1978 Dime Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

Most 1978 dimes remain common in circulated condition, typically worth face value. However, 1978 Dime value increases substantially for well-preserved circulation strikes.

Finding mint state examples in grades of MS66 or higher takes patience and careful searching. Standard uncirculated pieces trade around $12 to $15, while Full Bands specimens from Denver can reach $53 in top condition.

Proof versions struck in San Francisco are more readily available, with Deep Cameo examples valued at approximately $6.44, making them an accessible option for collectors seeking premium quality at reasonable prices.

 

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 highest auction prices for 1978 dimes showcase what exceptional preservation can mean for value. Two Philadelphia specimens without mint marks have achieved remarkable results, with a grade 66 example selling for $4,025 and a grade 65 reaching $3,910.

Denver mint dimes also perform well in top condition. A 1978-D graded MS68 brought $1,187 at auction, demonstrating strong collector demand for premium examples from this facility.

San Francisco proof dimes appear in the rankings too, though at more modest levels. A PR70 Deep Cameo specimen sold for $604, while lower proof grades like PR68 and PR69 remain affordable at $20 and $15 respectively.

These auction records span from 2000 to present and reflect actual prices paid by collectors. The substantial gap between common circulated pieces and these premium grades shows why condition matters so much when determining what your 1978 dime might be worth.

 

History of the 1978 Dime

The Roosevelt dime entered circulation in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt shortly after his death in 1945. The dime denomination was chosen because of Roosevelt’s connection to the March of Dimes, an organization he helped establish to fight polio, a disease he personally battled.

Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock designed the coin, and it quickly became one of America’s most enduring coin designs.

By 1978, the Roosevelt dime had been in production for over three decades. The country was navigating challenging economic times marked by persistent inflation and the lingering effects of the 1973 oil crisis.

That October, President Carter signed the Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment Act, emphasizing economic goals like full employment and price stability. Despite these economic pressures, the Mint continued regular dime production to meet the needs of daily commerce.

The 1978 dime reflects this period in American currency history, minted during a time when inflation concerns were growing but wouldn’t reach their peak until the early 1980s.

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

 

Is Your 1978 Dime Rare?

Use our CoinValueChecker 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 over 663 million coins struck for general circulation, while Denver contributed approximately 283 million pieces. San Francisco produced only proof coins that year, with about 3.1 million Deep Cameo specimens made exclusively for collectors.

Survival data reveals distinct patterns about how these coins have been preserved over time. Denver coins show 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, and the enormous original production means millions likely still exist in various conditions throughout the country.

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. San Francisco proof coins are more readily available to collectors.

Our CoinValueChecker 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. Most examples remain common in worn condition at face value, but the situation changes considerably at higher preservation levels.

Coins grading MS65 and above become noticeably scarcer in the marketplace. Auction records show that top-quality examples in grades MS66 and MS67 have realized prices ranging from $41 to over $4,000.

Most coins from this year show evidence of die wear during production, which affects the sharpness of details across both sides. Collectors who locate sharply struck examples with strong luster and minimal contact marks have found pieces that stand apart from typical survivors.

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.

Quality varies noticeably among surviving examples from this mint. Some specimens show sharp strikes with clear details across both the portrait and reverse designs, while others display softer strikes that affect overall eye appeal.

This quality disparity explains the significant premiums at higher grade levels. An MS68 example realized $1,187 at auction in December 2022, representing one of the finest known examples from Denver and demonstrating the competitive nature of collecting premium modern coins.

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 stands for Deep Cameo, which describes the sharp visual contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like background fields that characterize these specially made pieces.

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 option for those building Roosevelt dime collections.

Auction results show PR70 DCAM examples have reached $604, though many specimens trade for considerably less depending on market conditions at the time of sale. 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. According to available market data, minor clips can sell for around $5, while mint state examples with more prominent clips can reach $30 or more depending on the clip’s 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.

Broadstrikes that retain full design visibility, including the date and mint mark, command the strongest prices. General market ranges for broadstrike errors suggest values between $5 and $100 depending on the degree of expansion and overall eye appeal.

 

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. Silver proof dimes wouldn’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 sell for around $6 in standard grades, with perfect PR70 DCAM examples occasionally reaching higher prices.

Philadelphia and Denver coins in exceptional grades above MS66 can command $40 to several thousand dollars. Error coins with clipped planchets, die cuds, or broadstrikes add $5 to $100 or more depending on the error’s size 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. The 1978 Philadelphia dime is considered underrated by specialists because high-grade examples are genuinely scarce relative to other modern dates.

Most collectors focus on earlier silver Roosevelt dimes or key dates like 1949-S and 1996-W, leaving 1978 issues relatively overlooked. This creates opportunities for collectors who recognize the condition rarity in grades MS66 and above, particularly for Philadelphia strikes.