1973 Dime Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

1973 Dime value ranges from $0.10 face value to $7,050. That record was a Grade 70 example sold through Heritage Auctions in January 2014. Upload a photo of yours below for a quick value range based on condition and mint mark. Scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what collectors are actually paying right now.

 

1973 Dime Value By Variety

The value of a 1973 Roosevelt dime varies significantly depending on its mint mark, striking quality (such as the Full Bands designation), and overall condition grade. 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 1973 Dime Worth Money

The 1973-S dime graded PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) dominates the market at $7,050, representing the pinnacle of Roosevelt dime collecting. This extraordinary value reflects its perfect condition—a grade achieved by fewer than 1% of all coins submitted for professional grading.

The significant price gap between the top specimen and other entries demonstrates how dramatically condition affects value in numismatics. Even dropping to MS65, the 1973-D commands $1,200, while the Philadelphia-minted example in MS62 reaches $1,020.

Proof coins from San Francisco also perform strongly, with a 1973-S PR67 specimen valued at $978. This highlights collector demand for both business strikes in exceptional condition and well-preserved proof specimens.

The data spanning from 2004 to present reveals consistent market appreciation for high-grade examples. Collectors willing to invest in professionally graded, top-tier specimens can expect these coins to maintain or increase their premium status in the marketplace.

 

History of The 1973 Dime

The 1973 Roosevelt dime represents a significant moment in American numismatic history, struck during one of the nation’s most turbulent political periods. As the Watergate scandal unfolded throughout 1973, these coins circulated quietly through the hands of Americans witnessing an unprecedented constitutional crisis.

By 1973, the Roosevelt dime series had reached its twenty-seventh year of continuous production. The design honored President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who died on April 12, 1945, commemorating his legacy and his pivotal role in co-founding the March of Dimes to combat polio.

The 1973 dimes reflected the fundamental compositional change mandated by the Coinage Act of 1965. This landmark legislation, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 23, 1965, eliminated silver from circulating dimes due to rising precious metal prices that threatened to destabilize the monetary system.

The new clad composition—copper-nickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper core—ensured stable, cost-effective currency production. This three-layer “sandwich” structure is still used today, and its visible copper stripe along the coin’s edge is one of the easiest ways to identify a post-1965 dime.

The mint mark system in 1973 followed the post-1968 standard, with Denver coins bearing a “D” and San Francisco proofs displaying an “S” above the date on the obverse. Philadelphia continued striking coins without mint marks, a practice that would persist until 1980 when the “P” designation finally appeared on dimes.

The year 1973 marked a mature phase in the clad coinage era, as Americans had fully adapted to base-metal coins after eight years without silver in circulation. These dimes witnessed a nation grappling with political scandal while maintaining the everyday commerce that Roosevelt himself had worked to stabilize during the Great Depression decades earlier.

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

 

Is Your 1973 Dime Rare?

Without proper evaluation tools, you could easily overlook a rare high-grade specimen or Full Bands variety worth significant money. Download the Coin Identifier and Value App to access instant rarity assessment and accurate pricing data.

 

Key Features of The 1973 Dime

The 1973 Roosevelt dime maintains the classic design introduced in 1946 by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock. Each design element carries profound symbolic meaning, from Roosevelt’s dignified portrait to the torch of liberty flanked by branches representing American ideals.

The Obverse Of The 1973 Dime

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s left-facing profile dominates the obverse, rendered with naturalistic detail that distinguishes it from more stylized presidential portraits. The inscription “LIBERTY” appears along the upper left rim, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” is positioned below Roosevelt’s chin in smaller lettering.

The date “1973” sits at the lower right, with the mint mark (D or S, if present) positioned directly above it. Designer John R. Sinnock’s initials “JS” appear discreetly at the neck truncation, left of the date—a subtle signature that sparked Cold War-era controversy when the coin debuted in 1946, as some initially mistook them for a Soviet symbol.

The Reverse Of The 1973 Dime

A flaming torch occupies the center position, symbolizing liberty and enlightenment. An olive branch extends from the left, representing peace, while an oak branch on the right signifies strength and independence—design elements commemorating World War II’s victorious conclusion.

The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Out of Many, One) stretches across the field, divided by the torch and branches. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs along the upper rim, with “ONE DIME” positioned at the bottom, separated by decorative dots on each side.

Other Features Of The 1973 Dime

The coin measures precisely 17.90 millimeters in diameter and weighs 2.27 grams, with a thickness of 1.52 millimeters. The edge displays distinctive reeding—115 vertical grooves encircling the circumference—a traditional security feature inherited from precious metal coinage.

The clad composition consists of outer layers (75% copper, 25% nickel) bonded to a pure copper core, creating the characteristic sandwich structure. This three-layer construction is visible along the reeded edge, where the copper core appears as a thin orange stripe between the silvery outer layers—the fastest way to confirm your 1973 dime contains no silver.

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

 

1973 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The 1973 mintage data reveals significant production disparities across facilities, with Denver leading at 455,032,426 pieces, followed by Philadelphia’s 315,670,000 circulation strikes. San Francisco focused exclusively on proof production, striking approximately 2,760,339 collector specimens.

Survival rates reveal coin preservation patterns. Philadelphia circulation strikes show a mere 1% survival rate, with only around 3.15 million coins surviving in collectible condition from the original 315 million minted. This dramatic attrition reflects the harsh realities of decades in circulation, where wear and loss claim the vast majority of business strikes.

In stark contrast, Deep Cameo (DCAM) proofs demonstrate an impressive 81% survival rate, with over 2.23 million specimens preserved from the original proof mintage. This remarkable preservation stems from careful handling by collectors who immediately recognized these coins’ numismatic value upon purchase.

It is worth noting that the Greysheet (Certified Price Guide) assigns CPG® values between $0.30 and $1,250.00 across all Roosevelt dime varieties, placing the 1973 series firmly in the common-to-conditional-rarity spectrum of the series.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1973 Dime Value

Exploring your 1973 dime’s value requires checking three key factors: mint mark location (above the date on the obverse), overall condition, and strike quality including the Full Bands (FB) designation on the torch. Circulated examples typically range from face value to a few dollars, while uncirculated specimens in MS65+ grades can command hundreds of dollars or more.

Instead of researching complex grading standards manually, download the Coin Identifier and Value App for instant professional assessment—simply photograph your coin to receive accurate mint mark identification, condition grading, and real-time market pricing based on current auction data.

 

1973 Dime Value Guides

The 1973 Roosevelt dime was produced in five distinct varieties across three U.S. Mint facilities, each with unique characteristics that significantly impact collector value. Values range from face value for worn circulation strikes to over $7,000 for flawless proof specimens, making proper identification essential for accurate valuation.

1973 Dime Categories:

• 1973 No Mint Mark Dime (Philadelphia production with notorious strike weakness)
• 1973-D Dime (Denver issue with superior strike quality)
• 1973-S Proof Dime (San Francisco collector strikes with mirror finishes)
• 1973-S CAM Dime (Cameo designation with moderate frosting contrast)
• 1973-S DCAM Dime (Deep Cameo with dramatic frosting and highest premiums)

Exploring the differences between Philadelphia’s strike quality challenges, Denver’s higher production standards, and San Francisco’s specialized collector proofs helps collectors recognize valuable examples within this common-date series.

 

1973 No Mint Mark Dime Value

The 1973 Roosevelt dime without a mint mark represents Philadelphia Mint production. The absence of any letter above the date is perfectly normal for this era, as Philadelphia didn’t adopt the “P” designation on dimes until 1980—making every no-mint-mark 1973 dime a Philadelphia product.

With 315,670,000 pieces struck, the Philadelphia issue is the smallest mintage among the two business-strike facilities that year, though still a massive production run. By 1973, the United States had fully transitioned into the clad coinage era following the Coinage Act of 1965, and mass production continued to prioritize output over strike quality.

Philadelphia coins from this era are notably recognized for being poorly struck, with mass production pressures resulting in weak details—particularly on Roosevelt’s hair and the torch bands. This striking inconsistency creates genuine collector opportunity: while over 300 million were produced, sharply detailed specimens remain genuinely scarce, and the ICG population for MS67 FB Philadelphia examples is estimated at 50 or fewer.

Auction records demonstrate the value potential for exceptional examples, with a 1973 Philadelphia dime graded MS62 selling for $1,020 at Heritage Auctions in September 2017. This remarkable price for a mid-range Mint State coin underscores how condition and strike quality can override raw mintage figures in determining real market value.

The auction performance of Philadelphia-struck 1973 dimes reflects the premium collectors place on sharply struck examples.

Market patterns throughout the year reveal consistent collector interest.

 

1973-D Dime Value

The 1973-D Roosevelt dime was struck at the Denver Mint, identifiable by the “D” mint mark positioned above the date on the obverse. With 455,032,426 pieces produced—the highest mintage among all 1973 varieties—these coins remain abundant in circulated condition at face value.

Denver’s production during this period generally exhibited better strike quality compared to Philadelphia issues, though Full Bands (FB) specimens remain scarce due to the persistent challenge of achieving complete torch band separation. The auction record for a Full Bands example reached $400 for an MS67FB specimen sold on eBay in September 2020, demonstrating the premium collectors assign to sharply struck pieces.

Population data from PCGS reveals significant rarity at premium grades: 75 coins certified at MS66, only three at MS66+, and just 12 achieving MS67—the highest grade recorded for the series. Standard MS66 examples trade around $65, while MS67 specimens command $525, reflecting the scarcity above MS65 despite the massive original mintage.

The key to value lies in preservation and strike quality. Collectors seek coins with strong original luster, minimal contact marks, and well-defined details—particularly on the torch bands that serve as the primary indicator of striking excellence for this entire series.

Below are Denver specimens auction prices at major auctions.

The market performance of 1973-D Dime peaked in September 2025.

 

1973-S Proof Dime Value

The 1973-S proof dime was struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint for collectors, with approximately 2,760,339 pieces produced. Unlike circulation strikes intended for everyday commerce, these coins were never released into general use—instead being sold in special annual proof sets that preserved their pristine condition from the moment of striking.

Proof coins represent a special production category, struck using highly polished dies and specially prepared planchets to create exceptionally detailed and beautiful coins. The manufacturing process often involves multiple strikes to ensure complete design transfer, resulting in sharp details and deeply reflective mirror-like fields that far exceed standard circulation quality.

An important note for beginners: the 1973-S proof dime contains no silver. The U.S. Mint did not resume striking silver proof dimes until 1992, so every 1973-S proof is composed entirely of the same copper-nickel clad alloy as the circulation strikes.

The population data reveals healthy availability across premium grades, with 61 coins certified at PR67, 114 at PR68, and 352 at PR69. An auction record of $978 for a PR67 specimen demonstrates solid collector demand, while most examples remain accessible at modest price points ranging from approximately $6 to $8 across grades PR67 through PR69.

Auction results for standard proof specimens demonstrate stable pricing across grades.

Collector market activity remains robust throughout the year.

 

1973-S CAM Dime Value

The 1973-S Cameo (CAM) dime represents a transitional designation between standard proofs and Deep Cameo specimens. It is characterized by light to moderate frosting on Roosevelt’s portrait and the reverse torch against highly reflective, mirror-like background fields.

For beginners: “Cameo” (CAM) simply means the raised design elements appear frosted or frosty white, contrasting with the shiny mirror background of the coin. When that contrast is very dramatic and heavy, the coin earns the higher-value “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation instead.

Roosevelt dimes predating the mid-1970s bearing cameo contrast are worth significantly more than ordinary proofs, reflecting the technological challenges the San Francisco Mint faced in consistently producing high-contrast specimens during this era. Die preparation and striking techniques in 1973 struggled to maintain frosting on design elements, making Cameo examples considerably scarcer than their abundance in later years when production methods improved.

The Cameo designation occupies a middle ground in both rarity and value—more common than Deep Cameo specimens, yet substantially rarer than standard proofs from the same 2,760,339-piece mintage.

Cameo-designated proofs have established a distinct price tier between standard proofs and Deep Cameo specimens at auction.

The following is a summary of the market activity of the 1973-S CAM Dime coin.

 

1973-S DCAM Dime Value

The 1973-S Deep Cameo (DCAM) dime is the most desirable proof variety, characterized by highly reflective mirror-like backgrounds combined with heavy, even frosting on both Roosevelt’s portrait and the reverse torch. The contrast between icy-white devices and jet-black mirror fields gives these coins a dramatic, cameo-like appearance that collectors prize above all else.

While examples up to PR69 Deep Cameo are relatively abundant, only in perfect PR70 Deep Cameo condition are they truly difficult to find—and worth a significant premium. The population data confirms this scarcity pattern: 4,784 coins achieve PR69 DCAM, but merely 89 reach the flawless PR70 DCAM standard.

This dramatic population drop reflects the extreme difficulty of producing and preserving coins with absolutely no surface imperfections visible under 5x magnification. Even microscopic handling marks, lint marks, or die flaws disqualify a coin from achieving PR70.

The auction record of $7,050 for a PR70 DCAM specimen sold at Heritage Auctions in January 2014 demonstrates the substantial premium commanded by perfection. Standard PR69 DCAM examples trade for approximately $14, while PR70 DCAM specimens command around $1,150—a nearly 100-fold value increase driven entirely by the rarity of achieving flawless surfaces combined with full Deep Cameo contrast.

Deep Cameo specimens have set impressive records at major auction houses, particularly in perfect PR70 condition.

Market analysis reveals limited but highly competitive bidding activity, driven by advanced collectors pursuing the finest available examples.

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

 

Rare 1973 Dime Error List

While over 770 million 1973 dimes were produced, a small percentage escaped quality control with minting errors that significantly increase their value. These manufacturing defects—ranging from minor planchet imperfections to dramatic striking anomalies—transform ordinary ten-cent pieces into collectible treasures worth anywhere from $5 to potentially hundreds of dollars.

1. Off-Center Strike Errors

An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is not properly positioned between the dies during the striking process, resulting in a misaligned design with visible blank areas. The coin appears lopsided, with part of Roosevelt’s portrait or the torch design missing or cut off at the edge.

This error happens when feeding mechanisms malfunction, allowing planchets to enter the striking chamber at incorrect angles. The severity of misalignment directly impacts value—minor shifts of 5–10% add modest premiums, while dramatic 40–60% off-center strikes with the date still visible can command $10–$50 or more.

The key factor determining value is date visibility. Collectors specifically seek examples where “1973” remains fully readable despite the striking error, as this confirms the coin’s year and authenticity. Well-preserved off-center 1973 dimes in Mint State condition can exceed $75 depending on the degree of misalignment and overall eye appeal.

2. Clipped Planchet Errors

A clipped planchet error occurs when the blank metal disc is improperly cut from the metal strip, leaving a curved “bite” or missing section along the coin’s edge. The clip typically appears as a crescent-shaped indentation, though straight clips can also occur when blanks overlap the strip’s edges.

This defect results from improper feeding of the metal strip through the blanking press, causing the circular punch to overlap previously punched holes or cut into defective areas. The rim near the clip appears blunted or incomplete rather than properly formed.

Most 1973 clipped planchet dimes range from $5–$15 for minor clips (5–15% missing), with larger clips commanding proportionally higher prices. Curved clips with 20–30% missing metal typically bring $30–$75, while extreme examples with dramatic clips maintaining full design details have sold for more—though such specimens are exceptionally rare.

3. Struck-Through Errors

Struck-through errors occur when foreign objects—including grease, dust, metal fragments, or cloth fibers—become lodged on the die face or planchet surface during striking. The obstruction prevents proper metal flow, creating weak or “mushy” areas where design details appear soft, incomplete, or completely absent.

A well-documented real-world example: a 1973 dime with “ONE DIME” missing the letters “IM” on the reverse was attributed to a grease-filled die strike, where grease in the sunken die cavity prevented the full lettering from impressing—this type of error typically sells for $5–$7 in lower grades. Value depends on the error’s visibility, size, and location—dramatic struck-through errors obscuring major design elements like Roosevelt’s face or the torch can reach $20–$50.

4. Doubled Die Errors (DDO / DDR)

A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) occurs during die production when the working die is impressed by the hub more than once at slightly different angles, causing design elements to appear doubled on every coin struck from that die. This is different from mere “machine doubling” which adds no collector value.

On 1973 dimes, look for doubling in “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date numerals under at least 5x magnification. Unlike the spectacular doubled dies found on certain Morgan dollars or Lincoln cents, no single blockbuster doubled die variety has been documented for the 1973 Roosevelt dime, but minor DDO examples can fetch $20–$100 depending on the strength and clarity of the doubling.

5. Annealing Errors

An annealing error is a less commonly discussed but genuine variety for 1973 dimes. Annealing is the heat-treatment process used to soften planchet metal before striking; when improperly performed, metal molecules can migrate toward the surface, causing uneven distribution and visible discoloration—often appearing as dark splotches, mottled patches, or unusual color contrasts on the coin’s surface.

Annealing errors are relatively minor in terms of collector value, typically adding modest premiums. Their primary appeal is as curiosity pieces for error collectors who want a diverse type set of manufacturing defects.

6. Missing Clad Layer Errors

A missing clad layer error occurs when a planchet is produced with one of its outer nickel-copper layers absent, exposing the pure copper core on one face of the finished coin. The affected side appears distinctly orange or copper-colored rather than the typical silvery-white.

This error arises from defects in the bonding mill process, where the three-layer strip is assembled before being punched into blanks. Missing clad layer 1973 dimes are scarce finds, with values typically reaching $20 or more for confirmed examples—and significantly higher for dramatic pieces where the full copper core is exposed on a well-struck coin.

 

Where to Sell Your 1973 Dime?

From local coin shops to online auction platforms, each selling venue offers distinct advantages and potential drawbacks for 1973 dime sellers. Make an informed decision by comparing all your options before listing your coin.

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

 

1973 Dime Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about The 1973 Dime

1. Are most 1973 dimes valuable?

Most circulated 1973 dimes are worth only their face value of 10 cents, as over 770 million were produced across three mint facilities. However, uncirculated specimens in high grades (MS65 and above) or those with the Full Bands (FB) designation can command premiums ranging from $5 to several hundred dollars, and a perfect PR70 DCAM proof can reach $7,050.

2. What is Full Bands (FB) and why does it matter?

Full Bands (FB) refers to complete, sharply defined horizontal line separation across both the upper and lower bands of the torch on the reverse—indicating a coin was struck with exceptional die and planchet pressure. This designation significantly increases value because many 1973 dimes, especially from Philadelphia, were weakly struck due to mass production pressures.

Full Bands specimens can be worth dramatically more than non-FB examples of the same grade. A 1973-D MS67 FB sold for $400 in September 2020, compared to $525 for a standard MS67—while in lower grades like MS65, non-FB examples may bring only $20–$30.

3. Does the green discoloration on my 1973 dime affect its value?

Green coloration typically results from oxidation caused by exposure to humidity, salt, or PVC (from improper plastic coin flips), which is common on copper-nickel clad coins whose copper core is susceptible to corrosion. This environmental damage generally reduces collector value, as grading services like PCGS and NGC may assign a “Details” grade (meaning the coin is problem-free except for the damage) rather than a straight numeric grade.

Original mint luster without discoloration is always more desirable. Some collectors appreciate naturally toned coins if the colors are attractive and original, but verdigris (green corrosion) is universally considered detrimental.

4. Is the 1973 dime made of silver?

No—the 1973 dime contains no silver whatsoever. The Coinage Act of 1965 removed silver from all circulating dimes, and by 1973, the coins were made entirely of a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper, 25% nickel outer layers over a pure copper core). You can confirm this instantly by checking the coin’s edge: a silver dime shows a solid silver-white edge, while a clad 1973 dime shows a thin orange copper stripe.

The U.S. Mint did not resume striking silver proof dimes until 1992, so even the 1973-S proof dime is clad—not silver.

5. What does the “S” mint mark on a 1973 dime mean?

The “S” mint mark on a 1973 dime identifies it as a product of the San Francisco Mint, struck exclusively as a collector proof coin. San Francisco did not produce any 1973 dimes for general circulation; all 2,760,339 pieces were sold in annual proof sets. If you find a 1973-S dime, it came from a proof set and was never meant for everyday use—which is why most survive in near-perfect condition.

6. How do I tell if my 1973 dime has Full Bands?

To check for Full Bands (FB), examine the torch on the reverse under at least 5x magnification. The torch features two sets of horizontal bands—one near the top of the flame and one near the bottom. On a Full Bands coin, you can see each individual band as a distinct, separate line with clear space between them.

On a weakly struck dime, those bands appear flat, blurred, or merged together. Even a single band that is not fully separated can disqualify the coin from the FB designation. This is why Full Bands examples are genuinely scarce for 1973, especially from the Philadelphia Mint.

7. What are Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) 1973 proof dimes worth?

Cameo (CAM) proof dimes show light to moderate frosting on the raised design elements (Roosevelt’s portrait and the torch) contrasting against mirror-like background fields. Deep Cameo (DCAM) dimes have heavy, dramatic frosting that creates a striking black-and-white contrast.

In practical terms: a standard 1973-S proof in PR69 is worth roughly $6–$8. A 1973-S CAM in the same grade commands a modest premium. A 1973-S DCAM in PR69 fetches around $14, and a perfect PR70 DCAM sold for $7,050 at Heritage Auctions in January 2014. The jump in value is almost entirely explained by the dramatic rarity of achieving the DCAM designation combined with a perfect grade—only 89 PCGS-certified coins have ever reached PR70 DCAM.

8. What 1973 dime errors should I look for?

The most common and collectible errors for 1973 dimes include off-center strikes (worth $10–$75+ depending on how far off-center and whether the date is visible), clipped planchets ($5–$75 depending on clip size), struck-through grease errors ($5–$50 depending on severity), doubled die varieties ($20–$100 for confirmed DDO or DDR), annealing errors (modest premiums), and missing clad layer errors (around $20+).

Always use magnification to examine “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date area for any doubling, and check the torch bands for any unusual weakness that might indicate a struck-through-grease error.

9. How does the 1973 Philadelphia dime compare in rarity to the Denver issue?

Despite having a lower mintage (315,670,000 versus Denver’s 455,032,426), the 1973 Philadelphia dime is actually harder to find in top condition with Full Bands designation. Philadelphia’s mass production practices produced notoriously weak strikes on the torch bands, making sharply struck FB examples rarer than equivalent Denver pieces. The PCGS population tops out at MS67 for standard Philadelphia examples, with the ICG estimating 50 or fewer examples in MS67 FB—making a Philadelphia MS67 FB one of the genuine conditional rarities of the 1973 clad era.

10. Should I clean my 1973 dime before selling it?

Never clean a coin you intend to sell to a collector or have graded. Cleaning—whether with polish, baking soda, vinegar, or any abrasive—permanently destroys the original mint luster and microscopic surface details that professional graders at PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) use to assess condition and value.

A cleaned coin receives a “Details” grade from PCGS or NGC rather than a straight numeric grade, which dramatically reduces its market value. Even a common 1973 Philadelphia dime in circulated condition retains more collector appeal in original, unaltered condition than one that has been polished to a shine.