1989 Dime Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 1989 Roosevelt Dime reveals a substantial value range that varies dramatically with condition and mint mark.

Most circulated examples hold minimal collector interest. A 1989-P dime grades at just $0.10 in Good condition and $0.31 in Fine condition. However, preservation makes a significant difference—that same Philadelphia-minted coin jumps to $20.86 in pristine Mint State.

This guides can help collectors decide which specimens merit professional grading and long-term preservation.

 

1989 Dime Value By Variety

Current pricing for 1989 dimes varies significantly between Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco issues, as shown in the comprehensive breakdown below. 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 1989 Dime Worth Money

The top-valued 1989 Roosevelt Dimes show significant price variation based on grade and characteristics. The 1989-P MS68 holds the highest position at $5,000. This Philadelphia-minted specimen represents exceptional preservation, with limited examples existing at this grade level.

The second position features a 1989-P MS61 that sold for $1,998 at Heritage Auctions in June 2013. This substantial price for a lower mint state grade indicates the presence of the Full Bands designation, which reflects superior strike quality on the torch bands.

Denver Mint specimens also command notable premiums. The 1989-D MS68 reached $677 in January 2011, while standard MS68 examples without Full Bands brought $167. And the 1989-S PR70 proof, representing specialized San Francisco production, achieved $403.

These auction records demonstrate how grading distinctions and strike characteristics create measurable value differences across this common-date series, with top-tier specimens reaching prices far beyond typical circulation examples.

 

History of The 1989 Dime

The Roosevelt Dime entered production in 1946, establishing a design that would remain essentially unchanged for decades. Designer John R. Sinnock created a portrait that honored the late president while establishing visual continuity in American coinage.

The series underwent its most significant transformation in 1965. Rising silver prices forced abandonment of the precious metal composition. The new copper-nickel clad structure became permanent for circulation coins. By 1989, this composition had been in use for nearly a quarter century.

The dime marked the final year of the 1980s, a decade defined by economic transformation and technological advancement. That year saw the Roosevelt Dime continuing its role as everyday currency.

The late 1980s presented economic challenges for many Americans. The savings and loan crisis deepened throughout 1989. Despite economic pressures, small denomination coins remained essential for daily commerce. Roosevelt dimes facilitated countless transactions from pay phones to parking meters.

These 1989 coins represented stability amid change. While the world experienced dramatic political shifts, American pocket change maintained its familiar appearance.

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

 

Is You 1989 Dime Rare?

Wondering if your 1989 dime might be rare or valuable? Use our CoinValueChecker App to instantly check its rarity and potential market worth.

 

Key Features of The 1989 Dime

The 1989 Roosevelt dime is a ten-cent coin that has been continuously minted since 1946. This particular year saw production at multiple mint facilities, creating coins for everyday circulation across America.

The coin was designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, whose artistic vision has remained largely unchanged for decades. The 1989 edition maintains the classic design elements that have made this coin instantly recognizable to generations of Americans.

The Obverse Of The 1989 Dime

The obverse of the 1989 dime depicts President Franklin D. Roosevelt in left-facing profile, with the inscription “LIBERTY” positioned in front of his face.

The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on the obverse, divided into two parts beneath Roosevelt’s portrait. The year “1989” is prominently displayed to the right of the president’s neck truncation. Sinnock’s initials, “JS,” are found at the left of the date. These small letters identify the designer’s work and have been a consistent feature since the coin’s introduction in 1946.

Unlike earlier dimes struck before 1967 that have the mintmark on the lower reverse, the mintmark of this year is on the obverse above the date. The 1989 dimes were produced with “P” (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco, proof only) mint marks.

The Reverse Of The 1989 Dime

The reverse shows a torch in the center, representing liberty, flanked by an olive sprig representing peace on the left, and an oak branch symbolizing strength and independence on the right. This powerful symbolism reflects the values that emerged from America’s victory in World War II.

The inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (out of many, one) stretches across the field between the branches. This Latin phrase reinforces the unity of the American states and people.

The outer legends include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcing along the top portion of the coin, while “ONE DIME” appears along the bottom, clearly indicating the coin’s denomination. These inscriptions frame the central design elements in a balanced and aesthetically pleasing arrangement.

Other Features Of The 1989 Dime

The edge of the 1989 dime is reeded, featuring 118 distinct grooves. And it measures 17.90 millimeters in diameter and weighs 2.27 grams. These precise specifications ensure the coin functions properly in vending machines and automated systems throughout the country.

The metal composition consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel in the outer layers, bonded to a pure copper center core. This three-layer “sandwich” construction gives the coin its distinctive appearance and durability while eliminating the need for precious metals.

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

 

1989 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

Mintage figures for 1989 dimes vary considerably across facilities. Philadelphia struck 1,298,400,000 coins, followed by Denver at 896,535,597. San Francisco minted only 3,220,194 proof coins in Deep Cameo finish.

Survival data reveals a dramatic contrast. Both P and D coins have unknown survival numbers from circulation. The S DCAM proofs show documented survival of 2,753,265 specimens, achieving an 85.5% survival rate.

The survival distribution chart shows S DCAM dominates the known population. Proof coins were sold directly to collectors in protective packaging and carefully preserved. P and D coins dispersed into commerce and lack systematic tracking.

This demonstrates that preservation methods determine long-term availability rather than initial mintage figures.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1989 Dime Value

The easiest way to determine your 1989 dime value is by examining its mint mark, condition grade, and special characteristics like proof finish or errors. Check the reverse for P, D, or S markings and assess surface quality carefully.

For instant accurate valuations, try the CoinValueChecker App. Simply photograph your coin and receive immediate professional assessments based on current market data and certified grading standards.

 

1989 Dime Value Guides

The 1989 Roosevelt dime exists in three distinct varieties.

• 1989-P Dime: Philadelphia circulation strike for everyday use
• 1989-D Dime: Denver circulation strike with standard finish
• 1989-S DCAM Dime: San Francisco proof with deep cameo contrast

P and D versions represent standard circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver mints. These coins feature typical business strike characteristics and were released into commerce. The S DCAM represents a collector-grade proof coin from San Francisco. It displays mirror-like fields with frosted devices, creating dramatic contrast. This deep cameo finish distinguishes it from regular strikes.

Condition and preservation significantly affect value across all varieties. Proof specimens maintain premium status when properly stored.

 

1989-P Dime Value

The 1989-P Roosevelt dime from Philadelphia carries over 1.2 billion in mintage, making circulated examples readily available. However, collector interest focuses on premium-grade specimens that reveal significant value differences.

The coin’s value climbs steadily through the grading spectrum: MS65 specimens trade around $7, MS66 examples bring $12, and MS67 pieces typically reach $30. An MS61 FB specimen achieved $1,998 at Heritage Auctions on June 5, 2013, revealing how exceptional strike characteristics can elevate value even at lower numerical grades.

Philadelphia’s 1989 production runs produced few pieces that retained sharp, crisp details through decades of potential handling. Collectors pursuing top-tier examples face genuine scarcity, as most survivors show average wear or incomplete striking details from their years in commerce.

Historical auction records provide detailed performance data across grade levels.

Recent market activity chart also reveals current collector demand patterns.

 

1989-D Dime Value

Denver’s 1989 output provides accessible collecting opportunities, with original Mint Set specimens available around $2.50. Certified pieces follow clear value tiers: MS65-MS66 examples trade near $10, while MS67 specimens command $30. At exceptional MS68 preservation, prices have reached $677, reflecting genuine rarity at the highest quality levels.

What distinguishes Denver strikes is technical execution—among professionally graded examples, 46% received superior strike designations, notably exceeding Philadelphia’s percentage.

The grading threshold centers on surface preservation and luster integrity: MS65 tolerates minor contact marks, MS66 requires full mint bloom with minimal disturbance, while MS67 demands near-pristine surfaces. This quality distribution explains the price differential between grade levels.

Unlike premium Roosevelt issues such as the 1949-D or the sought-after 1982 no-P variety, the 1989-D functions primarily as a study piece for modern strike quality assessment. Base-metal composition and substantial surviving populations limit long-term appreciation potential, though premium-grade specimens maintain steady collector demand.

Historical auction records document grade-specific performance across decades.

Current market activity reveals sustained collector interest in the 1989-D issue.

 

1989-S DCAM Dime Value

The 1989-S proof dime presents a curious market situation. With a mintage of 3.2 million—lower than surrounding years—PR70 deep cameo examples sell for around only $20 today.

The explanation centers on production quality. By 1989, San Francisco’s techniques had evolved to where flawless deep cameo strikes became routine rather than fortunate accidents. Fresh dies, refined polishing methods, and careful handling resulted in abundant PR70 specimens. Earlier years couldn’t match this consistency—their PR70 populations remained genuinely scarce despite higher mintages.

This shift transformed valuations dramatically. A PR70 example brought $403 at Heritage Auctions in 2005, but as certification services graded thousands more perfect specimens over the following years, prices settled near $20.

The abundance eliminated scarcity premiums that collectors traditionally pay for perfection. For those starting out, the 1989-S now offers an accessible path to owning technically flawless deep cameo quality.

Complete auction records trace this coin’s pricing history across multiple decades.

The past year’s market activity provides insight into its current popularity and demand dynamics.

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

 

Rare 1989 Dime Error List

1989 Roosevelt dimes underwent various minting defects that transformed ordinary pocket change into collectible treasures. While standard circulation pieces hold minimal value beyond face worth, specific production anomalies can elevate prices substantially depending on their severity and visual impact.

1. Missing Clad Layer Errors

This error originates from bonding failures during planchet strip preparation at the mint facility. The 1989 dime’s three-layer construction—copper core sandwiched between nickel surfaces—sometimes experiences incomplete adhesion between metals.

When the outer nickel layer fails to bond properly with the copper center, the punched blank separates during production, resulting in a coin displaying orange-red copper on one side while maintaining its normal silvery appearance on the reverse. Authentication requires examining edge coloration and verifying slightly reduced weight compared to standard specifications.

An uncertified 1989-P specimen with obverse clad absence listed for $75 on auction platforms in mid-2025, demonstrating sustained demand for these visually distinctive pieces. The randomness of layer separation means either obverse or reverse defects occur with equal frequency, commanding comparable market premiums among specialists.

2. Clipped Planchet Errors

Misalignment during the blanking press operation creates coins with missing edge portions when punches overlap previously stamped holes or catch strip boundaries.

Three distinct variations emerge: curved clips from adjacent punch interference, straight clips when cutting reaches strip edges, and ragged clips from defective metal areas in the source material.

Valuation increases proportionally with the missing section’s size, particularly when dates remain fully legible despite substantial material absence. A circulated 1989-P example featuring noticeable clipping sold for approximately $35 in early 2025.

While Roosevelt dimes exhibit this error more frequently than many commemorative series, specimens combining large clip percentages with sharp date numerals still attract dedicated buyers.

3. Off-Center Strike Errors

Improper planchet positioning between striking dies produces coins where imagery appears on only a fraction of the available metal surface. As the hammer die descends, shifted blanks receive partial impressions, leaving blank planchet areas visible along edges where no contact occurred.

The displacement percentage directly determines desirability—minor 5-10% shifts generate modest interest, whereas 50%+ examples retaining readable dates can reach thousands of dollars at specialized auctions. Roosevelt dimes appear with off-center strikes more regularly than larger denominations due to their compact size and high production volumes.

A 1916 Mercury dime struck 95% off-center achieved approximately $5,000 valuation, establishing precedent for extreme Roosevelt variants. Identification focuses on verifying date visibility and calculating the precise degree of design displacement from center position.

 

Where To Sell Your 1989 Dime?

Finding the right place to sell your 1989 dime makes all the difference in getting a fair price. From online marketplaces to specialist auction sites, each option offers unique benefits for different collectors’ needs.

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

 

1989 Dime Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About 1989 Dime

1. How much is a 1989 dime worth?

Most circulated 1989 dimes are worth face value only.

Uncirculated specimens typically range from $3-$7 in MS-65 to MS-67 grades. Higher grades command premiums—MS-67 examples sell for $15-$25, while exceptional MS-68 specimens with Full Bands can reach $150-$500. Proof coins (1989-S) typically sell for $3-$10 depending on grade.

2. What mint marks appear on 1989 dimes?

Three varieties exist: 1989-P (Philadelphia), 1989-D (Denver), and 1989-S (San Francisco proof only).

The mint mark appears on the obverse above the date. Philadelphia produced 1.298 billion pieces, Denver struck 896.5 million, while San Francisco created proof specimens exclusively for collectors. The “P” mint mark is located just above the year 1989 on regular strikes.

3. Which 1989 dime errors are most valuable?

Missing clad layer errors command highest premiums at $75+, showing copper on one side.

Off-center strikes with visible dates fetch $35-$150 depending on displacement percentage. Clipped planchets sell for $35 in circulated condition. A 70% off-center strike sold for approximately $150 in 2024, demonstrating strong collector demand for dramatic striking errors.