1978 Dime Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

Most 1978 dimes you find in pocket change are worth exactly face value — just 10 cents. But a small number of survivors in top condition have stunned collectors with prices reaching into the thousands of dollars.

The 1978 Dime value story is really about two very different coins: the common circulated example worth a dime, and the certified gem-grade rarity that virtually no one has ever found. Understanding which one you have starts with knowing what makes these coins special.

 

1978 Dime Value By Variety

The following chart shows how condition, mint mark, and special designation affect the worth of your 1978 Roosevelt dime. 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 1978 Dime Worth Money

The auction records for 1978 dimes reveal just how dramatically condition affects value. The all-time record belongs to a Philadelphia (no mint mark) example graded MS66, which sold for $4,025 at Heritage Auctions on August 13, 2006. A second Philadelphia coin graded MS65 followed closely, realizing $3,910 at auction.

What makes these prices remarkable is the context. PCGS CoinFacts expert Jaime Hernandez has documented that fewer than 100 examples of the 1978 Philadelphia dime have ever been certified MS66 or higher. In MS67 condition, fewer than 50 are known to exist — and only two coins have ever reached MS68. No higher grade has been confirmed.

Denver mint dimes also command strong prices near the top of the grade scale. A 1978-D graded MS68 brought $1,187, sold December 30, 2022, on eBay after being certified by PCGS. San Francisco proof coins round out the top ten, with a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimen selling for $604, while more accessible PR68 and PR69 grades remain affordable at $20 and $15 respectively.

These results span from 2000 to the present and represent actual prices paid by competing collectors. The gap between a worn 10-cent piece and these premium examples is one of the most dramatic value spreads in all of modern U.S. coinage.

 

History of the 1978 Dime

The Roosevelt dime entered production in January 1946, just months after President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away on April 12, 1945. The Treasury Department chose the dime denomination deliberately because of Roosevelt’s personal connection to the March of Dimes — an organization he helped found in 1938 to combat polio, the disease he had battled since 1921.

Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock created the design, presenting Roosevelt’s left-facing portrait in a style influenced by a medal Sinnock had previously designed. The reverse torch, olive branch, and oak branch design has remained unchanged on circulating dimes ever since.

By 1978, the Roosevelt dime was in its 32nd year of continuous production. The United States was navigating persistent inflation that had begun building since the early 1970s, fueled by the 1973 Arab oil embargo and continued energy price volatility. That October, President Carter signed the Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment Act, which established formal federal targets for inflation control and unemployment reduction.

The Mint continued striking dimes at a pace that reflected the demand of a nation relying on cash transactions for daily commerce. Philadelphia led production with 663,980,000 coins, while Denver contributed 282,847,540. San Francisco produced only 3,127,781 proof coins, all made specifically for collector sets.

The 1978 dime also sits at an interesting turning point in U.S. Mint history. Just two years earlier, in 1976, the Mint had paused Philadelphia’s dime production to focus on Bicentennial coinage. By 1978, normal production had resumed — but the dies used for Philadelphia dimes that year showed evidence of heavy wear, which is why not a single Full Bands example has ever been confirmed from that facility.

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

 

Is Your 1978 Dime Rare?

Use our Coin Value Checker App to instantly identify your 1978 dime’s rarity and current market value.

 

Key Features of the 1978 Dime

The 1978 Roosevelt Dime carries forward the design created by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock in 1946. This coin preserves the elements that have honored President Franklin D. Roosevelt for over three decades.

The Obverse of the 1978 Dime

A left-facing portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, dominates the obverse. Sinnock’s design presents Roosevelt with dignified simplicity and classical proportions.

The word “LIBERTY” runs along the left rim, positioned in front of Roosevelt’s portrait. The national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in smaller lettering below his chin.

The year “1978” is placed along the right edge near the bottom of the coin. Denver coins show a “D” mint mark above the date, San Francisco proofs display an “S,” while Philadelphia issues have no mint mark.

The Reverse of the 1978 Dime

A torch takes center stage on the reverse, serving as a symbol of liberty. Flanking the torch are an olive branch on the left representing peace and an oak branch on the right signifying strength.

The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” stretches horizontally across the design, positioned between the torch and the branches. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the top rim above the torch. The denomination “ONE DIME” sits below the torch at the bottom of the coin.

Other Features of the 1978 Dime

The 1978 Roosevelt dime measures 17.90 mm in diameter with a reeded edge. This clad composition coin consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel layered over a pure copper core, weighing 2.27 grams.

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

 

1978 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The 1978 dime was produced at three U.S. Mint facilities with significantly different output levels. Philadelphia led production with 663,980,000 coins struck for general circulation, while Denver contributed 282,847,540 pieces. San Francisco produced only proof coins that year, with 3,127,781 Deep Cameo specimens made exclusively for collector sets.

Survival data reveals distinct patterns about how these coins have been preserved over time. Denver coins show approximately a 20% survival rate, with most circulated examples lost to wear, damage, or removal from the collecting population. San Francisco proofs demonstrate a much higher 81% survival rate, which makes sense given that collectors typically preserve these specially made coins with greater care.

Philadelphia mintage survival data remains unknown, but the enormous original production means millions likely still exist in various conditions. However, at the top of the grade scale, the situation flips entirely — fewer than 100 Philadelphia examples have ever graded MS66 or better across PCGS and NGC combined, making gem-quality specimens true condition rarities despite the enormous original mintage.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1978 Dime Value

Your coin’s condition plays the most important role in determining what it’s worth. Look closely at how much wear appears on Roosevelt’s portrait and the high points of the torch on the reverse.

Check the coin’s luster under good lighting. Uncirculated examples maintain their original shine, while circulated coins show varying degrees of dullness. The presence of scratches, contact marks, or damage also affects value significantly.

For circulation strikes, look for Full Bands designation on the reverse torch, which can significantly increase value in higher grades. Remember that no Philadelphia dime has ever received this designation, while Denver examples can qualify. San Francisco proof coins are more readily available to collectors.

Our Coin Value Checker App can instantly evaluate your 1978 dime’s grade and provide current market values based on its condition.

 

1978 Dime Value Guides

The 1978 Roosevelt dime was produced in three distinct varieties across different U.S. Mint facilities. Each type has unique characteristics that affect both availability and collector interest.

• 1978 No Mint Mark Dime – Struck at Philadelphia
• 1978-D Dime – Produced at the Denver Mint
• 1978-S DCAM Dime – Proof coins struck at San Francisco

Understanding which variety you have helps establish a baseline for value, though condition remains the primary factor in determining what your specific coin is worth.

 

1978 No Mint Mark Dime Value

Philadelphia struck this variety for everyday circulation without applying any mint mark to identify its origin. With 663,980,000 coins produced, examples in worn condition are among the most common modern coins you’ll ever find.

The story changes completely at the top of the grading scale. PCGS has documented that fewer than 100 examples have ever been certified at MS66 or better — and only two coins in the entire history of certified numismatics have reached MS68, with none graded higher. This population scarcity explains why a single MS66 coin could sell for $4,025 at Heritage Auctions, while the coin in your change dish is worth exactly 10 cents.

One fact stands out above all others for this variety: no Full Bands example has ever been confirmed. According to PCGS expert Jaime Hernandez, the 1978 Philadelphia dime was likely struck from worn dies throughout the entire production run. This means the 1978 no-mint-mark dime is the only available variety that simply cannot be collected with the FB or FT designation — no matter what you pay or how hard you search.

Auction results highlight the price range this variety commands across different quality levels.

Certified examples continue to attract collector attention in today’s market.

 

1978-D Dime Value

Denver’s contribution to 1978 dime production bears the “D” mint mark above the date on the obverse. Like most modern Roosevelt dimes, circulated examples hold little premium beyond face value, but the calculus changes dramatically in the upper grades.

Unlike the Philadelphia issue, the 1978-D can be found with Full Bands detail on the reverse torch, making it collectible with both the standard grade and the FB designation. Finding a sharply struck example with complete band separation adds meaningful value at grades MS65 and above. Strike quality varies noticeably among surviving Denver examples — some show strong, sharp details while others display the softer impressions typical of late-die-state production.

The finest known Denver example, graded MS68, sold for $1,187 on December 30, 2022, through eBay after receiving PCGS certification. This represents one of the very highest grades confirmed for any 1978-D business strike and demonstrates the competitive premium that top-condition modern coins can attract.

The following table shows documented auction prices across different grade levels.

Trading patterns reflect how buyers approach this Denver variety in the current marketplace.

 

1978-S DCAM Dime Value

San Francisco struck proof dimes in 1978 exclusively for collectors, never releasing examples into general circulation. The “DCAM” designation — short for Deep Cameo — describes the sharp visual contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like background fields that characterize these specially made pieces.

The 1978-S proof is important for one specific historical reason: it is a clad proof, not silver. The U.S. Mint stopped using silver in circulating dimes in 1965 and did not resume silver proof dimes until 1992. All 1978-S proofs are composed of the same copper-nickel clad composition as circulation strikes, just struck with greater care and higher polishing standards.

Production quality remained consistently high throughout the year. Most surviving examples grade PR69 or PR70, reflecting careful manufacturing processes and the protective storage these collector-focused coins typically receive. The abundance of high-grade specimens makes this variety an accessible and attractive entry point for collectors building Roosevelt dime sets.

Auction results show PR70 DCAM examples have reached $604, though many specimens trade for considerably less depending on market conditions. Even at the highest grade level, these proofs remain within reach for most collectors compared to premium business-strike rarities.

Auction history for this proof variety spans multiple grade levels and price points.

Market participation demonstrates how this San Francisco proof fits into modern Roosevelt dime collecting.

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

 

Rare 1978 Dime Error List

Most 1978 dimes left the mint as intended, but production mistakes occasionally created unusual varieties. These manufacturing errors transform ordinary dimes into collectible pieces that attract specialized interest from error coin enthusiasts.

1. Clipped Planchet Errors

A clipped planchet error occurs when the metal strip used to punch out coin blanks overlaps with a previously punched hole. This creates a coin with a missing curved section along its rim, leaving the edge incomplete.

The size and location of the clip significantly affect value. Larger clips that remove 10% or more of the coin’s area typically command higher premiums than smaller ones. Clips that affect the date or mint mark reduce value because they make authentication more difficult.

The clip’s shape also matters to collectors. Straight clips, which are less common than curved clips, often bring stronger prices. Minor clips typically sell for around $5, while mint state examples with more prominent clips can reach $30 or more depending on size and visual impact.

2. Die Cud Errors

Die cud errors happen when a piece of the striking die breaks away due to metal fatigue from repeated use. The missing piece leaves a void in the die, and when the coin is struck, metal flows into this void creating a raised, blob-like area on the finished coin.

Cuds typically appear along the rim where stress concentrates during the striking process. The raised area shows no design details and appears as a smooth, featureless bump. Size directly influences value, with larger cuds covering more of the coin’s surface commanding stronger premiums.

Location plays an important role in determining collector interest. Cuds that affect major design elements like Roosevelt’s portrait or the torch on the reverse tend to be more desirable than those limited to the rim area. A 1978 dime with a prominent cud can sell anywhere from $25 to several hundred dollars depending on its size and visual impact.

3. Broadstrike Errors

A broadstrike error forms when the retaining collar that normally confines the expanding metal during striking is either absent or misaligned. Without this constraint, the metal spreads beyond its intended diameter, creating a coin that is larger and thinner than normal.

Broadstrike 1978 dimes typically measure slightly larger than the standard 17.90 mm diameter. The edge lacks the normal reeding because the collar wasn’t present to create those vertical lines. All design elements appear spread out and may seem slightly weaker than on properly struck coins.

The degree of expansion affects value significantly. Coins struck dramatically off-collar with substantial size differences are more visually striking and typically worth more than those with minimal expansion. General market ranges for broadstrike errors suggest values between $5 and $100 depending on degree of expansion and overall eye appeal.

4. Off-Center Strike Errors

An off-center strike occurs when the blank planchet fails to sit properly centered between the dies at the moment of striking. The result is a coin with a blank crescent-shaped area where the die never made contact, and the design compressed into the remaining portion.

Heritage Auctions has sold a 1978 dime struck 15% off-center graded MS63 by NGC. The most critical factor for value is whether the date remains fully visible — a 1978 dime struck 25% or more off-center with a complete readable date is worth substantially more than one where the date was cut off by the misalignment.

Values for off-center 1978 dimes range from $25 for minor 5–10% strikes to $150 or more for dramatic examples above 30% where the date is still clearly readable. Collectors prize these as visual evidence of the high-speed minting process occasionally going wrong.

5. Missing Clad Layer Errors

Since 1965, Roosevelt dimes have been made from a copper-nickel “sandwich” — a pure copper core bonded on both sides with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Occasionally, one of those outer layers fails to bond before the planchet is struck, resulting in a coin where one side shows the normal silver-toned finish while the other glows with exposed copper.

PCGS population data confirms at least 8 examples of the 1978 Philadelphia dime with an obverse missing clad layer at the AU58 grade level, demonstrating this is a confirmed and documented error type for this date. These coins typically sell for $75 to $200 depending on grade and which layer is missing, with obverse errors generally more visually dramatic and desirable to collectors.

6. Struck-Through and Grease-Filled Errors

A struck-through error occurs when a foreign object — grease, lint, or a metal fragment — gets trapped between the die and the planchet at the moment of striking. The object prevents the die from fully impressing its design into the coin, leaving a smooth, featureless patch where the design should appear.

For 1978 dimes, grease-filled die errors most commonly affect the mint mark on Denver coins, causing the “D” to appear partially filled, blob-like, or even absent. A severely grease-filled mint mark can make a 1978-D look like a Philadelphia coin at first glance. These errors are modest in value — typically $10 to $30 — but they serve as interesting conversation pieces in a collection.

 

Where to Sell Your 1978 Dime?

Ready to sell your 1978 dime collection? Finding the right marketplace matters just as much as knowing your coin’s value. I’ve put together a comprehensive list of trusted online platforms where you can sell coins, complete with detailed introductions, advantages, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

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

 

1978 Dime Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 1978 Dime

1. Does the 1978 dime contain any silver?

No, 1978 dimes contain no silver. The U.S. Mint stopped using silver in circulating dimes in 1965 due to rising metal costs. All 1978 Roosevelt dimes feature a clad composition with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core.

This applies to both circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver, as well as proof coins from San Francisco. The last silver dimes for circulation were dated 1964, and silver proof dimes didn’t return until 1992 as special collector editions.

2. How much is a 1978 Dime worth today?

Most 1978 dimes in circulated condition remain worth their face value of 10 cents. Uncirculated examples without significant wear typically range from $12 to $15 depending on quality. San Francisco proof coins in standard grades sell for around $3 to $7, with perfect PR70 DCAM examples occasionally reaching into the hundreds.

Philadelphia and Denver coins in exceptional grades above MS66 can command $40 to over $4,000. Error coins with off-center strikes, missing clad layers, or other documented manufacturing mistakes add $25 to $200 or more depending on the error’s type and visual impact.

3. How rare are 1978 dimes compared to other Roosevelt dimes?

In circulated condition, 1978 dimes rank among the most common in the entire Roosevelt series. However, the situation changes dramatically in top grades. PCGS data shows fewer than 100 Philadelphia examples have ever been certified MS66 or better — and only two coins have reached MS68.

Most collectors focus on earlier silver Roosevelt dimes or famous key dates like 1949-S and 1996-W, leaving 1978 issues relatively overlooked. This creates genuine opportunities for collectors who recognize the condition rarity of high-grade examples, particularly for Philadelphia strikes.

4. Why does the 1978 Philadelphia dime have no Full Bands examples?

This is one of the most remarkable facts in modern U.S. coin collecting. According to PCGS expert Jaime Hernandez, not a single 1978 Philadelphia dime has ever been confirmed with Full Bands (FB) detail — out of more than 663 million coins struck. The evidence points to dies that were already heavily worn before production began, meaning the horizontal bands on the torch simply never received a sharp enough impression to qualify.

Full Bands — the designation awarded by PCGS when the torch’s horizontal bands show complete separation — is a significant value multiplier for most Roosevelt dimes. The 1978 Philadelphia issue is unique in the modern clad era for being essentially impossible to collect with this designation.

5. What is the difference between a CAM and DCAM proof 1978 dime?

CAM stands for Cameo, while DCAM stands for Deep Cameo. Both describe the visual contrast between the frosted, raised design elements and the mirror-like flat background fields on proof coins. A Cameo has noticeable contrast, while a Deep Cameo — the more desirable designation — has stark, dramatic frosted devices against deeply reflective fields.

For 1978-S proof dimes, most surviving examples grade as either CAM or DCAM because San Francisco maintained high production standards for its collector coins. DCAM examples are more valuable than plain CAM examples at the same grade level. A PR70 DCAM has sold for $604, while non-DCAM proofs trade for considerably less.

6. What is the most valuable 1978 dime error?

Among documented 1978 dime errors, the most valuable tend to be dramatic off-center strikes retaining the full date and mint mark. A 1978 dime struck 40–50% off-center with a completely readable date could realistically sell for $100 to $200 or more to an error coin specialist.

Missing clad layer errors — where one outer layer failed to bond before striking — are also highly collectible. PCGS has certified multiple examples of the 1978 Philadelphia dime with a missing obverse clad layer. These typically trade in the $75 to $200 range depending on grade and the dramatic copper exposure visible on one side.

7. Is the 1978-S proof dime worth buying for a collection?

Yes, the 1978-S Deep Cameo proof is one of the most accessible ways to add a premium-quality 1978 Roosevelt dime to a collection. Most surviving examples grade PR69 or PR70 DCAM because collectors preserved them carefully from the day they were received. At roughly $3 to $7 for standard grades, even PR69 DCAM examples are affordable.

The 1978-S also represents an important transition year — it was the last decade before silver proof dimes returned in 1992. Collectors building complete modern proof sets often start with years like 1978 because high-grade examples are plentiful and prices are still reasonable.

8. What does MS grade mean for a 1978 dime?

MS stands for Mint State, which means the coin has never been circulated and shows no wear from use. The Sheldon scale — developed by numismatist Dr. William Sheldon in 1948 — rates coins from 1 to 70. A 1978 dime graded MS60 is technically uncirculated but has heavy contact marks, while MS70 would be theoretically perfect (though no MS70 has been confirmed for this date).

For practical collecting purposes, MS65 is considered gem quality, MS66 is very scarce for the 1978 Philadelphia issue, and MS67 represents the top of what most collectors will realistically ever acquire. The difference in price between MS65 ($12–$15) and MS66 ($41+) reflects genuine scarcity, not just marketing.

9. Can I find a valuable 1978 dime in circulation today?

Finding a 1978 dime in pocket change is still possible, though increasingly rare as older coins gradually leave circulation. The overwhelming majority of any you find will be heavily worn and worth exactly face value. Finding an uncirculated example in change is essentially impossible — coins that pristine were typically set aside decades ago.

Your best opportunity for a valuable 1978 dime is searching through old coin collections, estate sales, or bank rolls assembled in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Original rolls from that era occasionally contain uncirculated examples that have never been circulated, though finding an MS66-quality coin this way would still be extraordinary.

10. Should I clean my 1978 dime before selling it?

No — never clean a coin you intend to sell to collectors. Cleaning a coin destroys its original surface luster and leaves microscopic hairline scratches that both PCGS and NGC can detect. A cleaned coin receives a “details” grade rather than a clean numerical grade, which sharply reduces its value and market liquidity.

Even a 1978 dime that looks dull or spotted should be left exactly as found. Original surfaces — even toned or lightly spotted ones — are far more desirable to experienced collectors than a coin that has been polished or dipped. If you’re unsure about your coin’s condition, submit it to PCGS or NGC for professional evaluation rather than attempting to improve its appearance yourself.