1981 Dime Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 1981 dime remains widely available in circulated condition, but collectors face a real challenge locating pristine examples. Most of these coins entered everyday circulation, making high-grade specimens genuinely scarce.

This scarcity in top conditions creates a significant value spread for 1981 Dime value. Standard circulated pieces trade for around $0.31 in Fine condition, while mint state examples can reach $8.14. Full Bands varieties, showing complete torch band details, command even higher premiums at $11.57 in MS grades.

The combination of easy entry points and genuine difficulty in finding superior specimens makes these coins suitable for collectors at various experience levels.

 

1981 Dime Value By Variety

The chart below breaks down current market values for different 1981 dime varieties across various condition grades. 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 1981 Dime Worth Money

The Most Valuable 1981 Dime Chart showcases the top-performing specimens sold between 2000 and present. A 1981-S Type 1 PR68 DCAM leads the rankings at $2,185, followed by business strikes that demonstrate significant value potential across multiple grades.

Philadelphia contributions feature prominently, with an MS64 achieving $1,093 and an MS68 Full Bands example reaching $660. These results highlight how both grade and strike quality influence market performance for business strike coins.

San Francisco proof specimens appear in multiple positions, including a Type 2 PR70 DCAM at $566. Denver’s presence includes two MS68 grades at $431 and $200, with the price difference likely reflecting Full Bands designation on the higher-valued example.

The distribution reveals that exceptional preservation, whether in proof or mint state format, drives the strongest prices. Grade differences of just one or two points can result in substantial value variations, particularly at the MS64 and above threshold.

 

History of the 1981 Dime

The Roosevelt dime series began in 1946, shortly after President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death in 1945. Roosevelt led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II, and fought against polio throughout his presidency.

The ten-cent denomination was chosen specifically because of Roosevelt’s connection to the March of Dimes organization, which he helped establish to combat the disease.

By 1981, the United States was entering a new political era under President Ronald Reagan, who took office on January 20th. Reagan’s presidency marked a shift toward conservative economic policies and renewed Cold War tensions.

That same year saw dramatic events including the end of the Iran hostage crisis on inauguration day and an assassination attempt on Reagan in March, which he survived.

The Mint made technical adjustments to the Roosevelt dime in 1981, lowering the coin’s relief to extend die life and improve production efficiency. These dimes continued circulating through a transformative period in American history, serving everyday Americans during significant political and economic shifts.

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

 

Is Your 1981 Dime Rare?

Use our CoinValueChecker App to instantly identify your 1981 dime’s rarity and current market value.

 

Key Features of the 1981 Dime

Understanding the distinctive characteristics of the 1981 Roosevelt dime allows collectors to properly identify authentic specimens and assess their condition. Each design element serves both aesthetic and symbolic purposes that reflect American values.

The Obverse of the 1981 Dime

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s profile faces left across the obverse, rendered with clean lines and classical styling by designer John R. Sinnock. The portrait captures the 32nd President’s distinguished appearance through simplified yet dignified features.

“LIBERTY” appears along the left rim in front of the presidential portrait. Below Roosevelt’s chin sits the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” in reduced lettering.

The date “1981” is positioned at the lower right portion of the design. Mint marks vary by facility: Denver coins show a “D” above the date, Philadelphia pieces display a “P,” and San Francisco proof specimens carry an “S.”

The Reverse of the 1981 Dime

A central torch symbolizes liberty on the reverse design. An olive branch on the left side represents peace, while an oak branch appears on the right symbolizes strength.

The Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is divided into four sections between the branches and torch. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” follows the upper rim’s curve above the central imagery. The value “ONE DIME” is inscribed at the bottom beneath the torch.

Other Features of the 1981 Dime

The 1981 dime has a diameter of 17.90 mm with a reeded edge design. Its clad construction features outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper center, creating a total weight of 2.27 grams.

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

 

1981 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The 1981 dime was produced across three mints with varying output levels. Denver led production with 712,284,143 business strikes, slightly exceeding Philadelphia’s output of 676,650,000 pieces. These substantial numbers reflect the ongoing demand for circulating coinage during this period.

San Francisco focused exclusively on proof production for collectors rather than circulation strikes. The facility struck 4,063,083 proof dimes, split between two distinct varieties: Type1 and Type2. These proof coins were sold directly to collectors in special sets.

Survival data remains unavailable for all 1981 dime varieties. While hundreds of millions of business strikes entered circulation from Philadelphia and Denver, no systematic tracking exists to determine how many remain today.

Proof coins were typically preserved by collectors in their original packaging, yet specific survival figures for these specimens also remain undocumented.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1981 Dime Value

Accurate valuation requires examining several key factors. The mint mark location tells you which facility produced your coin—look just above the date on the obverse. Philadelphia shows a “P,” Denver displays a “D,” and San Francisco proofs carry an “S.”

Condition plays the most significant role in determining worth. Coins graded MS65 or higher command substantially more than circulated examples. Full Bands specimens earn premium prices. Error coins such as off-center strikes, clipped planchets, or doubled dies also attract collector interest and additional value.

Our CoinValueChecker App provides instant grade assessment and accurate market valuations for your 1981 dimes.

 

1981 Dime Value Guides

The 1981 dime series includes four distinct varieties that collectors recognize and pursue. Each type carries unique characteristics that influence its market appeal and value.

• 1981-P Dime – Business strike coins from the Philadelphia Mint
• 1981-D Dime – Business strike pieces produced at the Denver Mint
• 1981-S Type1 DCAM Dime – Proof coins from San Francisco
• 1981-S Type2 DCAM Dime – San Francisco proofs

Understanding these varieties helps collectors identify what they own and make informed decisions about their collections. The proof types particularly require careful examination of the mint mark style for accurate identification.

 

1981-P Dime Value

Philadelphia struck business strike dimes that remain common in circulated grades, typically trading near face value. Uncirculated specimens command modest premiums in grades below MS66, making them affordable for most collectors.

Higher grades present greater scarcity and stronger market performance. MS68 specimens are extremely scarce with few known examples, representing the top tier for this variety.

An MS64 grade achieved $1,093 at a major auction, showing that even mid-range mint state coins can attract competitive bidding when well-preserved. Full Bands examples add another dimension of collectibility, with an MS68FB specimen reaching $660 at auction in 2020. These results reflect the challenge of locating well-struck examples with fully defined torch bands.

Strike quality varies considerably among Philadelphia issues, making careful examination worthwhile when seeking premium examples.

The chart below presents auction results across different grade levels.

Current market activity reflects ongoing collector interest in this variety.

 

1981-D Dime Value

Denver’s contribution to the 1981 dime series follows similar patterns to its Philadelphia counterpart in terms of availability and collector appeal. Circulated pieces hold minimal premium above face value, while lower mint state grades offer accessible entry points for those building type sets or date collections.

The market for premium quality examples reveals notable price points. An MS68 grade brought $200 at auction in 2022, demonstrating the value potential for top-condition pieces. Full Bands designations elevate desirability substantially, with an MS68FB specimen achieving $431 at auction in 2011.

Finding well-struck Denver issues with complete torch band details requires patience, as die characteristics and striking pressure varied throughout the production run, resulting in quality differences among surviving specimens.

Historical sales data appears in the table that follows.

Trading patterns indicate this variety maintains attention among Roosevelt dime specialists.

 

1981-S Type1 DCAM Dime Value

San Francisco focused on proof production for collectors in 1981, striking coins with special care on polished planchets. The Type 1 variety displays a filled “S” mint mark characterized by slightly thicker serifs. Deep Cameo examples feature strong contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like background fields.

These proofs were sold directly to collectors in special sets, ensuring careful handling from production through initial distribution. A PR68 grade achieved $2,185 at auction in 2008, demonstrating the value potential for well-preserved examples. Higher grades naturally attract increased attention from quality-focused collectors.

While proof production standards maintain consistent quality, subtle variations in strike sharpness and cameo depth distinguish individual coins from one another.

Sales records for this variety are documented below.

Collector engagement with this proof issue remains evident in marketplace transactions.

 

1981-S Type2 DCAM Dime Value

The Type 2 variety presents a distinctive alternative within San Francisco’s 1981 proof production. Distinguished by a clearer “S” mint mark with bulbous serifs that remain separated from the letter’s interior curves, this variety emerged late in the production year when minting officials introduced refined punches.

These proofs were struck with the same careful techniques as Type 1 specimens, creating Deep Cameo contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields. A PR70 example reached $566 at auction in 2013, reflecting the value of top-grade proof specimens.

The enhanced mint mark clarity makes identification straightforward for those familiar with the diagnostic features. Collectors pursuing complete proof type sets require both varieties for comprehensive representation.

The table below provides pricing information across grade levels.

Recent transaction data reveals how collectors engage with this variety.

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

 

Rare 1981 Dime Error List

Production errors occurred during 1981 dime manufacturing despite quality control measures at all three mint facilities. These mistakes create collectible varieties that attract error coin specialists. Understanding common error types helps collectors identify potentially valuable specimens.

1. Off-Center Errors

Off-center strikes happen when the planchet fails to align properly between the dies during the striking process. The result shows part of the design missing, with blank planchet area visible on the opposite side.

The percentage of misalignment determines the error’s severity—a 10% off-center strike shows minimal displacement, while a 50% example leaves half the design missing.

Value increases with the degree of off-center striking, provided the date and mint mark remain visible. Specimens showing 25-50% displacement with clear dates command the strongest prices, typically starting around $15 and rising based on the dramatic nature of the misalignment.

Coins struck 75% or more off-center become exceptionally rare but may lose value if key identifiers disappear. Condition also matters, with uncirculated examples bringing premiums over worn pieces.

2. Die Clash Errors

Die clash errors occur when upper and lower dies strike each other without a planchet between them. This collision transfers a mirror image impression from each die onto its opposite, leaving faint ghosted details on subsequently struck coins.

On 1981 dimes, clash marks typically appear as faint outlines of the reverse torch visible on Roosevelt’s portrait, or obverse elements showing on the reverse.

The visibility of clash marks directly affects collector interest and value. Strong, clear clashes that show obvious transferred details bring $10 or more, while faint examples may carry minimal premiums.

Multiple clash events on the same die can create increasingly dramatic effects. The combination of clash marks with other features like die cracks can enhance desirability among variety specialists.

3. Die Break Errors

Die breaks develop when minting dies crack or fracture from repeated striking pressure and metal fatigue. These cracks appear as raised lines or ridges on finished coins, since metal flows into the die’s damaged areas during striking. Major breaks create “cuds”—raised blobs of metal, usually along the rim, where large chunks of the die have separated.

Small die cracks running through letters or design elements start around $10, while dramatic cuds involving significant portions of the rim command higher premiums.

The size, location, and visual impact of the break determine value—a large cud obliterating part of the design proves more desirable than a minor crack in a field area. Retained cuds, where broken die pieces remain partially attached, create particularly unusual effects.

Mint state examples with clear, photogenic breaks appeal most to error collectors, though even circulated pieces with obvious die damage maintain collectible interest.

 

Where to Sell Your 1981 Dime?

With your 1981 dimes properly valued, finding the right marketplace becomes the next priority. I’ve assembled a comprehensive guide to trusted online selling platforms, complete with detailed introductions and honest assessments of each site’s advantages and limitations.

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

 

1981 Dime Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 1981 Dime

1. How can I tell the difference between 1981-S Type1 and Type2 proof dimes?

Examine the “S” mint mark closely under magnification. Type 1 shows a filled appearance with the curves of the “S” appearing slightly blob-like and less defined. The top of the “S” has a rounded profile.

Type 2 displays a clearer, better-defined “S” with bulbous serifs at both ends. The curves remain separated without touching the interior portions of the letter, and the top appears flatter. Both types were included in 1981 proof sets, though collectors specifically seek Type 2 examples for variety collections.

2. Are circulated 1981 dimes worth more than face value?

Most circulated 1981 dimes remain worth only their face value of ten cents. These coins were produced in massive quantities across three mints, with over 1.3 billion business strikes entering circulation.

Exceptions exist for specimens with notable errors like off-center strikes, die breaks, or missing clad layers, which start around $10-15. Well-preserved uncirculated examples with strong eye appeal may interest collectors at modest premiums.

3. How can I tell if my 1981 dime is in mint state condition?

Mint state coins show no wear from circulation under magnification. Examine Roosevelt’s cheekbone and hair details—these high points wear first and should display complete original luster without smoothing or flatness.

Check the torch bands and branch details on the reverse, which should remain sharp. Mint state dimes retain cartwheel luster—a rotating sheen visible when tilting under light. Contact marks may exist without affecting mint state status, as these occur during the minting process.