1980 Dime Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

Most 1980 dimes you’ll encounter are worth exactly 10 cents, but some can be worth significantly more. The 1980 dime value depends primarily on condition and variety—while circulated examples trade at face value, high-grade uncirculated coins can reach $23 or more, with special Full Bands varieties commanding prices up to $916.

The key difference lies in preservation and strike quality. Coins that never entered circulation retain their original mint luster and sharp details, making them desirable to collectors. The most valuable examples show “Full Bands” on the torch—complete separation of the horizontal lines—indicating an exceptionally strong strike from the mint. These details determine whether your dime is pocket change or a collectible worth keeping.

This guide explains how to evaluate your 1980 dimes, what separates common pieces from valuable ones, and current market prices across different grades. You’ll learn to identify mint marks, recognize quality indicators, and understand which specimens deserve professional grading.

 

1980 Dime Value By Variety

This value chart breaks down what 1980 dimes are worth across different mint marks and condition grades, helping collectors quickly assess their coins’ potential value.

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 1980 Dime Worth Money

The overall auction value of 1980 Roosevelt dimes is extremely low, with the bottom six 1980 dimes’ auction prices hovering between $13-$85, and regular MS65 to MS67 graded coins having almost no premium.

The most striking aspect in the price chart is the huge disparity between two 1980-D MS66 graded coins. The MS66FB at the top sold for $2,880, while the regular MS version at the bottom only fetched $13. This reveals the decisive impact of the Full Bands (complete torch bands) designation. Die wear was severe in the 1980s, making it extremely rare to achieve the standard of fully separated horizontal torch bands.

The 1980-P MS62, with a grade far lower than many MS67 coins, saw its value multiply due to a “missing clad layer” error, selling for $823. When such minting errors as exposed copper core occur, the rarity of the error completely trumps the condition grade. In contrast, regular MS63, MS64, and MS65 coins also minted in Philadelphia sold for only $32, $65, and $13 respectively, with virtually no collector premium.

 

History Of The 1980 Dime

The Roosevelt dime was introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who passed away in April 1945. The dime denomination was specifically chosen due to Roosevelt’s close association with the March of Dimes, the fundraising campaign he founded to combat polio—a disease he personally battled.

Initially struck in 90% silver, the series transitioned to copper-nickel clad composition in 1965, though Sinnock’s design has remained essentially unchanged for nearly eight decades.

The year 1980 marked a historic milestone in American coinage. For the first time since the Philadelphia Mint’s establishment in 1792, dimes struck there bore the “P” mintmark—ending 188 years of tradition where Philadelphia coins carried no identifying mark.

This change reflected the Mint’s modernization efforts during a turbulent period marked by Cold War tensions, economic challenges, and rising inflation. The addition of the ‘P’ mintmark made 1980 dimes the first generation of Philadelphia dimes with this designation, ending a tradition where Philadelphia coins carried no identifying mark.

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

 

Is Your 1980 Dime Rare?

Curious if your 1980 dime is a hidden treasure? Download the CoinValueChecker App to instantly identify rare varieties, check current market values, and discover whether you’re holding a common coin or a valuable Full Bands specimen. Simply snap a photo and let our AI-powered scanner reveal your coin’s true worth in seconds.

 

Key Features Of The 1980 Dime

Understanding the physical characteristics and design elements of the 1980 dime is essential for proper identification and authentication. This section breaks down the coin’s obverse and reverse designs, along with its technical specifications, helping collectors distinguish genuine specimens from counterfeits and recognize the subtle details that define this transitional year in American coinage. Whether examining mintmark placement, design symbolism, or composition details, these features provide the foundation for accurately assessing any 1980 Roosevelt dime.

The Obverse Of The 1980 Dime

The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, occupying most of the coin’s surface within a smooth rim.

The word “LIBERTY” appears in prominent lettering along the left edge, positioned directly in front of Roosevelt’s face. Below the president’s chin, the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed in smaller letters.

The date “1980” is squeezed into the space beneath the neck truncation, positioned to the right of designer John R. Sinnock’s initials “JS,” which appear just below the neckline edge.

For the first time in Roosevelt dime history, Philadelphia Mint coins bear a “P” mintmark above the date, while Denver specimens display a “D” in the same location. This mintmark placement, adopted in 1968 for Denver and San Francisco but only in 1980 for Philadelphia, marks a significant change from earlier Roosevelt dimes where mintmarks appeared on the reverse.

The Reverse Of The 1980 Dime

The reverse design centers on a flaming torch symbolizing liberty, flanked by an olive branch on the left representing peace and an oak branch on the right signifying strength and independence. These three elements form the heart of the design, capturing the spirit of America’s post-World War II era.

The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Out of Many, One) stretches horizontally across the field, divided into sections by the torch and branches with centered dots separating the Latin words.

Completely encircling the design along the smooth rim are the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” at the top and the denomination “ONE DIME” in slightly larger letters at the bottom, with the two phrases separated by centered dots.

This reverse design, essentially unchanged since John R. Sinnock created it in 1946, has remained one of the most enduring and recognizable elements of modern American coinage.

Other Features Of The 1980 Dime

The 1980 dime measures 17.90 millimeters in diameter, making it the smallest circulating U.S. coin. Its thickness of 1.35 millimeters contributes to its distinctive thin profile, often remarked upon as remarkably slender compared to other denominations.

The coin weighs 2.27 grams, a specification carefully calculated during the 1965 composition change to maintain compatibility with existing vending machines despite eliminating silver content.

The edge features reeding with 118 distinct vertical grooves running around the coin’s circumference. This reeded edge serves both aesthetic and practical purposes—it provides grip for handling and historically deterred the practice of “clipping,” where precious metal was shaved from smooth-edged coins. The reeding pattern remains sharp and well-defined on uncirculated specimens but often shows wear on circulated examples.

Compositionally, the 1980 dime exemplifies modern clad coinage technology. The coin consists of a pure copper core sandwiched between outer layers of cupronickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel). This “clad sandwich” construction, introduced in 1965, eliminated silver while maintaining similar electrical properties crucial for vending machine functionality.

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

 

1980 Dime Mintage & Survival Data     

Philadelphia and Denver struck over 1.45 billion circulation dimes in 1980, yet their survival data remains unknown. Unlike proof coins purchased deliberately by collectors, circulation strikes entered commerce immediately and experienced decades of handling, wear, and attrition. Tracking survival rates for such massive production runs proves virtually impossible without comprehensive census data.

The San Francisco proof production totaled only 3.5 million Deep Cameo specimens, with 2.88 million surviving—an 81% survival rate. This remarkable preservation reflects proof coins’ inherent purpose as collector items, typically stored in protective holders from the moment of purchase. The stark contrast between proof and circulation survival patterns is consistent across Roosevelt dimes from this era.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1980 Dime Value

Let’s be honest—figuring out what your 1980 dime is actually worth can feel overwhelming. You’re staring at a coin wondering if that tiny mintmark matters, whether those torch bands are “full” enough, or if that slight discoloration is toning or damage.

Grading guides throw around terms like MS67 and PR70 DCAM, but matching your coin to those descriptions? That’s a whole different challenge.

Here’s where the CoinValueChecker App changes everything. Just snap a photo of your dime—front and back—and our AI instantly identifies the mintmark, analyzes the condition, and checks for valuable features like Full Bands or mint errors.

Within seconds, you’ll see your coin’s current market value based on real-time auction data, not outdated price guides. No magnifying glass required, no grading expertise needed, just your phone camera and a few taps.

 

1980 Dime Value Guides

The 1980-P Dime and 1980-D Dime were both produced as regular circulation coins, struck at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints respectively. These business strike coins were mass-produced for everyday use in commerce and general circulation throughout the United States.

In contrast, the 1980-S DCAM Dime is a special proof coin minted at the San Francisco Mint specifically for collectors. The “DCAM” designation stands for “Deep Cameo,” which refers to the superior finish quality featuring frosted design elements against highly polished, mirror-like fields. These proof coins were never intended for circulation and were sold as part of special proof sets to collectors.

The key distinction is that the P and D versions served as functional currency for daily transactions, while the S proof version was created as a collectible item with enhanced visual contrast and superior striking quality for numismatic purposes.

• 1980-P Dime
• 1980-D Dime
• 1980-S DCAM Dime

 

1980-P Dime Value

The 1980-P Roosevelt Dime holds a special place in American numismatic history as it represents the first year that the Philadelphia Mint added the “P” mintmark to its circulating coins (with the exception of the cent).

Prior to 1980, Philadelphia, being the original U.S. Mint facility, had not used a mintmark to distinguish its coins from those produced at other mints. This historic change makes the 1980-P Dime a notable transitional piece for collectors interested in mint operations and coin production history.

Collectors particularly value Full Bands (FB) specimens, which display complete horizontal lines on the bands across the torch on the reverse—a feature that commands substantial premiums over similarly graded non-FB examples.

According to  auction records, the highest recorded sale for a 1980-P Roosevelt Dime reached $822.50 for a MS62 graded specimen sold through Heritage Auctions on August 10, 2016.

Historical auction data provides insight into how collectors have valued this first-year P mintmark issue over time.

Trading volume and collector interest fluctuate throughout the year, reflecting broader market dynamics for this variety.

 

1980-D Dime Value

Over 719 million 1980-D dimes were minted, making them abundant and easy to obtain. For most collectors, they primarily serve to fill date gaps rather than become a focal point of collections. Circulated versions have almost no premium, and a basic uncirculated set can be assembled for only about $350, demonstrating that most Roosevelt dimes remain affordable.

However, on October 21, 2020, a coin graded MS66FB sold for $2,880 at Heritage Auctions. This price does not reflect its overall market value, but rather is the result of wealthy collectors competing for a single specimen. According to statistics, only 2 coins have been graded MS66 “Full Bands” with none graded higher, making this coin virtually a specimen that registry collectors compete for.

Unless you are pursuing a top-tier collection series, the 1980-D Roosevelt Dime has limited investment value. Only a very few MS66+ Full Bands specimens have value—all other specimens trade at prices close to face value or with only minimal premiums, hardly worth the effort to sell.

The historical trading patterns of this coin reveal collectors’ actual behavior in the marketplace.

Current market dynamics continue to impact the pricing and availability of 1980-D dimes across different grade levels.

 

1980-S DCAM Dime Value

The 1980-S DCAM Roosevelt Dime was struck exclusively for collectors at the San Francisco Mint, with a mintage of 3,554,806 pieces, representing a relatively substantial production run for modern proof coinage.

What makes this coin distinctive is its Deep Cameo effect—the dramatic visual contrast between heavily frosted design elements and mirror-like fields that defines premium proof quality.

Thanks to consistent production standards, the majority of surviving examples grade at PR69 or PR70 DCAM levels, making even technically perfect PR70 specimens fairly accessible in today’s market.

The auction record stands at $719 for a PR70 example sold through Heritage Auctions in May 2004, though this figure reflects earlier market conditions. Like many modern proof coins, this series has experienced a significant value correction over the past two decades, with current PR70 DCAM specimens typically trading in the $10-30 range—well below historical peaks.

For collectors, this actually presents an opportunity to acquire technically flawless examples at reasonable prices, making it an attractive entry point into modern proof dime collecting.

Curious about how this coin’s value has evolved over time? The Auction Record Chart below traces its complete pricing history.

To gauge current collector interest and market dynamics, the Market Activity data provides insights into trading frequency and demand trends.

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

 

Rare 1980 Dime Error List

While 1980 dimes were mass-produced in quantities exceeding 1.4 billion, a small fraction escaped the mint with manufacturing defects that transform them from common pocket change into valuable collectibles. Understanding these errors helps collectors identify potentially valuable specimens hiding in everyday change.

1.  Missing Clad Layer Error

This error occurs when the outer cupronickel layer fails to bond properly to the copper core during planchet strip production, resulting in a coin that displays copper on one side and the normal silvery appearance on the other.

The bonding failure happens before blanks are punched from the strip, so when the defective planchet is struck, only one surface receives the nickel cladding. The exposed copper side exhibits a distinctive reddish-brown coloration that’s immediately recognizable against the coin’s typical appearance.

These errors are relatively scarce on 1980 dimes, with values ranging from $100 to $800 depending on grade and preservation.

The dramatic visual contrast makes identification straightforward—no magnification required—though collectors should verify weight, as genuine missing clad layer dimes weigh approximately 15-20% less than standard specimens at around 1.9 grams instead of 2.27 grams.

2. Off-Center Strike Error

Off-center strikes result from misaligned planchets that aren’t properly seated in the collar die when the hammer die descends, causing the design to strike only a portion of the blank.

The percentage of displacement determines both rarity and value—minor 5-10% shifts are relatively common and worth $10-20, while dramatic 50% or greater off-center strikes can command $100-300 if the date remains visible.

The most desirable examples show significant design displacement while retaining complete date and mintmark information, as these elements prove authenticity and year of production. On 1980 dimes, collectors particularly seek specimens where Roosevelt’s portrait appears at the coin’s edge with substantial blank planchet area visible.

The error’s visibility ranges from subtle to dramatic, with larger displacements being immediately apparent to the naked eye through the coin’s irregular shape and missing design elements.

3. Clipped Planchet Error

Clipped planchet errors occur when blanks are punched from planchet strips in overlapping positions or too close to the strip’s edge, removing a crescent-shaped section from the finished coin.

The three main types include curved clips (from overlapping punch positions), straight clips (from edge proximity), and ragged clips (from defective strip areas).

Curved clips are most common and display a characteristic arc-shaped missing section, often accompanied by the Blakesley Effect—a distinctive rim weakness on the opposite edge.

Values for 1980 clipped planchet dimes typically range from $15-50 depending on clip size, with larger clips (15-25% of the coin’s area) commanding premiums.

The error is easily identifiable through visual inspection, as the missing metal creates an unmistakable irregular edge profile. Mint State examples with sharp strikes and minimal handling marks bring top dollar among error coin specialists.

 

Where To Sell Your 1980 Dime?

So you’ve figured out what your 1980 dime is worth – great! Now you’re probably wondering where you can actually sell it online. Good news: I’ve put together a list of websites where you can do just that, complete with details about each platform and what makes them good or not-so-good choices.

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

 

1980 Dime Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1980 Dime         

1. How much is a 1980 dime worth?

A standard 1980 dime in circulated condition is typically worth its face value of 10 cents. However, uncirculated examples can be worth $1-$3, depending on their grade and mint mark.

Coins graded MS65 or higher by professional services like PCGS or NGC can fetch $5-$15. The 1980-P (Philadelphia) and 1980-D (Denver) are common, with millions minted. If your dime has been well-preserved and shows no wear, it may carry a premium among collectors. Error coins or special varieties could be worth significantly more.

2. What makes a 1980 dime valuable?

Several factors determine a 1980 dime’s value beyond face value. Condition is paramount—coins in mint state (uncirculated) command higher prices.

The mint mark (P or D) can create slight value differences, though both are common. Error coins, such as double dies, off-center strikes, or clipped planchets, are especially valuable. Luster, strike quality, and the absence of scratches or discoloration also matter.

Professional grading by PCGS or NGC can significantly increase value by certifying authenticity and condition. Collectors particularly seek coins with full torch bands and sharp details.

3. How can I tell if my 1980 dime is uncirculated?

An uncirculated 1980 dime will show no signs of wear on its highest points—Roosevelt’s cheek, hair, and the torch on the reverse. The coin should have original mint luster, appearing frosty or satiny rather than dull.

Check for bag marks (small nicks from contact with other coins during production), which don’t count as circulation wear but affect grade. Use a magnifying glass under good lighting.

If edges are sharp, details are crisp, and there’s no flattening on raised surfaces, it’s likely uncirculated. Professional grading provides definitive authentication and can maximize value.