1986 Dime Value (Errors List, “P” ,“D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 1986 Roosevelt dime appears ordinary at first glance—over 1.1 billion were produced that year. Yet 1986 Dime value spans from face value to nearly $2,000 depending on condition and features.

Circulated pieces trade for $0.10-$0.79, while basic uncirculated coins reach $8.86-$11.43. The difference-maker is the “Full Bands” designation, where torch bands show complete separation.

These FB specimens jump to $24.83-$58.19 at standard grades. At premium levels, a 1986-P MS67FB achieved $1,998 at auction. The key factors are straightforward: mint mark (P, D, or S), grade level, and strike quality determine whether your dime is worth ten cents or several hundred dollars.

 

1986 Dime Value By Variety

The following chart provides baseline values for 1986 Roosevelt dimes across different conditions and mint marks.

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 1986 Dime Worth Money

The most striking revelation is the dramatic value gap between MS66 ($150) and MS67 ($1,998) grades for Philadelphia-minted coins—a staggering 13-fold increase. This indicates MS67 represents an extreme condition rarity despite the 1986-P dime’s massive mintage of over 682 million pieces.

Philadelphia mint specimens consistently command premiums over Denver issues at identical grades. The 1986-P MS67 reaches nearly $2,000 while the 1986-D MS67 achieves $1,320, suggesting superior strike quality or better preservation from the Philadelphia facility.

Counterintuitively, MS68 grades ($129-$228) trade for significantly less than MS67 specimens. This anomaly likely reflects either grading inconsistencies, extremely limited MS68 populations that suppress market activity, or collector preference for the more established MS67 tier.

The proof PR70 at $380 remains surprisingly affordable compared to business strike MS67s. This demonstrates that circulating dimes achieving gem preservation face far greater challenges than specially-handled proof specimens, making high-grade business strikes the true condition rarities in this series.

 

History Of The 1986 Dime

The 1986 Roosevelt dime represents a year of economic optimism during Ronald Reagan’s second presidential term. This period marked the culmination of “Reaganomics,” with inflation dropping to historic lows of 1.9% and sustained economic growth transforming the nation’s financial landscape.

The landmark Tax Reform Act of 1986, signed that October, brought the lowest tax rates among major industrialized nations, reshaping America’s economic future while the humble dime continued circulating through millions of daily transactions.

The Roosevelt dime itself carries a remarkable legacy of consistency. First introduced in January 1946, just months after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s death, the design honored the leader who guided America through the Great Depression and World War II.

Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock created the iconic portrait, which faced early controversy when Cold War paranoia led some to mistake his “JS” initials for Joseph Stalin.

Despite this rocky start, the design has remained essentially unchanged for nearly eight decades—making it the longest-running unmodified coin design in modern American circulation.

The only significant modification occurred in 1965 when silver content was eliminated, and in 1980 when Philadelphia mint marks were added and repositioned to the obverse.

By 1986, the Roosevelt dime had become a symbol of economic continuity, silently witnessing four decades of American transformation while maintaining Sinnock’s timeless design.

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

 

Is Your 1986 Dime Rare?

 

Check your 1986 dime’s rarity instantly with CoinValueChecker APP! Our free app identifies errors, estimates grades, and shows current market values in seconds. Download today and discover what your coins are really worth.

 

Key Features Of The 1986 Dime

Understanding the design elements and physical characteristics of the 1986 Roosevelt dime is essential for collectors seeking to authenticate their coins, identify varieties, and appreciate the artistry behind this enduring American design. This section provides a comprehensive examination of the coin’s obverse, reverse, and physical specifications, offering collectors the detailed knowledge needed to evaluate their specimens accurately and recognize the craftsmanship that has made the Roosevelt dime an iconic piece of American currency for nearly eight decades.

The Obverse Of The 1986 Dime

The obverse of the 1986 Roosevelt dime showcases Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock’s masterful portrait of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in left-facing profile.

The design captures Roosevelt with dignity and strength, rendered in the reduced relief characteristic of post-1981 production changes implemented to extend die longevity.

The word “LIBERTY” curves gracefully along the left rim above Roosevelt’s head, establishing the coin’s fundamental American principle.

Below Roosevelt’s chin, the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in smaller, carefully spaced letters. The date “1986” is positioned to the right of Roosevelt’s neck truncation, with the mint mark—either “P” for Philadelphia or “D” for Denver—placed directly above the final digit.

Sinnock’s designer initials “JS” are discreetly inscribed at the base of Roosevelt’s neck, near the truncation line to the left of the date.

The Reverse Of The 1986 Dime

The reverse design presents three powerful symbolic elements arranged in balanced composition that commemorates America’s World War II victory.

At the center stands a torch representing liberty, featuring distinctive horizontal bands across its flame that collectors examine for the prized “Full Bands” designation indicating exceptional strike quality.

Flanking the torch on the left side is an olive branch symbolizing peace, while an oak branch appears on the right representing strength and independence. These branches create visual symmetry while conveying the nation’s dual commitment to peaceful ideals backed by unwavering resolve.

The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (out of many, one) stretches across the upper field, split by the torch and branches beneath. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the top rim, while “ONE DIME” appears at the bottom, separated by decorative dots on either side.

This reverse design remains essentially unchanged since Sinnock’s original 1946 concept, making it one of the longest-running coin designs in American history and a testament to its enduring aesthetic appeal.

Other Features Of The 1986 Dime

The coin measures exactly 17.9 millimeters in diameter with a standard weight of 2.27 grams, slightly lighter than its silver predecessors due to composition changes.

The edge features 118 precisely machined vertical reeds that serve dual purposes—providing a security feature against counterfeiting through edge shaving and offering a tactile identifier for visually impaired users to distinguish dimes from smooth-edged coins.

The composition consists of a “clad” sandwich structure with outer layers of cupronickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) bonded to a pure copper core, a formula adopted in 1965 when rising silver prices forced the elimination of precious metal from circulating coinage.

distinguish clad dimes from earlier 90% silver versions. The 1986 specimens also reflect the modified master hub changes implemented in 1981 that reduced the coin’s relief, creating a somewhat flatter appearance to Roosevelt’s profile compared to earlier strikes—a deliberate modification designed to extend die life during an era of massive production volumes exceeding 1.3 billion dimes annually.

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

 

1986 Dime Mintage & Survival Data     

The 1986 mintage data reveals substantial production imbalances between Philadelphia and Denver facilities. Philadelphia produced 682.6 million dimes compared to Denver’s 473.3 million—a difference exceeding 209 million pieces.

This 44% disparity reflects Philadelphia’s role as the primary production facility, historically manufacturing larger quantities to serve the more densely populated Eastern regions and maintain Federal Reserve distribution networks.

The San Francisco Deep Cameo proof survival rate of 85.5% dramatically exceeds typical circulation strike survival rates. This exceptional proof preservation stems from intentional collector acquisition and careful storage.

While over a billion circulation strikes were produced, their unknown survival rate means gem-quality specimens may be scarcer than the nearly 2.6 million surviving proofs. This dynamic explains why high-grade business strikes command premiums far exceeding proof values.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1986 Dime Value

Figuring out your dime’s true worth isn’t as simple as checking the date—you need to identify mint marks, assess condition grades, spot potential errors, and track current market prices. That’s a lot of expertise packed into one tiny coin!

CoinValueChecker APP makes it effortless: just snap a photo with your phone. Our AI instantly analyzes everything—mint mark, grade, errors, and real-time value—giving you professional-grade insights in seconds.

No magnifying glass required, no price guides to dig through. Download free and discover what’s hiding in your pocket change.

 

1986 Dime Value Guides

Each variety has distinct characteristics that affect its value and availability. Philadelphia produced the largest quantity with a “P” mint mark. Denver added a “D” mark, while San Francisco used an “S” to identify its proof output.

While P and D versions circulated widely, their values diverge based on condition and features like Full Bands designation. The S proof version with Deep Cameo finish commands premium prices due to its limited mintage and superior strike quality.

• 1986-P Dime
• 1986-D Dime
• 1986-S DCAM Dime

 

1986-P Dime Value

The 1986-P Roosevelt Dime was produced by the Philadelphia Mint. It has a massive mintage exceeding 682 million examples. This high mintage makes circulated condition coins quite common. Coins can reach grades up to MS65. Most MS65 grade coins trade near face value.

Coins in MS66 and higher grades show significantly increased rarity. Prices rise substantially as well. The most valuable feature is “Full Bands.” This means the horizontal bands on the reverse torch are completely separated and sharply defined. This feature is rare across all grades. It makes these coins highly collectible treasures.

While high-grade non-FB coins may not sell for much, coins with the Full Bands feature command prices far higher than similarly graded coins lacking this feature. This value gap is reflected in transactions. An MS67FB graded 1986-P dime can reach $1,998. An MS68 condition coin had a highest sale price of only $129. This shows that exceptional grade and the Full Bands designation can push this common date coin into four figures.

The following chart illustrates the historical auction performance of 1986-P Dime across different grades and time periods.

Market activity trends reveal buying patterns and price fluctuations for this variety throughout the numismatic marketplace.

 

1986-D Dime Value

Denver’s 1986-D production totaled approximately 473 million pieces, roughly 200 million fewer than Philadelphia’s output that year. This mintage difference doesn’t translate into dramatically higher values for typical grades. In everyday dealer transactions, both circulated and lower Mint State examples move at similar price points to their Philadelphia counterparts.

The real divergence appears when examining premium grades. According to population reports show 51 examples graded MS66 with 70 coins certified at MS67 and above. At these levels, collectors focus on superior luster, minimal contact marks, and sharp strike quality.

The market responds accordingly—the PCGS auction record stands at $1,320 for an MS67FB specimen sold through Heritage Auctions on October 21, 2020. This price point reflects the convergence of multiple desirable attributes: premium grade, exceptional surface preservation, and the critical Full Bands designation showing complete torch band separation.

Denver Mint dimes generally receive less submission volume than Philadelphia issues, meaning high-quality pieces may still exist in accumulations waiting to be discovered.

Comprehensive auction data illustrates how grade rarity and strike quality influence realized prices across multiple sales venues.

Trading patterns and collector interest levels for Denver Mint specimens reveal shifts in market demand over time.

 

1986-S DCAM Dime Value

San Francisco Mint produced 3,010,497 proof specimens in 1986, exclusively for collectors rather than circulation. Unlike their business-strike counterparts, these coins showcase the Deep Cameo effect—frosted design elements contrasting sharply against mirror-like fields, creating dramatic visual appeal that defines premium proof coinage.

The striking quality was consistently excellent, with most examples achieving PR69 Deep Cameo grade and hundreds, if not thousands, reaching perfect PR70 Deep Cameo condition. Population reports confirm this accessibility—PCGS has certified over 1,500 examples at PR70 DCAM alone.

The auction record stands at $380 for a PR70 specimen sold through Heritage Auctions in May 2003, typical PR69 DCAM examples trade for far less, often under $50.

Collectors seeking pristine Roosevelt Dimes find these proofs more attainable than high-grade business strikes, though the relatively stable pricing also means limited upside potential compared to condition-rare circulation issues.

Historical auction results demonstrate pricing stability across various grade levels for this readily available proof issue.

Collector demand patterns reveal steady but modest interest in this accessible proof variety within the Roosevelt Dime series.

1986-S Treasure Hunt Feb LB 2016

The “Treasure Hunt Feb LB 2016” designation represents a special promotional version of the 1986-S proof dime distributed during the February 2016 Long Beach Expo’s Kids Treasure Hunt event, part of PCGS’s 30th anniversary celebration.

These dimes weren’t available for purchase—they were given free to young numismatists who participated in the treasure hunt, encapsulated with distinctive commemorative labels featuring both the event name and PCGS 30th anniversary recognition.

PCGS records show this as a recognized variety within the 1986-S proof dime category, available in both CAM and DCAM designations. The coin itself is identical to any other 1986-S proof dime from that mintage, but the special label transforms it into a collectible for promotional slab enthusiasts.

Market availability remains extremely limited because most young recipients kept them as personal mementos rather than reselling them. When these do surface in the secondary market, they appeal to a specialized collector base pursuing PCGS sample and promotional slabs rather than traditional Roosevelt Dime collectors.

The value proposition differs entirely from standard numismatics—pricing depends on label scarcity and promotional slab collector demand rather than the coin’s inherent grade or condition.

Market activity reflects limited turnover as most examples remain with their original young collector recipients from the 2016 Long Beach Expo event.

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

 

Rare 1986 Dime Error List

Despite massive production numbers, 1986 Roosevelt dimes feature several valuable minting errors that attract serious collectors. These error coins represent unexpected moments in the minting process, ranging from off-center strikes to doubled dies.

Each error type offers unique characteristics that distinguish it from regular circulation strikes. Understanding these varieties helps collectors identify potentially valuable specimens hiding in pocket change.

This guide explores the three most common error types found on 1986 Roosevelt dimes and their key identifying features.

1. Off-Center Strike Error

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet fails to align properly between the dies during striking, resulting in a coin with misaligned design and visible blank areas.

The error severity ranges from 5% to 95% displacement, with greater percentages commanding higher premiums—especially when the date remains visible.

For 1986 Roosevelt dimes, off-center strikes are relatively common among error types, but specimens showing 50% or more displacement with a full date can fetch several hundred dollars. Key identification features include incomplete design elements, exposed blank planchet areas, and irregular coin shape.

The value depends heavily on the degree of misalignment, date visibility, and overall condition. Collector demand remains steady for dramatic examples with well-preserved strikes.

2. Doubled Die Error (DDO/DDR)

Doubled die errors originate during die manufacturing when the hub stamp creates multiple impressions that aren’t perfectly aligned. This misalignment produces coins with doubled images in letters, numbers, or design elements.

1986 dimes may exhibit doubling on the obverse (DDO) or reverse (DDR), most commonly visible in “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” or date digits.

Genuine doubled dies show clear, raised doubling where both primary and secondary images appear at equal height—distinct from mechanical doubling which appears flat and shelf-like.

Identification requires careful examination, ideally with magnification, to spot the characteristic separated, rounded doubling.

Values range from $20 to several hundred dollars depending on doubling prominence, location, and coin grade. Strong, easily visible doubling commands the highest premiums among collectors.

3. Broadstrike Error

Broadstrike errors occur when the collar die fails to engage during striking, allowing the metal to spread beyond normal dimensions without containment.

This produces coins that are wider, slightly thinner, and feature completely smooth edges lacking the characteristic reeding. 1986 Roosevelt dimes with broadstrikes display distinctive characteristics: expanded diameter, uniform smooth rim, and slightly “stretched” or flattened design elements across the surface.

The error is relatively uncommon in the Roosevelt dime series, making authenticated specimens desirable to error coin specialists.

Typical broadstrike examples range from $20 to $50 in value, with uncirculated specimens commanding higher prices. Collectors appreciate these errors for their dramatic appearance and ease of identification compared to subtler minting varieties.

 

Where To Sell Your 1986 Dime?

Ready to sell your 1986 Dime? Finding the right marketplace is crucial for maximizing your coin’s value. Below, I’ve compiled the best platforms for selling error coins, complete with detailed reviews of their features, advantages, and limitations.

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

 

1986 Dime Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1986 Dime         

1. How much is a 1986 dime worth?

Most circulated 1986 dimes are worth face value (10 cents). However, uncirculated specimens can be valuable depending on grade and features. Standard MS65 coins trade near $8-11, but high-grade examples command significant premiums.

The 1986-P MS67 can reach $1,998, while 1986-D MS67FB sold for $1,320. The key value driver is the “Full Bands” (FB) designation—when torch bands on the reverse are completely separated and sharply defined. Proof versions (1986-S DCAM) are more affordable, with PR70 examples around $380 despite their superior appearance.

2. What makes a 1986 dime valuable?

Three factors determine 1986 dime value: grade condition, Full Bands designation, and mint mark. Higher grades (MS67+) are exponentially rarer and more valuable than typical mint state coins.

The Full Bands feature—showing complete separation of horizontal torch bands—dramatically increases worth, sometimes multiplying values by 10x or more at identical grades.

Philadelphia mint (P) specimens generally command premiums over Denver (D) coins. Proof versions (S) are valuable but more common in high grades. Error coins like off-center strikes, doubled dies, and broadstrikes add significant collector appeal and value.

3. Are 1986-S proof dimes worth collecting?

Yes, but understand their value proposition differs from business strikes. San Francisco produced 3,010,497 proof specimens with Deep Cameo contrast—frosted designs against mirror fields.

Most achieve PR69 DCAM grade easily. While beautiful, their abundance limits value growth; PR70 examples peak around $380.

Ironically, high-grade business strikes (MS67+) are far scarcer and more valuable because circulation coins face preservation challenges proofs avoid. Proofs offer affordable entry into gem Roosevelt dimes but lack the condition rarity and appreciation potential of exceptional business strikes.