1979 Dime Value Checker: Errors List, “D” ,“S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1979 Dime Value depends heavily on which mint struck it and what condition it is in today. As part of the Roosevelt dime series — one of America’s longest-running coin designs — most 1979 dimes are common clad coins worth only face value.

However, high-grade examples and coins with the coveted Full Bands (FB) designation can be surprisingly valuable. One Philadelphia-minted example sold for $2,300 at auction, proving that even “common” modern coins can reward careful collectors.

 

1979 Dime Value By Variety

The 1979 Dime Value varies significantly depending on which of the three mints produced your coin. Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco each struck distinct varieties with different collector appeal.

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 1979 Dime Worth Money

The most valuable 1979 dimes share one common trait: exceptional strike quality or extreme grade rarity. A coin that looks plain in a pocket can become a $2,000+ specimen once professional graders examine it closely.

The top auction result belongs to a 1979 Philadelphia MS65 Full Bands (FB) example, which sold for $2,300 on eBay in June 2018. “FB” stands for Full Bands — it means the horizontal bands on the torch on the reverse show complete separation, proving a sharp, well-struck coin. This designation is awarded by third-party grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).

Denver mint coins also perform well in top grades. The 1979-D auction record stands at $1,495, achieved at Heritage Auctions in September 2008 for an MS64-graded example. A 1979-D Full Bands MS66 brought $850 on eBay in August 2018.

San Francisco proof coins show more modest values in the certified market. The Type 1 proof in PR70 DCAM (Deep Cameo — the highest designation for proof coins, meaning frosted devices against mirror-like fields) sold for $472 in 2003. The Type 2 in the same grade fetched $426 that same year.

Lower Mint State grades remain accessible for most collectors. Examples grading MS62 to MS67 typically range from $92 to $306 depending on variety and strike quality.

 

History Of The 1979 Dime

The Roosevelt dime series launched in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had died in April 1945 after guiding America through both the Great Depression and World War II. Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock submitted his design that same year, replacing the popular Mercury dime that had circulated since 1916.

Roosevelt’s connection to the dime runs deeper than most people realize. He was the driving force behind the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which later became known as the March of Dimes — a name directly tied to the ten-cent coin. This poignant link between the man and the denomination made the Roosevelt dime a natural tribute.

The series underwent its most significant change in 1965, when the Coinage Act of 1965 removed silver from dimes and quarters entirely. Since then, the Roosevelt dime has been struck in a clad composition — outer layers of copper-nickel bonded over a pure copper core. The 1979 dime is fully part of this clad era.

The year 1979 itself was turbulent for American households. Inflation surged past 10% annually during the first nine months of the year. The Iranian Revolution of 1978 triggered an oil crisis that more than doubled fuel prices, contributing to what economists called “stagflation” — a painful combination of high inflation and economic stagnation.

Paul Volcker was appointed Federal Reserve Chairman in August 1979, tasked with breaking inflation’s grip on the economy. The aggressive interest rate policies he introduced would ultimately succeed, but not before causing significant hardship in the early 1980s. Against this backdrop, the 1979 dime circulated as everyday currency through one of the most difficult economic periods since the Great Depression.

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

 

Is Your 1979 Dime Rare?

Most 1979 dimes are common circulation coins with over 706 million struck across three mints. However, rarity in this series is about condition and strike quality, not mintage — a concept called “condition rarity.” Finding a 1979 dime with Full Bands designation in MS65 or higher is genuinely difficult regardless of the original mintage.

Use the Coin Value Checker App to quickly assess your coin’s rarity and current market value.

 

Key Features Of The 1979 Dime

The 1979 Dime Value is tied directly to how well its design was struck and preserved. Understanding the coin’s features helps you identify which details matter most for determining grade and designation.

The Obverse Of The 1979 Dime

The obverse presents a left-facing profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The word “LIBERTY” appears along the left edge, and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” sits below his chin in smaller letters.

The date “1979” is positioned to the right of Roosevelt’s neck. Designer John R. Sinnock placed his initials “JS” at the base of the neck truncation — a detail sometimes mistaken for an error or tampering by new collectors.

The mint mark, when present, appears above the date. Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark at all. Denver coins show a “D,” and San Francisco proof coins display an “S.”

The Reverse Of The 1979 Dime

The reverse centers on a flaming torch symbolizing liberty. An olive branch flanks the left (representing peace), and an oak branch appears on the right (symbolizing strength and independence). These three elements together form one of the most symbolic coin reverses in U.S. numismatic history.

The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Latin for “Out of Many, One”) arcs above the torch. The legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” frames the top rim, and “ONE DIME” appears at the bottom.

The torch bands are the most important area for grading purposes. PCGS awards the Full Bands (FB) designation when the horizontal bands show complete separation with no interruptions.

NGC uses a slightly different standard called Full Torch (FT), which additionally requires the vertical lines of the torch itself to be clearly defined — making FT slightly harder to earn than PCGS’s FB designation.

Other Features Of The 1979 Dime

The coin measures 17.91 mm in diameter and weighs 2.268 grams. Its thickness is 1.35 mm, and the edge features 118 reeded ridges. The composition is a clad structure — outer layers of 75% copper / 25% nickel bonded over a pure copper core, giving an overall blended average of approximately 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.

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

 

1979 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The 1979 dime production totaled over 706 million coins across three mints. Denver led with 390,921,184 pieces, narrowly exceeding Philadelphia’s 315,440,000. San Francisco struck only 3,677,175 proof coins for collectors.

Survival data tells an important story about what actually remains today. Denver coins show a documented survival of approximately 78,184,236 specimens — roughly 20% of the original mintage. That figure reflects heavy circulation wear, melting, and simple loss over more than four decades.

Philadelphia survival numbers are undocumented but likely follow a similar pattern of attrition. The San Francisco proof coins, being collector items stored carefully from the start, almost certainly have a much higher survival rate than their circulating counterparts.

One important distinction: even among surviving coins, the vast majority are circulated examples worth only face value. Coins in true Mint State condition (MS — meaning no wear at all) represent only a small fraction of the surviving population, and Full Bands examples are rarer still.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1979 Dime Value

Determining your 1979 Dime Value requires checking four key things: the mint mark, the overall grade or condition, the strike quality (especially those torch bands), and whether any errors are present. Each factor can dramatically change what your coin is worth.

Professional grading by PCGS or NGC provides the most accurate assessment for valuable specimens. For a quick at-home estimate, simply download the Coin Value Checker App to identify your coin and receive an instant value estimate.

 

1979 Dime Value Guides

• 1979 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) – Circulation strike with no mint mark above the date. Philadelphia produced over 315 million pieces for everyday use. The absence of any letter is the identifying feature for this variety.
• 1979-D (Denver) – Features a “D” mint mark on the obverse above the date. Denver led all three mints in 1979 production with nearly 391 million dimes, making this the highest-mintage variety in the series that year.
• 1979-S Type 1 DCAM (Proof) – San Francisco proof with “Filled S” mint mark. The inner curves of the “S” appear squished and blob-like — the result of a punch that had been worn down through years of use since roughly 1974. These coins feature deep mirror fields and frosted devices, earning the DCAM (Deep Cameo) designation.
• 1979-S Type 2 DCAM (Proof) – San Francisco proof with “Clear S” mint mark. The inner curves remain distinctly open with two visible holes inside the letter. This variety is slightly scarcer among certified examples and was introduced midway through 1979 proof production. The same Type 1 / Type 2 pattern also appeared on the 1981-S Roosevelt dime proof.

Each variety offers collectors a different collecting challenge. Philadelphia and Denver coins reward patience in finding sharp, high-grade examples. The San Francisco proofs reward variety hunting between the two mintmark types.

 

1979 No Mint Mark Dime Value

The 1979 No Mint Mark Dime Value reflects its Philadelphia origin. This facility produced over 315 million pieces, making circulated examples common and typically worth only face value.

High-grade specimens become far more interesting. The highest certified grade is MS67, with only 32 examples graded by PCGS — making this a genuine condition rarity at the top of the scale. MS66 and MS67 examples can command real collector premiums.

The Full Bands designation is where the 1979 Philadelphia dime truly shines. The auction record of $2,300 was achieved by an MS65 FB example sold on eBay in June 2018, per PCGS CoinFacts records. That’s more than 23,000 times face value — all because the torch bands were perfectly struck and fully separated.

The auction record chart shows pricing trends across different grades over time.

Market activity reflects steady collector interest throughout the year.

 

1979-D Dime Value

The 1979-D Dime Value starts from the largest production total of any 1979 variety — nearly 391 million pieces. The “D” mint mark sits above the date and identifies coins from the Denver Mint.

Despite the massive mintage, top-grade examples are challenging to locate. The PCGS auction record for the 1979-D stands at $1,495 for an MS64, sold at Heritage Auctions in September 2008. A 1979-D Full Bands MS66 example brought $850 on eBay in August 2018, according to PCGS CoinFacts data.

Error coins from the Denver Mint make this variety particularly exciting for error collectors. Verified Heritage Auctions sales include a 1979-D struck 80% off-center in MS62 (PCGS Population 1/422, meaning only one coin graded at that level with 422 graded higher), a triple-struck flipover in MS64, and a missing obverse clad layer example in MS65 NGC (with an NGC Census of 21 at that grade and 65 graded higher). These dramatic mint errors can command hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the type and grade.

The auction record chart displays pricing trends across various grades over time.

Market activity reflects consistent collector demand throughout the year.

 

1979-S Type 1 Dime Value

The 1979-S Type 1 Dime Value reflects the “Filled S” variety from San Francisco. This proof coin was struck exclusively for collectors, never intended for circulation. The inner curves of the “S” mint mark appear compressed and blobby — a result of the worn punch that had been in use since approximately 1974.

Proof coins are distinguished by their mirror-like fields and frosted raised devices. The DCAM (Deep Cameo) designation — awarded when the contrast between the frosted devices and mirror fields is especially sharp — is the highest designation available for proof coins. A PR70 DCAM Type 1 example sold for $472 in 2003.

Type 1 examples are more common than Type 2 within the certified population. Both types share the same total mintage of approximately 3.677 million pieces, since the mint switched to the new punch mid-production.

The auction record chart shows pricing performance across different proof grades over time.

Market activity indicates steady collector interest throughout the year.

 

1979-S Type 2 Dime Value

The 1979-S Type 2 Dime Value benefits from its relative scarcity among certified examples. This “Clear S” variety features a sharper, more defined mint mark where the inner curves remain visibly separated — you can see two distinct holes inside the letter under magnification.

The Type 2 punch was introduced partway through 1979 San Francisco proof production, so fewer Type 2 coins exist than Type 1. A PR70 DCAM example sold for $426 in 2003, slightly below the Type 1 record, though Type 2 coins often command premiums in the broader collector market due to their relative scarcity. The same Type 1 / Type 2 variation appeared again on the 1981-S proof Roosevelt dime.

Collectors who build complete sets of 1979 proof dimes typically seek both Types. The Type 2 is considered the more desirable and challenging piece to find in top certified grades.

The auction record chart reflects pricing trends for Type 2 proofs over multiple decades.

Market activity demonstrates consistent demand from proof set collectors year-round.

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

 

Rare 1979 Dime Error List

Errors occur during three stages of the minting process: planchet preparation, die creation, and the actual striking. The 1979 dimes were produced during an era when mint marks were still punched into dies by hand — a manual process that created more opportunities for errors than today’s computerized systems. Here are the verified error types found on 1979 Roosevelt dimes.

1. Off-Center Strike

An off-center strike happens when the blank coin (called a planchet) shifts out of position before the dies come together. The result is a coin with part of the design missing and a visible blank crescent of metal on one side.

A 1979 Philadelphia dime struck 10% off-center at the 10 o’clock position, graded MS64 by ANACS, has appeared at Heritage Auctions from the famous Don Bonser Error Coin Collection.

A 1979-D struck 80% off-center was graded MS62 by PCGS with a population of just 1 coin at that grade with 422 graded higher. Minor off-center strikes (5-10%) add $10-$20 to value; dramatic examples of 50% or more showing the full date can reach $50-$200+.

2. Clipped Planchet

Clipped planchet errors occur when the blanking press cuts into a previously punched area of the metal strip. The resulting coin has a crescent-shaped or straight chunk missing from its edge.

A 1979-D dime with a 30% curved clipped planchet graded MS64 by PCGS sold at Heritage Auctions. A 1979 Philadelphia dime struck 25% off-center on a double curved clip planchet in MS64 Full Bands has also appeared at Heritage via NGC certification. Large clips of 25% or more command the highest premiums, typically $25-$100 depending on size and eye appeal.

3. Broadstrike

A broadstrike occurs when the restraining collar — the ring that holds the planchet in place during striking — fails to engage. Without the collar, the metal spreads outward during the strike, creating a coin that is wider and thinner than normal with a flat, smooth edge instead of the standard reeded rim.

Broadstruck 1979-D dimes, including a notable example with multiple clips, have appeared at Heritage Auctions. Standard broadstrikes measure approximately 19-20mm instead of the normal 17.91mm and generally sell in the $15-$75 range depending on the degree of expansion.

4. Missing Clad Layer

The clad Roosevelt dime is made of an outer copper-nickel layer bonded over a pure copper core. Occasionally, a planchet is prepared with one layer missing before it is struck. The resulting coin shows a distinct copper surface on one side rather than the usual silver-colored copper-nickel.

A 1979-D dime with its entire obverse clad layer missing — weighing only 1.9 grams instead of the normal 2.27 grams — was graded MS65 by NGC with a census of 21 coins at that grade and 65 graded higher (PCGS Population 31/125 at MS65). This Heritage-sold example demonstrates that even for a common date, missing clad layer errors have documented populations and real market prices. These errors typically sell for $20-$75 depending on grade.

5. Triple Struck / Multiple Strike

Multiple strike errors happen when a coin is not ejected from the press after the first blow and receives additional strikes. A “flipover” double or triple strike occurs when the coin flips between strikes, leaving design images from multiple angles on the same coin.

A 1979-D Roosevelt dime graded MS64 by PCGS with a triple strike including a flipover was sold by Heritage Auctions. This is one of the more spectacular errors known for the 1979 dime series. Dramatic multiple-strike errors can command $200-$1,000+ depending on the complexity and visual impact.

6. Wrong Planchet Strike

Wrong planchet errors are the rarest and most dramatic of all minting mistakes. A 1979 dime die strikes a blank prepared for a different denomination entirely. The result looks like a dime but has the wrong size, weight, or appearance.

Weight provides definitive proof of this error: the coin weighs what the original blank weighed, not what a normal dime should weigh. A well-known related error type from Heritage Auctions includes Roosevelt dimes struck on foreign planchets. Confirmed wrong-planchet strikes on 1979 dimes can reach hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the planchet type.

 

Where To Sell Your 1979 Dime?

Selling your 1979 dime successfully means matching the right platform to the right coin. A circulated example is best sold in bulk lots; a certified Full Bands MS65 deserves a specialized numismatic marketplace.

We have prepared detailed information about the best places to sell coins online. This guide covers the pros and cons of each platform to help you make an informed decision.

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

 

1979 Dime Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1979 Dime Value

1. How much is a 1979 dime worth in 2026?

Most circulated 1979 dimes are worth only face value — $0.10. Uncirculated (MS) examples typically trade between $7 and $9 in lower grades. Full Bands (FB) specimens with complete torch band separation average $77 to $1,705 depending on grade, and the all-time auction record is $2,300 for an MS65 FB Philadelphia example sold via eBay in June 2018.

2. Does a 1979 dime have a mint mark?

Some do and some don’t. Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark at all. Denver coins show a “D” above the date on the obverse. San Francisco proof coins display an “S.” The San Francisco “S” further divides into two sub-varieties: Type 1 (Filled S, blobby) and Type 2 (Clear S, with two visible holes inside the letter).

3. What does “Full Bands” mean and why does it matter for my 1979 dime?

Full Bands (FB) is a designation awarded by PCGS when the horizontal bands on the torch on the dime’s reverse show complete, uninterrupted separation.

NGC uses a similar but slightly stricter standard called Full Torch (FT), which also requires the vertical lines of the torch to be defined. A 1979 FB dime can be worth 10 to 100+ times more than the same coin without the designation because sharp, fully struck examples are much rarer than the mintage numbers suggest.

4. What is the difference between 1979-S Type 1 and Type 2?

Both are proof dimes from San Francisco, but they were struck with different mint mark punches. Type 1 (Filled S) has a blobby, compressed “S” from a worn punch that had been in use since about 1974.

Type 2 (Clear S) has a sharper, more open “S” with two visible interior holes, introduced partway through 1979 proof production. Type 2 is somewhat scarcer among certified examples. The same pattern repeated in 1981-S Roosevelt dimes.

5. Is the 1979 dime made of silver?

No. The 1979 dime is a clad coin with no silver content whatsoever. Silver was removed from dimes and quarters by the Coinage Act of 1965. All Roosevelt dimes from 1965 onward use a copper-nickel clad composition — 75% copper / 25% nickel outer layers over a pure copper core. The only silver Roosevelt dimes are special collector issues made from 1992 onward, which are sold separately from regular proof sets.

6. What are the rarest 1979 dime errors?

The rarest verified 1979 dime errors include the triple-struck flipover (1979-D, MS64 PCGS, sold at Heritage Auctions), the 80% off-center strike (1979-D, MS62 PCGS, population 1/422), and the missing obverse clad layer (1979-D, MS65 NGC, census 21/65). Wrong planchet errors — where a dime die struck a blank meant for another denomination — are among the rarest of all and can reach hundreds or thousands of dollars.

7. How do I tell if my 1979 dime is uncirculated?

A truly uncirculated (Mint State or MS) coin shows no wear anywhere on its surfaces. The highest points of Roosevelt’s cheek and hair should retain full original mint luster — a frosty, cartwheel-like sheen that disappears the moment a coin sees circulation.

Even a brief time in a pocket or cash register removes this luster from the high points. Use a 5x-10x loupe (magnifying lens) to check for any rubbing or flatness, particularly on Roosevelt’s cheekbone and the torch bands on the reverse.

8. Why does the 1979-D dime have the highest mintage but still have valuable high-grade examples?

This is the “condition rarity” paradox common to clad Roosevelt dimes. A high mintage means plenty of circulated coins, but it doesn’t guarantee many gems. Strike quality at Denver in 1979 was inconsistent — many coins came off the press with soft, incomplete torch bands.

Coins that escaped into circulation quickly lost their luster. Surviving true MS65+ examples with Full Bands are scarce regardless of how many were originally struck, which is why they command significant premiums.

9. Should I clean my 1979 dime before selling it?

Never clean a coin you intend to sell to collectors. Cleaning destroys the original surface luster and microscopic metal flow lines (called “mint frost”) that graders examine to confirm authenticity and grade. Even gentle polishing removes value permanently.

Cleaned coins are labeled “details” by PCGS and NGC and typically sell for 50-90% less than untouched examples of the same grade. Leave your coin exactly as you found it and let a professional assess it.

10. What is the rarest Roosevelt dime proof error, and how does the 1979-S compare?

The rarest Roosevelt dime proof error is the 1975 No-S proof, with only 2-5 known examples worth $350,000 to $525,000 in PR66 or higher.

The 1968 No-S proof is also extremely rare at approximately 12 known examples and worth $11,500 to $57,500. By comparison, the 1979-S is not an error proof — both Type 1 and Type 2 carry proper “S” mint marks — but the Type 2 is a legitimate scarcity variety worth a premium over Type 1. In PR70 DCAM, both 1979-S types sold for $426-$472 in 2003.