1985 Dime Value Checker: Errors List, “P” ,“D” &  “S” Mint Mark Worth

The 1985 Dime Value varies significantly depending on condition, mint mark, and strike quality. Circulated examples from Philadelphia and Denver are typically worth face value to $0.79, while uncirculated pieces average $5.83 to $7.29.

Full Bands (FB) specimens — dimes where the horizontal lines across the torch bands are completely unbroken — command premiums between $2.00 and $20.57 for mid-grades, and can skyrocket into the hundreds at the top end.

Proof coins from San Francisco typically trade around $6.44, though a perfect PR-70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) example has sold for $489.

Whether you are a beginning collector or someone who just found a 1985 dime in a drawer, understanding these price points will help you decide which coins are worth preserving.

 

1985 Dime Value By Variety

The United States Mint produced three main varieties of the 1985 Roosevelt dime, each with distinct characteristics and values.

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 1985 Dime Worth Money

The all-time record sale for a 1985 dime is a subject of debate among researchers. PCGS CoinFacts officially records the top auction result as $1,645 for a 1985-P graded MS-61 Full Bands, sold at Heritage Auctions on November 29, 2012.

Some analysts at Coins Value believe this price reflects a major unrecognized error coin — possibly a wrong-planchet strike — rather than a standard business strike, since MS-61 grade coins do not normally command such prices.

The most credible high-end sale is the 1985-D graded MS-68 Full Bands, which realized $1,320 at Heritage Auctions on October 18, 2020. A separate 2013 sale of a PCGS MS-68 Full Bands Denver example is reported to have reached $2,250, believed to be a top-population registry set coin with exceptional toning.

Philadelphia mint examples show interesting price variations across quality levels. A 1985-P MS-66 brought $978 at auction in 2010, while a higher-graded MS-69 sold for $558. An MS-68 example realized only $71, illustrating how specific coin characteristics — not just grade — drive final prices.

The 1985-S graded PR-70 reached $489, representing the highest possible proof grade. Lower mint state grades are far more accessible: MS-67 specimens range from $60 to $127, and MS-65 coins start at $55.

These auction records span 2002 to present, demonstrating steady collector demand for premium-quality 1985 dimes.

 

History Of The 1985 Dime

The Roosevelt dime debuted in January 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt following his death in April 1945. The denomination was chosen specifically because of Roosevelt’s deep connection to the March of Dimes, the fundraising campaign he helped establish to combat polio.

Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock created the design in just a few months, and the coin entered circulation faster than almost any previous commemorative portrait issue. The series was originally struck in 90% silver, a composition that lasted until the Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from dimes and quarters due to rising metal prices and coin hoarding.

By 1985, the Roosevelt dime had been in continuous production for nearly four decades in its copper-nickel clad form. That year, the Philadelphia Mint also had a notable quality control distinction worth knowing: researchers have documented that Philadelphia’s mid-1980s production runs resulted in relatively few well-struck examples, creating what collectors call “conditional rarity” for Full Bands specimens from this period.

On the world stage, 1985 was a pivotal year. President Reagan began his second term amid strong economic growth — GDP expanded 4.2% that year and unemployment fell to 7%. In March, Mikhail Gorbachev assumed leadership of the Soviet Union, setting the stage for the first Reagan-Gorbachev summit in Geneva that November, a historic meeting that began the thaw of the Cold War.

The 1985 dime also holds a small but notable philatelic footnote: the “P” mint mark had only appeared on Roosevelt dimes starting in 1980, making the mid-1980s issues relatively early examples of Philadelphia’s mint-marked production. San Francisco’s proof coinage that year used no silver — a fact worth noting because the U.S. Mint did not resume silver proof dimes until 1992.

As the nation moved from Cold War tension toward eventual détente, these modest copper-nickel coins passed through an America experiencing both economic optimism and historic geopolitical change.

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

 

Is Your 1985 Dime Rare?

In circulated grades, 1985 dimes from both Philadelphia and Denver are extremely common — over 1.29 billion were struck combined. The rarity picture changes dramatically at the top of the grading scale.

In MS-67 or higher with the Full Bands designation, very few examples are known at either mint. The 1985-D in MS-68 Full Torch as graded by NGC has a reported population of just 3 coins — making it genuinely rare despite the enormous original mintage.

The Full Torch (FT) designation from NGC is actually stricter than PCGS’s Full Bands (FB): NGC requires complete band separation plus clear definition of the vertical lines on the torch itself, while PCGS requires only complete band separation.

For detailed rarity rankings and specific variety information about your 1985 Dime, our Coin Value Checker App provides accurate assessments to help you understand exactly how uncommon your coin is within the Roosevelt Dime series.

 

Key Features Of The 1985 Dime

The 1985 Roosevelt dime displays Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock’s enduring design from 1946. This clad coin features a copper core sandwiched between copper-nickel outer layers.

Understanding these design elements helps collectors identify authentic specimens and assess their quality.

The Obverse Of The 1985 Dime

The obverse shows President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s left-facing profile as the central element. “LIBERTY” appears along the left rim, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” is positioned below Roosevelt’s chin.

The date “1985” sits at the lower right, and designer John R. Sinnock’s initials “JS” appear at the base of Roosevelt’s neck. The mint mark, when present, appears just above the date on the obverse — Philadelphia coins bear a “P,” Denver coins show a “D,” and San Francisco proofs display an “S.” The “P” mint mark on Philadelphia dimes was first introduced in 1980, so 1985 examples are relatively early representatives of this practice.

The Reverse Of The 1985 Dime

The reverse features a torch at center, symbolizing liberty. An olive branch flanks the torch on the left (representing peace), and an oak branch appears on the right (symbolizing strength). The inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” stretches across the upper field, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the outer rim and “ONE DIME” at the bottom.

The torch bands are particularly important to collectors. Full Bands (FB) specimens — as graded by PCGS — show completely unbroken horizontal lines across the torch bands with no metal bridging. NGC uses the stricter “Full Torch” (FT) designation, which requires those same separated bands plus clearly defined vertical lines along the torch itself.

Other Features Of The 1985 Dime

The coin weighs 2.27 grams and measures 17.91 millimeters in diameter. Its composition consists of outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core — giving a net composition of approximately 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. The edge features 118 distinctive reeds for security and identification purposes.

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

 

1985 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The Philadelphia Mint produced 705,200,962 dimes in 1985, making it the higher-mintage facility that year. Denver struck 587,979,970 pieces — approximately 117 million fewer than Philadelphia. Combined production exceeded 1.29 billion coins, a typical figure for mid-1980s circulation demand.

San Francisco produced 3,362,821 proof coins that year, all sold exclusively in proof sets. Importantly, these 1985-S proofs contain no silver — the U.S. Mint did not resume production of silver proof dimes until 1992 when it launched the Premier Silver Proof Set program.

The high business-strike mintages mean most 1985 dimes from both facilities remain common in circulated grades. The challenge for collectors lies in locating premium uncirculated specimens with the Full Bands or Full Torch designation — grades where even a billion-coin mintage produces only a handful of surviving examples at the very top of the scale.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1985 Dime Value

Determining your 1985 dime’s worth requires examining several key factors. First, check the mint mark above the date to identify whether it’s from Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S).

Next, assess the coin’s condition by looking for wear, scratches, or damage. Inspect the torch bands on the reverse — if the horizontal lines appear complete and unbroken with no metal bridging them together, you may have a Full Bands specimen. Consider having valuable specimens professionally graded by PCGS or NGC to confirm their worth and unlock the premium that the FB or FT designation carries.

For instant, accurate valuations based on current market data, simply scan your coin using the Coin Value Checker App to receive a detailed assessment within seconds.

 

1985 Dime Value Guides

The United States Mint produced 1985 Roosevelt dimes at three facilities, creating distinct varieties for collectors:

• 1985-P Dime – Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of 705,200,960 pieces. These coins bear a “P” mint mark above the date, a practice that began only in 1980 for Roosevelt dimes. Quality control issues during Philadelphia’s mid-1980s production runs resulted in relatively few well-struck examples, creating genuine conditional rarity for Full Bands specimens.
• 1985-D Dime – Produced at the Denver Mint with a mintage of 587,979,970 coins. The “D” mint mark appears above the date. Denver’s 1985 output is regarded by collectors as showing slightly better average strike consistency than Philadelphia’s, making the 1985-D Full Bands variety the more actively pursued of the two business strikes.
• 1985-S DCAM Dime – Struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint with a proof mintage of 3,362,821. These collector coins feature Deep Cameo (DCAM) contrast — frosted design elements against mirror-like fields. These proofs contain no silver; the U.S. Mint did not reintroduce silver proof dimes until 1992.

Each variety represents a different production purpose and collecting opportunity. The Philadelphia and Denver issues served everyday commerce with a combined output exceeding 1.29 billion coins, while San Francisco focused solely on premium collector specimens never intended for circulation.

 

1985-P Dime Value

The 1985-P Roosevelt dime represents Philadelphia Mint production for the year, with over 705 million pieces struck for circulation.

These coins remain extremely common in grades through MS-66. Finding specimens in MS-67 or higher becomes genuinely challenging, and MS-68 examples are described by PCGS CoinFacts as having “very few known.” Researchers have noted that Philadelphia’s quality control during this era resulted in fewer fully struck examples than Denver, creating a real scarcity at the top of the grading scale for Full Bands coins.

The FB designation — awarded by PCGS when both the upper and lower horizontal bands on the torch show complete separation with no metal bridging — multiplies value by 4 to 5 times compared to a non-FB coin in the same grade. NGC applies the stricter Full Torch (FT) standard, which additionally requires clear vertical line definition on the torch, making FT coins conditionally rarer than PCGS FB at equivalent grades.

The PCGS auction record stands at $1,645 for an MS-61 FB, sold at Heritage Auctions on November 29, 2012 — though some researchers believe this coin may have been a major unrecognized error. The more conventional record is an MS-66 that brought $978 in 2010.

A Heritage Auctions January 2008 FUN Signature Sale (#454) also featured a 1985-P die cap mated pair error, certified by PCGS as MS-66 and MS-64, demonstrating that dramatic error coins from this date do surface at major sales.

Auction records show price trends and collector demand patterns over time.

Market activity reveals consistent trading interest throughout collecting seasons.

 

1985-D Dime Value

The 1985-D Roosevelt dime represents Denver Mint production, with nearly 588 million pieces struck for circulation.

Denver coins generally show slightly better average strike quality compared to Philadelphia issues from this era, making the Full Bands designation the most actively sought variety in the 1985 business-strike market. Even so, high-grade FB and FT specimens are genuinely rare at the extreme top of the grading scale.

According to NGC population data, the 1985-D graded MS-68 Full Torch carries a reported population of just 3 coins — none graded higher. This figure illustrates why a single top-pop example can command extraordinary premiums in today’s competitive registry set market.

The PCGS auction record for the 1985-D Full Bands stands at $1,320 for an MS-68 FB specimen, sold at Heritage Auctions on October 18, 2020. A separate 2013 Heritage sale of another PCGS MS-68 FB Denver example reportedly reached $2,250, attributed to exceptional toning on a top-population coin.

Historical auction results demonstrate steady collector interest over multiple decades.

Market activity patterns reveal consistent trading throughout the numismatic calendar year.

 

1985-S DCAM Dime Value

The 1985-S represents a special proof striking made exclusively for collectors. San Francisco produced 3,362,821 specimens, sold only in proof sets and never intended for circulation.

Deep Cameo (DCAM) refers to the dramatic contrast created when frosted, satiny design elements appear against mirror-like polished fields.

San Francisco proof coins receive special production treatment: polished dies and specially prepared planchets are used, and each coin is struck at least twice at slower press speeds to sharpen every detail. This process creates the brilliant mirrored backgrounds that distinguish proof coins from regular business strikes.

One important detail often overlooked: the 1985-S proof contains absolutely no silver. It is a standard copper-nickel clad coin, identical in composition to the circulation strikes. The U.S. Mint did not resume production of silver proof dimes until 1992, when it launched the Premier Silver Proof Set program. Silver proof dimes became even more common after 1992 as part of expanded collector offerings.

The PCGS auction record for the 1985-S DCAM stands at $489 for a perfect PR-70 specimen, sold in May 2003. Most examples grade one step below at PR-69 DCAM, where prices are considerably more accessible.

Historical auction data reveals pricing patterns for this collector-focused variety over time.

Market activity shows consistent demand for these specially produced San Francisco proof coins.

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

 

Rare 1985 Dime Error List

While the 1985 Roosevelt dime has no confirmed major doubled die varieties registered with CONECA (Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America) or Variety Vista, the series can display a variety of minting mistakes that carry real collector premiums.

The small 17.91mm planchet actually makes it easier for striking anomalies to slip past quality control undetected, and pre-2002 mint production methods released a higher percentage of errors into circulation than modern automated systems do today.

1. Off-Center Strike

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet shifts out of position before the dies come together. The resulting coin shows the design pushed toward one side with a corresponding blank crescent on the other.

Values depend primarily on two factors: the percentage of misalignment and whether the date remains fully visible. Minor off-center strikes of 5-10% add only modest premiums in the $15-$30 range, while dramatic 30-50% off-center examples with the complete “1985” date visible can bring $100-$200 or more. An off-center 1985 dime with 40%+ displacement and a clearly readable date in uncirculated condition can exceed $200 at auction.

2. Clipped Planchet

Clipped planchet errors occur when the metal strip used to punch coin blanks overlaps a previous punch hole, creating a blank with a section missing from its edge. Both curved clips (the most common type, from overlapping punches) and straight clips (from the end of the metal strip) appear on 1985 dimes from both Philadelphia and Denver.

The Blakesley Effect — a weakness in the rim directly opposite the clip — is the key authentication tool for genuine examples. Small clips of 5-10% of the planchet typically bring $10-$25. Medium clips removing 15-25% range from $30-$60. Large clips taking 30% or more, especially in uncirculated condition with the date clearly visible, can reach $75-$150.

3. Doubled Die Errors (DDO / DDR)

A doubled die error (DDO = Doubled Die Obverse, DDR = Doubled Die Reverse) occurs during die production when the hub impresses the design into the die multiple times in slightly different positions. This creates a permanent doubling that appears on every coin struck by that die.

No confirmed major doubled die variety for 1985 appears in the CONECA master die variety list or Variety Vista database maintained by Dr. James Wiles. However, collectors on PCGS boards and CoinTalk forums regularly report minor doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the date digits, and Roosevelt’s facial features on 1985-P coins.

Genuine hub doubling shows raised, rounded secondary images with notched letter serifs — not the shelf-like mechanical doubling from die bounce, which adds no premium value. Confirmed minor DDO examples in circulated condition typically bring $15-$40, while uncirculated specimens with strong, clear doubling can command $75-$150 at auction.

4. Broadstrike Errors

A broadstrike occurs when the retaining collar — the steel ring that holds the planchet in place during striking and creates the coin’s edge reeding — fails to rise into position before the dies hit. Without the collar, the metal spreads outward freely under pressure.

The result is an oversized coin with a flat, unreaeded edge, typically measuring 19-22mm in diameter compared to the standard 17.91mm. All design elements are present but spread across a wider area. You can confirm a genuine broadstrike by measuring the diameter and checking the edge: broadstrikes always have a completely smooth, reeding-free edge. Broadstrike 1985 dimes typically sell for $40-$100 in circulated condition, with dramatic uncirculated examples reaching $200 or more.

5. Missing Clad Layer Errors

The copper-nickel clad composition of post-1964 dimes creates a unique category of error: coins where one or both outer nickel layers failed to bond properly to the copper core before striking.

A coin missing its obverse clad layer will appear copper-colored on the front and silver-colored on the back. A coin missing its reverse clad layer shows the opposite pattern.

Single missing clad layer Roosevelt dimes are relatively uncommon but do appear periodically. An extremely rare subtype — the dual missing clad layer, where both nickel layers are absent, leaving only the copper core — has fewer than 10 confirmed examples known across the entire Roosevelt dime series, according to PCGS research. Single missing clad layer dimes typically sell for $20-$75, while dual missing clad layer examples can reach $1,000 to $5,000 depending on condition.

6. Die Cracks and Cuds

Die cracks appear as raised lines running across the coin’s surface, caused by stress fractures in the striking die. Metal flows into these cracks during each strike, creating permanent raised ridges on struck coins.

Cuds represent an advanced form of die break where a fragment of the die breaks away completely. The missing area creates a raised, featureless blob on the coin because the die can no longer impress a design in that zone. Dramatic cuds affecting major design elements — such as Roosevelt’s portrait or the date — command the most interest from error collectors. Minor die cracks add modest collectible interest in the $5-$20 range, while significant cuds on high-quality examples can bring $50-$150 or more.

 

Where To Sell Your 1985 Dime?

Choosing the right selling venue significantly impacts your final return. Each platform offers distinct advantages and limitations for 1985 dime sellers.

We’ve compiled detailed information about the best online selling options, including their benefits and drawbacks, to help you make an informed decision.

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

 

1985 Dime Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1985 Dime Value

1. Are 1985 dimes made of silver?

No, 1985 dimes contain no silver at all. The Roosevelt dime series transitioned from 90% silver to copper-nickel clad in 1965 under the Coinage Act of that year. All 1985 dimes — including the San Francisco proof — feature a pure copper core sandwiched between outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel, giving a net melt value of roughly $0.03. The U.S. Mint did not reintroduce silver proof dimes until 1992.

2. What does “Full Bands” mean on a 1985 dime?

Full Bands (FB) is a special designation awarded by PCGS when the horizontal bands crossing the torch on the reverse show complete, unbroken separation with no metal bridging them. It indicates exceptional strike quality.

NGC uses a stricter standard called Full Torch (FT), which requires band separation plus clear definition of the vertical lines on the torch itself. Because of this difference, an NGC FT coin is generally considered rarer and more valuable than a PCGS FB coin at the same numeric grade.

3. How much is a 1985 dime worth?

Most circulated 1985 dimes are worth face value — 10 cents. Uncirculated examples range from $5.83 to $7.29 depending on grade. Full Bands specimens command higher premiums, from $2.00 at lower grades to $20+ at MS-65.

Proof coins from San Francisco average around $6.44, with a perfect PR-70 DCAM having sold for $489 at auction. In top grades with the Full Bands designation, exceptional examples have sold for over $1,300 at Heritage Auctions.

4. What is the difference between the PCGS Full Bands and NGC Full Torch designation?

Both designations certify exceptional strike quality on the torch bands of the reverse, but they use different standards. PCGS Full Bands (FB) requires complete separation of the upper and lower horizontal band pairs with no metal bridging.

NGC Full Torch (FT) uses a stricter criterion: it requires those same separated bands plus clearly visible vertical lines along the torch body. Because of this stricter requirement, NGC FT coins are conditionally rarer than PCGS FB coins, and the FT designation can command a premium of 4 to 5 times over a non-designated coin of the same grade.

5. How many 1985-D MS-68 Full Torch dimes are known to exist?

According to NGC population data, the 1985-D Roosevelt dime in MS-68 Full Torch has a reported population of just 3 coins — none graded higher. This extraordinary rarity is what drove the $1,320 Heritage Auctions sale in October 2020 for a PCGS MS-68 FB example, and a reported $2,250 sale for another 2013 PCGS MS-68 FB specimen. Out of nearly 588 million 1985-D dimes struck, only a tiny handful survived in this pristine condition.

6. Does the 1985 dime have any confirmed error varieties?

No major doubled die or repunched mint mark varieties for 1985 are confirmed in CONECA’s master die variety list or Variety Vista (the authoritative databases maintained by researchers including Dr. James Wiles).

However, documented error types do appear on 1985 dimes, including off-center strikes, clipped planchets, broadstrikes (missing collar errors), missing clad layer errors, and die cracks. A notable 1985-P die cap mated pair error certified by PCGS as MS-66 and MS-64 sold at Heritage Auctions in January 2008.

7. What is a missing clad layer error on a 1985 dime, and what is it worth?

A missing clad layer error occurs when the copper-nickel outer layer fails to bond to the copper core before the planchet is struck. The coin ends up copper-colored on one side and silver-colored on the other.

A single missing clad layer dime typically sells for $20-$75. An extremely rare subtype called the dual missing clad layer — where both nickel layers are absent — has fewer than 10 confirmed examples in the entire Roosevelt dime series. Dual missing clad layer examples sell for $1,000 to $5,000 depending on condition.

8. What should I look for when checking my 1985 dime for errors?

Start by weighing the coin — a standard 1985 dime should be 2.27 grams. Anything significantly lighter may indicate a missing clad layer or wrong-planchet error. Measure the diameter: normal dimes are 17.91mm, and broadstrike errors measure larger.

Inspect the edge for missing sections (clipped planchet) and verify all 118 reeds are present; a smooth edge signals a broadstrike. Use a 10x jeweler’s loupe to examine the lettering and date for any doubling that shows distinct secondary images rather than flat shelf-like extensions from mechanical doubling.

9. Are 1985 proof dimes worth collecting?

Yes, the 1985-S proof dime is a worthwhile and accessible collector item. With a mintage of 3,362,821, examples are readily available in PR-69 DCAM at modest prices. The top grade of PR-70 DCAM has sold for $489 — still very affordable compared to business-strike MS-68 FB coins.

One important distinction for collectors: these proofs contain no silver, as the U.S. Mint did not resume silver proof dime production until 1992. Collectors building complete Roosevelt proof dime sets often target this year as a necessary, budget-friendly addition.

10. Is the 1985 dime worth getting professionally graded?

Grading by PCGS or NGC is generally worthwhile only for coins in MS-66 or higher condition, any coin with a potential Full Bands or Full Torch designation, or any genuine error coin. A basic circulated 1985 dime cannot justify grading fees.

However, if your coin appears to have complete, separated torch bands in uncirculated condition, professional grading can unlock significant premiums — a coin that looks like MS-67 FB in-hand could be worth $100+ if certified. For error coins like broadstrikes, missing clad layers, or dramatic off-center strikes, professional authentication through PCGS, NGC, or ANACS is strongly recommended before selling.