1989 Dime Value Checker: Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth

The 1989 Roosevelt Dime surprises most people who look closely at it. While the majority are worth face value, certain specimens with exceptional strike quality or rare minting errors have sold for thousands of dollars at major auction houses.

Most circulated examples hold minimal collector interest. A 1989-P dime grades at just $0.10 in Good condition and around $0.31 in Fine condition. However, preservation and strike quality make a dramatic difference — that same Philadelphia-minted coin can jump to over $20 in pristine Mint State, and the absolute best examples have topped $5,000.

This guide helps 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 special characteristics. The 1989-P MS68 holds the highest recorded position at $5,000, representing a coin in exceptional preservation with virtually no contact marks.

The second position features a 1989-P MS61 that sold for $1,998 at Heritage Auctions in June 2013. This substantial price for a relatively low Mint State grade is explained entirely by the Full Bands (FB) designation — meaning the torch bands on the reverse show perfect, complete separation.

A landmark March 2020 auction recorded the 1989-D MS68 FB selling for $5,280, surpassing the 1989-P record of $2,925 set around the same period. By comparison, a standard 1989-D MS68 without Full Bands brought only $677 in January 2011 — illustrating just how much the FB designation adds to value.

The 1989-S PR70 proof, representing specialized San Francisco production, achieved $403 at Heritage Auctions in 2005. Today, that same coin typically sells for around $20, a dramatic shift caused by the flood of certified PR70 examples entering the market over the following decades.

 

History of the 1989 Dime

The Roosevelt Dime entered production on January 30, 1946 — the late president’s 64th birthday — just months after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death on April 12, 1945. Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, who served as the eighth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1925 until his death on May 14, 1947, was selected for the job because he had already designed a Mint presidential medal of Roosevelt.

Sinnock’s first submitted design, dated October 12, 1945, was actually rejected. A revised version was accepted on January 6, 1946. Interestingly, the “JS” initials Sinnock placed at the base of Roosevelt’s neck immediately sparked controversy — strong anti-Communist sentiment led to rumors that the initials stood for Joseph Stalin, supposedly placed by a Soviet agent inside the Mint.

A separate controversy emerged over Sinnock’s portrait of Roosevelt. Critics claimed he had borrowed his design from a bas-relief created by African American sculptor Selma Burke, unveiled at the Recorder of Deeds Building in Washington, D.C. in September 1945. Sinnock denied this, stating he used his earlier presidential medal design as the source.

The series underwent its most significant transformation in 1965. The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated the 90% silver composition from dimes, replacing it with a copper-nickel clad “sandwich” structure — a pure copper core between two outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This change was selected because the new composition gave similar mass (2.268 grams vs. the former 2.5 grams) and similar electrical properties important for vending machines, while containing no precious metal.

By 1989, this clad composition had been in use for nearly a quarter century. The year also marked a historic milestone: 1989 was the final year that mint marks were manually hand-punched onto individual working dies. Starting in 1990, the U.S. Mint began placing mint marks directly onto the master die, permanently ending the era of Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) errors that had spanned 81 years of American coinage.

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

 

Is Your 1989 Dime Rare?

Wondering if your 1989 dime might be rare or valuable? Use our Coin Value Checker 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 (1888–1947), who died just one year after the dime’s debut. 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 beneath Roosevelt’s portrait. The year “1989” is prominently displayed to the right of the president’s neck truncation, and Sinnock’s initials, “JS,” are found just left of the date.

Unlike earlier dimes struck before 1967 that carried the mint mark on the lower reverse, the 1989 dime displays its mint mark 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. The outer legends include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcing along the top and “ONE DIME” along the bottom.

The torch on the reverse is critically important to value. The horizontal bands wrapping the torch shaft must show complete, unbroken separation to earn the coveted Full Bands (FB) or Full Torch (FT) designation — the single most important factor in whether a 1989 dime is worth $7 or $5,000.

Other Features Of The 1989 Dime

The edge of the 1989 dime is reeded, featuring 118 distinct grooves. It measures 17.90 millimeters in diameter and weighs 2.27 grams.

The metal composition consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel in the outer layers, bonded to a pure copper center core — giving an overall composition of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. The melt value of a 1989 dime is approximately 2.5 cents based on late 2025 base metal prices.

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.

To put those numbers in perspective, Philadelphia’s total output alone exceeds the entire population of most countries. Despite this abundance, PCGS and NGC together have certified only 760 examples of the 1989-D across all grades — a tiny fraction of the nearly 900 million struck.

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, primarily because they were sold directly to collectors in protective packaging.

The 1989 Mint Set, which contained one example each from Philadelphia and Denver, sold 1,987,915 sets. Today, the Denver half of the 1989 Mint Set can be acquired for as little as $2.50 — a practical starting point for collectors seeking high-grade candidates.

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 obverse for P, D, or S markings above the date and assess surface quality carefully.

For instant accurate valuations, try the Coin Value Checker 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. DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — a finish where the raised design elements (called “devices”) appear frosted white against jet-black mirror-like fields, creating a dramatic contrast. This designation distinguishes it from regular strikes and from lower-quality proof coins.

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

 

1989-P Dime Value

The 1989-P Roosevelt dime from Philadelphia carries over 1.2 billion in mintage, making circulated examples extremely common. Collector interest focuses entirely on premium-grade specimens that show 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. The record sale for a business-strike 1989-P is $2,925 for an MS68 FB specimen — a coin with both exceptional preservation and perfect torch band separation.

An MS61 FB specimen achieved $1,998 at Heritage Auctions on June 5, 2013, revealing how exceptional strike quality can elevate value even at a lower numerical grade. This is the power of the Full Bands (FB) designation — on PCGS-graded coins, it requires complete, unbroken separation of the upper and lower horizontal bands on the reverse torch. On NGC-graded coins, the equivalent designation is Full Torch (FT), which applies a stricter standard: it requires both band separation AND clearly defined vertical lines on the torch body.

Professional grading by PCGS or NGC is generally only worthwhile for 1989-P dimes that appear to be MS67 or higher and show strong potential for a Full Bands designation. Grading fees typically run $20–$40 per coin, so the potential value must clearly exceed $100 before submission makes economic sense.

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. Original Mint Set specimens are available for around $2.50, making this a practical entry point for collectors hunting for top-grade candidates.

Certified pieces follow clear value tiers: MS65–MS66 examples trade near $10, while MS67 specimens command $30. At the exceptional MS68 level, a standard example brought $677 in January 2011. However, a March 2020 auction set the current record when a 1989-D MS68 Full Bands example sold for $5,280, far surpassing the non-FB MS68 price.

What distinguishes Denver strikes is technical execution. According to population data compiled by CoinWeek, PCGS and NGC together have certified 760 examples of the 1989-D, with PCGS grading 489 and NGC responsible for 271. Of these, a striking 46% earned either the PCGS Full Bands (FB) or NGC Full Torch (FT) designation — approximately 30% more than the rate seen on 1989-P issues.

Unlike premium Roosevelt issues such as the 1949-S key date or the sought-after 1982 no-P variety, the 1989-D functions primarily as a condition-rarity coin. Its base-metal composition and large surviving population limit general appreciation potential, though premium Full Bands specimens maintain strong 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 that teaches an important lesson about modern coinage. With a mintage of 3.2 million — lower than surrounding years — PR70 Deep Cameo examples sell for only around $20 today.

The explanation centers on production quality, not rarity. By 1989, the San Francisco Mint’s techniques had evolved to where flawless Deep Cameo strikes became routine rather than fortunate accidents. Fresh dies, refined polishing methods, and careful handling consistently produced PR70 specimens. Earlier proof years, by contrast, had far higher mintages but much lower PR70 survival rates because the technology wasn’t refined enough.

This shift transformed valuations dramatically. A PR70 Deep Cameo example brought $403 at Heritage Auctions in 2005 when few had been certified. As grading services certified thousands more perfect specimens over the following years, prices settled near $20. The abundance eliminated the scarcity premium collectors traditionally pay for perfection.

For beginners, the 1989-S now offers an accessible path to owning a technically flawless Deep Cameo proof at a low entry price. PCGS CoinFacts notes that PR69 and PR70 Deep Cameo examples are abundant and affordable for most collectors.

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 hold a uniquely important place in error coin history. Not only did minting defects create valuable collector pieces, but 1989 was the final year that mint marks were manually hand-punched onto individual working dies — making RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) errors from this year the last of their kind ever produced on U.S. coins.

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 — a copper core sandwiched between two nickel surfaces — sometimes experienced incomplete adhesion between metals.

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

A 1989-P specimen with missing clad layer, certified MS63 by ANACS, was sold by Heritage Auctions in their August 2004 Pittsburgh sale. The Heritage listing specifically describes the obverse showing “the orange-red color of the copper core.” 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.

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 in the source material. Valuation increases proportionally with the missing section’s size, particularly when the date remains 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. The hammer die descends onto a shifted blank, leaving a plain, unstruck area visible along one edge.

The displacement percentage directly determines value. Minor 5–10% shifts generate modest interest, while dramatic 50%+ examples retaining a readable date can reach thousands of dollars at specialized auctions. A 1989-P dime certified as a 70% off-center strike sold at Heritage Auctions for approximately $150 in mid-2024.

Date visibility is the critical factor. If the year “1989” cannot be read on the shifted coin, value drops sharply. Always verify date legibility before pursuing authentication on off-center pieces.

4. Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) Errors

The 1989 dime holds a special place in error coin history: it was the last year that mint marks were manually hand-punched onto individual working dies. Starting in 1990, the U.S. Mint moved mint marks to the master die, permanently ending this 81-year era of potential punching errors.

An RPM error occurs when the mintmark punch was struck twice at slightly different angles or positions, leaving two overlapping impressions of the “P” or “D” mint mark. These are visible under 10x magnification as doubled edges, extra serifs, or a shadow effect around the letter. Well-documented 1989 RPM varieties in high grades can sell from $20 to over $100, with exceptional pieces bringing more at specialized auctions.

To identify an RPM, examine the mint mark on the obverse just above the date with at least 10x magnification. Known varieties for 1989 have been cataloged and assigned reference numbers on variety websites such as VarietyVista and CONECA’s database. Because 1989 is the final year this error type was possible, collector interest in these varieties has grown steadily.

5. Die Chip Errors

Die chip errors occur when small pieces of the coin die break off during high-volume production, leaving raised blobs of metal on struck coins. Unlike missing metal errors, die chips show extra raised metal above the coin’s surface rather than missing design elements.

On the 1989-D, these chips most commonly appear on Roosevelt’s cheek, neck, hair, or around lettering. Minor chips command $5–$15, while dramatic examples — especially large chips on the portrait’s face — can reach $30–$50. These require at least 5–10x magnification to authenticate correctly, as post-mint damage can superficially mimic genuine die chips.

 

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 Value

1. How much is a 1989 dime worth in 2026?

Most circulated 1989 dimes are worth face value only — just $0.10.

Uncirculated specimens range from $3–$7 at MS65, climbing to $12 at MS66 and around $30 at MS67. Exceptional MS68 examples without Full Bands have brought $677 (1989-D, January 2011), while Full Bands MS68 specimens have reached $5,280 (1989-D, March 2020) and $2,925 (1989-P). The intrinsic melt value of a 1989 dime is approximately 2.5 cents based on late 2025 base metal prices.

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 approximately 1,298,400,000 pieces, Denver struck around 896,535,597, and San Francisco created 3,220,194 proof coins exclusively for collectors. The mint mark moved from the reverse to the obverse position in 1968, so all post-1967 Roosevelt dimes display the mark above the date on the front of the coin.

3. What is the Full Bands (FB) designation and why does it matter?

Full Bands (FB) is a special strike quality designation awarded by PCGS to Roosevelt dimes that show complete, unbroken separation of the horizontal bands on the reverse torch. NGC awards a similar but slightly stricter designation called Full Torch (FT), which also requires clearly defined vertical lines on the torch body.

The FB/FT designation is the single biggest value driver in the 1989 dime series. A 1989-D without Full Bands sold for $677 at MS68, while a 1989-D MS68 with Full Bands sold for $5,280 in the same period — adding roughly $4,000 in value from this one designation alone. About 46% of certified 1989-D dimes have earned this designation, versus a notably lower rate for the 1989-P.

4. Which 1989 dime errors are most valuable?

Missing clad layer errors command highest premiums at $75 or more, showing copper on one side with a normal silver appearance on the other.

Off-center strikes with visible dates can reach $150 or more depending on the displacement percentage — a certified 70% off-center 1989-P sold at Heritage Auctions for approximately $150 in mid-2024. Clipped planchets sell for around $35 in circulated condition. Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) errors, which are historically significant as the last of their kind, sell for $20–$100+ depending on variety strength and grade.

5. Why was 1989 the last year for Repunched Mint Mark errors?

Before 1990, U.S. Mint employees manually punched the mint mark (P, D, or S) onto each individual working die using a steel punch and mallet.

If the first punch was misaligned, workers would strike again to correct it — sometimes leaving overlapping impressions. Starting in 1990, the Mint began placing the mint mark directly onto the master die, eliminating human error in placement entirely. This made 1989 the final year RPM errors were possible on U.S. coins, a distinction that has steadily increased collector interest in 1989 RPM varieties.

6. Is a 1989 dime made of silver?

No. The 1989 dime contains no silver. The last Roosevelt dimes struck in silver were dated 1964.

The 1989 dime is made of a clad composition: outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core, giving an overall metal content of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. Roosevelt dimes struck before 1965 contained 90% silver, but the Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from the dime due to rising precious metal prices. The intrinsic melt value of a modern clad dime is just about 2.5 cents.

7. How do I identify a genuine Full Bands 1989 dime?

Turn the coin to the reverse and examine the torch under bright lighting with a 10x loupe or magnifier.

The torch has horizontal bands at the top and bottom that wrap around the torch shaft. For a Full Bands designation, both pairs of bands must show complete, unbroken separation with a clear recessed area visible between them — no merging or bridging of metal anywhere across the full width of the bands. Even a tiny merge point at one edge disqualifies the coin. Coins that appear “almost Full Bands” receive no designation and no premium at all.

8. What are PCGS and NGC, and should I get my 1989 dime graded?

PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) are the two most trusted third-party coin grading services in the world. They authenticate coins, assign a numeric grade on the Sheldon 1–70 scale, and seal the coin in a tamper-evident plastic holder called a “slab.”

Professional grading is generally only worthwhile for 1989 dimes if the coin appears to be MS67 or higher AND shows strong potential for a Full Bands designation. Grading fees typically run $20–$40 per coin plus shipping, so the potential value must clearly exceed $100 before submission makes economic sense. Circulated coins and lower uncirculated grades do not warrant the expense.

9. What was special about the 1989 Proof Set?

The 1989 Proof Set contained six coins: the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter, Kennedy Half Dollar, and the Eisenhower Dollar. More than 1.6 million sets were produced, reflecting strong collector interest during the period.

Each coin in the set was struck using specially polished dies and blank planchets, resulting in the mirror-like fields and frosted device surfaces that define proof coins. The Roosevelt Dime in the 1989 Proof Set carries the “S” mint mark and qualifies for the Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation when fields are sufficiently reflective. Today, these sets are inexpensive to acquire and represent an accessible entry point to proof coin collecting.

10. What is the 1989 dime’s historical significance beyond its numismatic value?

The 1989 dime marked two important milestones in U.S. coinage history. First, it was the final year that mint marks were hand-punched onto working dies — ending an 81-year tradition that began in the 1830s and making every 1989 RPM variety a historically unique artifact.

Second, the year 1989 represented a turning point in world history — the fall of the Berlin Wall, the end of the Cold War era, and the dawn of major geopolitical change. While the coin itself continued its role as everyday pocket change, it circulated during one of the most transformative years of the twentieth century. For collectors who focus on historical context alongside numismatic value, the 1989 dime offers a compelling combination of modern accessibility and genuine historical significance.