a visually striking variety defined by its frosted design devices set against mirror-like fields, creating a dramatic contrast effect that standard SP coins cannot match. Values range from approximately $11 in lower grades to several thousand dollars at the SP68 level.
The CAM designation was officially added by PCGS in 1996 for 1965–1967 Special Mint Set coins — a move that formalized collector recognition of these varieties and gave them graded, certified status in the market. The auction record for a Cameo example stands at $1,035, achieved by a graded example in May 2004. According to GreatCollections data, 73 examples of the 1966 SMS Cameo have sold at their platform over 15 years, at prices ranging from $11 to $7,144 across grades SP65 to SP69 — demonstrating the enormous premium available at the top of the grade scale.
Cameo designation is not accidental. It requires fresh, polished dies and precise striking conditions to produce the frosted contrast. As dies are used and wear progresses, that contrast diminishes — only the earliest strikes from each fresh die qualify. This makes CAM examples genuinely scarcer than standard SP coins.
1966 SMS Special Strike CAM Dime Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
To gain deeper insights into auction price performance across different grades, refer to the Auction Record Chart below.
| Date | Platform | Price | Grade |
|---|
1966 SMS Special Strike DCAM Dime Value
The 1966 SMS Deep Cameo (DCAM) dime is the crown jewel of the entire 1966 dime series. Values range from approximately $40 in lower grades to over $7,850 in the finest certified examples — and elite specimens have continued to appreciate as the collector market for transitional-era coinage has matured.
DCAM designation — called “Ultra Cameo” by NGC — requires what graders describe as “blatant surface contrast”: deeply frosted design devices set against almost mirror-like reflective fields. This level of contrast exists only during the very first few dozen strikes from a brand-new, perfectly polished die. As the die is used, microscopic metal transfer from coin surfaces gradually fills in the frosted devices, eliminating the DCAM effect. This means that despite 2.26 million SMS sets being produced, only a tiny fraction of those coins ever achieved DCAM quality.
The documented auction record for this variety stands at $2,760, achieved in 2007 by an SP68 DCAM example featuring deeply frosted surfaces and light golden toning. A separate NGC-graded MS-68 Ultra Cameo example sold at Heritage Auctions for $1,900. As of 2012, NGC had reported a population of only two coins at MS-69 Ultra Cameo with none grading higher — an indication of true extreme rarity at the very top of the grade scale.
For collectors focused on long-term value, the 1966 SMS DCAM consistently delivers. Examples at SP65 or higher routinely fetch $400 or more, and Greysheet’s CDN Collector Price Guide values the SP67+ DCAM at $2,600 to $3,650. The combination of historical significance and maximum visual quality makes these coins essential acquisitions for advanced Roosevelt dime specialists and registry set competitors.
1966 SMS Special Strike DCAM Dime Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
For detailed pricing trajectories across different Deep Cameo grades, the Auction Record Chart below tracks realized values and demonstrates how condition sensitivity drives valuations in this elite tier.
| Date | Platform | Price | Grade |
|---|
Also Read: 16 Rare Dime Errors List with Pictures (By Year)
Rare 1966 Dime Error List
The 1966 Roosevelt dime, while extremely common in circulation, features several notable minting errors that can significantly increase its value. All 1966 dimes were struck without mint marks — even those from Denver and San Francisco — and most circulated examples are worth only face value. Collectors actively seek error varieties that resulted from die imperfections, improper striking, or manufacturing defects during the high-volume production of that year.
1. 1966 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
The Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) error occurs when the hub strikes the working die twice in slightly different positions during die creation, imprinting the design twice at a small offset. On the 1966 dime, doubling is most visible on the word “LIBERTY,” the date, and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Genuine doubled dies show clean, rounded doubling where both impressions appear raised — not the flat, shelf-like appearance of worthless mechanical doubling. Prominent DDO examples with clear separation between doubled elements can be worth $50 to $600, depending on doubling strength and overall grade.
2. 1966 Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)
The Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) shares the same production cause as its obverse counterpart but affects the back of the coin. On 1966 dimes, watch for doubling on “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ONE DIME,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the torch, olive branch, and oak branch design elements.
Values for DDR examples vary widely based on the strength and visibility of the doubling. Strong examples with clearly separated elements can command prices similar to DDO varieties — in the $50 to $600 range for the most pronounced specimens in higher circulated or uncirculated grades.

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3. 1966 Missing Clad Layer Error
One of the most dramatic 1966 dime errors is the missing clad layer. This occurs when a planchet is produced without one of its outer nickel-copper layers, exposing the raw copper core beneath. The affected side of the coin appears orange-gold or reddish rather than the expected silver-gray color.
A 1966 dime with an obverse missing clad layer was certified by NGC as MS63 and sold at Heritage Auctions. That coin weighed only 1.9 grams versus the standard 2.27 grams — a weight difference you can verify with a precise scale. Dimes missing one clad layer typically sell for $20 to $600 depending on grade and severity, while the extremely rare double missing clad layer can command $1,000 or more.
4. 1966 Clipped Planchet Error
A clipped planchet error occurs when the metal strip feeding the blanking press overlaps, causing the punch to cut through two layers and produce a coin with a missing crescent-shaped section along the rim. Genuine clips show a smooth, curved indentation where metal is absent — never a rough or jagged edge, which would indicate post-mint damage.
Well-preserved 1966 dimes with clipped planchet errors are worth approximately $30 to $50. Larger clips covering 10–25% of the coin are more desirable than small ones, and straight clips are scarcer than curved clips. Always verify the genuine clip by checking for slightly raised metal around the missing area, a phenomenon called the “Blakesley Effect.”
5. 1966 Off-Center Strike Error
Off-center strikes occur when a planchet is not perfectly centered between the dies at the moment of striking, resulting in a partial blank area and a design pushed toward one side. The value depends directly on how far off-center the strike is and whether the full date is still visible.
A 1966 dime struck 10% off-center with a visible date can fetch $40 to $50. Examples struck 25% or more off-center with a complete visible date command $100 or more. The further off-center, the more dramatic the visual effect — and the higher the collector premium.
Where to Sell Your 1966 Dime?
Whether you choose online marketplaces, coin dealers, or auction houses, ensure you have your 1966 dime professionally graded and authenticated to maximize its value and attract serious buyers. For coins potentially worth $200 or more — including high-grade uncirculated examples, confirmed error varieties like the FS-401, or SMS specimens — professional grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended before selling.
Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)
1966 Dime Market Trend
Market Interest Trend Chart - 1966 Dime
*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.
FAQ About the 1966 Dime Value
1. Does the 1966 dime contain silver?
No, the 1966 dime contains no silver. Before 1965, dimes were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The Coinage Act of 1965, signed July 23, 1965, permanently eliminated silver from dimes and quarters. The 1966 dime uses a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper and 25% nickel bonded over a pure copper core), with a current melt value of roughly $0.03 — well below its 10-cent face value.
2. Why doesn’t the 1966 dime have a mint mark?
All 1966 dimes — from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco — were produced without mint marks under a policy mandated by the Coinage Act of 1965. The U.S. Mint feared that collectors would hoard specific mint varieties of the new clad dimes, worsening the ongoing national coin shortage. Mint marks were restored to dimes in 1968 and moved from the reverse to the obverse, making the 1965–1967 period the only such gap in modern U.S. coinage history.
3. What is an SMS dime and how does it differ from a regular 1966 dime?
An SMS (Special Mint Set) dime is a collector coin struck at the San Francisco Mint using polished dies and specially prepared planchets, producing a satin-like finish superior to regular business strikes. With 2,261,583 SMS dimes produced versus over 1.38 billion regular strikes, SMS coins are significantly scarcer. They were sold in rigid plastic holders inside navy-blue presentation boxes at $4.00 per five-coin set — nearly double the price of the last proof sets from 1964.
4. What is the most valuable 1966 dime ever sold?
The highest documented auction price for any 1966 dime is $12,500 (or $12,499.99 to be precise), paid for a 1966 SMS SP67 example via eBay on February 8, 2021, according to PCGS CoinFacts. This is the same variety as the catalogued FS-401 “5 on Cheek.” Among regular business strikes, the record is $2,375 for an MS68 example sold via eBay in November 2021.
5. What does Full Bands (FB) mean on a 1966 dime?
Full Bands (FB) — called Full Torch (FT) at NGC — is a strike quality designation indicating that the horizontal bands on the reverse torch are fully separated with clean, uninterrupted lines between them. Achieving FB requires exceptional die alignment and striking pressure, which was rarely consistent in the high-volume 1966 production. Full Bands examples command significant premiums: the record for a 1966 MS68 FB sold for $2,820 in 2013, and PCGS currently lists only 2 examples at that grade.
6. How can I tell if my 1966 dime is an SMS or a regular business strike?
SMS dimes display a distinctive satin-like or brilliant finish rather than the standard “cartwheel” luster of business strikes. They also show sharper details, more defined rims, and generally superior overall strike quality. Business strikes typically show standard uncirculated luster or, if used in commerce, circulation wear. If your coin came from pocket change, it’s almost certainly a business strike. SMS coins were sold directly to collectors and rarely entered circulation.
7. What is the “5 on Cheek” error and how much is it worth?
The “5 on Cheek” is the FS-401 variety listed in the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties. It features an impression resembling the numeral “5” on Roosevelt’s cheek, caused by lint or debris embedded in the die during production. Only certified examples are considered investment-grade. A specimen sold for $1,500 in October 2023 at SP67, and the all-time record is $12,499.99 from February 2021. Population data shows only a handful of professionally certified examples exist across all grade levels.
8. What is a missing clad layer error on a 1966 dime and how do I identify one?
A missing clad layer error occurs when one outer nickel-copper layer is absent from the planchet before striking. The affected side of the coin will appear orange-gold or copper-colored instead of silver-gray. The coin also weighs less than normal — the standard is 2.27 grams, but a dime missing one clad layer weighs approximately 1.8 to 2.2 grams. A 1966 example graded NGC MS63 with an obverse missing clad layer sold at Heritage Auctions at 1.9 grams. These errors typically sell for $20 to $600 depending on grade and severity.
9. Should I clean my 1966 dime before getting it graded or selling it?
Never clean a coin you plan to sell or submit for grading. Cleaning destroys original mint surface, removes natural toning and characteristics, and creates hairline scratches visible under magnification. Even gentle cleaning causes permanent, irreversible damage. Cleaned coins receive “Details” grades from PCGS and NGC — for example, “MS-65 Details – Cleaned” — which are worth a fraction of a normally graded example. If your coin has surface contamination, consult a professional conservation service rather than attempting home remedies.
10. Is a 1966 dime in circulated condition worth saving?
For most circulated 1966 dimes, the honest answer is no — they’re worth 10 to 35 cents based on grade, which is only slightly above face value. The 1966 dime contains no silver, so there is no melt value to fall back on. However, it’s always worth examining your coin under magnification before spending it. Look for the “5 on Cheek” mark on Roosevelt’s cheek, signs of doubling on “LIBERTY” or the date, an irregular rim (clipped planchet), or a copper-colored surface (missing clad layer). Any of these features could make an ordinary 1966 dime worth considerably more than a dime.








