1998 Dime Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth

The 1998 Dime Value surprises many collectors who assume modern coins are always worth face value. Over 2.3 billion coins were struck across Philadelphia and Denver — yet certain examples have sold for thousands of dollars at major auction houses.

Most circulated pieces trade near face value, and Fine condition examples average around $0.31 for regular strikes. However, uncirculated coins in MS (Mint State) grades — meaning coins never used in everyday commerce — range from $8.43 to $12.43.

Full Band varieties, where the horizontal lines on the torch are sharply and completely separated, command substantial premiums. The most striking example is the 1998-D Full Band in MS condition at $126.29, and a top error coin sold for a staggering $9,200 at Stack’s Bowers in August 2011.

 

1998 Dime Value By Variety — Complete Price Overview

The 1998 dime was struck at three mints: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S), producing five distinct varieties. These include standard circulation strikes and a special silver proof edition. Philadelphia and Denver coins were made for everyday use, while San Francisco produced collector-only proof coins in 90% silver.

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 1998 Dime Worth Money

The auction chart reveals dramatic price contrasts within the 1998 dime series. The top position belongs to an exceptional error coin that sold for $9,200, graded “NG0” by NGC — which stands for “No Grade” and indicates a major mint error so unusual that standard grading scales don’t apply.

High-grade Full Band examples dominate the upper rankings. The 1998-D MS-62 Full Band (FB) reached $4,602 at Heritage Auctions in January 2012. The 1998-P MS-64 Full Band followed closely at $4,465 from the same auction house.

Full Band designation — abbreviated FB — means the coin shows complete, unbroken horizontal band separation on the reverse torch. Both PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) assign this designation only to coins with no weaknesses or breaks across the bands.

Premium gem grades fill the rest of the rankings. MS-68 examples from both mints sold between $895 and $1,200, while MS-69 specimens commanded $646. The 1998-S Silver Proof in perfect PR-70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) grade achieved $428 at Heritage Auctions in September 2004.

 

History Of The 1998 Dime — Why This Date Matters

The Roosevelt dime debuted in January 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had died the previous April after leading the nation through the Great Depression and World War II. Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock designed both the obverse portrait and the reverse symbols that remain on the coin to this day.

The dime was the natural choice for this tribute because Roosevelt had championed the founding of the March of Dimes — originally named the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis — to combat polio, the disease that paralyzed his legs. His connection to this cause made the ten-cent piece the fitting vehicle for his lasting legacy.

By 1998, the Roosevelt dime had been in continuous production for 52 years without a major design change. The design received a subtle refinement in 2000 when Roosevelt’s head was made slightly smaller to push the inscriptions inward, helping protect the fine details from wear — but the 1998 coins predate this adjustment and carry the original, slightly larger portrait.

The economic backdrop of 1998 was exceptional. Unemployment fell to a 28-year low and GDP grew at a 4.2% annual rate under President Clinton’s administration. The federal government ran its first budget surplus in nearly three decades.

This booming economy drove unprecedented demand for circulating coinage, which explains why both Philadelphia and Denver ran at full capacity, striking a combined 2.335 billion dimes that year.

Silver proof dimes for collectors had been produced annually at the San Francisco Mint since 1992, giving serious hobbyists a premium keepsake version of each year’s dime. The 1998-S silver proof continues this tradition, and it is important to note that starting in 2019, certain silver proof sets switched to 99.9% fine silver — but the 1998-S uses the traditional 90% silver composition.

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

 

Is Your 1998 Dime Rare? Rarity Chart By Variety

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The short answer for most 1998 dimes is that they are common coins in everyday grades. The combined Philadelphia and Denver mintage exceeds 2.3 billion, making circulated examples practically unlimited in supply.

The real rarity question shifts dramatically when grade and designation come into play. PCGS has certified only 44 examples of the 1998-P in MS67 Full Bands, and just a small number have crossed into MS68 Full Bands territory for either mint. For the 1998-D Full Bands at MS68, PCGS reports only three known examples — making this one of the scarcest certified modern Roosevelt dimes in existence.

For detailed rarity rankings and specific variety information about your 1998 Dime, our CoinValueChecker App provides accurate assessments to help you understand exactly how uncommon your coin is within the Roosevelt dime series.

 

Key Features Of The 1998 Dime — Design & Specifications

The 1998 Roosevelt dime maintains the classic design introduced by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock in 1946. Every element was deliberate, carrying symbolic meaning that Sinnock wove into both sides of the coin. Understanding these design features helps collectors identify authentic specimens and assess condition accurately.

The Obverse Of The 1998 Dime

The obverse (front) shows a left-facing profile portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The word “LIBERTY” arcs along the upper rim, positioned directly in front of his face, while the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in smaller letters below Roosevelt’s chin.

The date “1998” sits at the lower right, and Sinnock’s initials “JS” appear below the neck truncation. The mint mark — “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco — is located above the date near Roosevelt’s neck, a placement adopted in 1968 when the mint mark moved from the reverse side.

The Reverse Of The 1998 Dime

The reverse (back) centers on a flaming torch symbolizing liberty. An olive branch to the left represents peace, and an oak branch to the right stands for strength and independence. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” — meaning “Out of Many, One” — is split between the torch and branches.

“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” circles the upper rim, and “ONE DIME” appears along the bottom. According to PCGS grading standards, a coin earns the Full Bands (FB) designation when it shows “full separation of the upper and lower horizontal bands of the torch on the reverse” — meaning no merging, no breaks, and no weakness from edge to edge.

Other Features Of The 1998 Dime

The coin measures 17.91 millimeters in diameter, 1.35 millimeters thick, and weighs 2.27 grams. The composition is copper-nickel clad: specifically, 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded over a pure copper center — a detail that becomes important when identifying missing clad layer errors.

The reeded (ridged) edge serves as an anti-counterfeiting measure and also distinguishes genuine strikes from broadstrike errors, which have smooth edges.

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

 

1998 Dime Mintage & Survival Data — Production Numbers Explained

The production contrast between the 1998 circulation strikes and the silver proof edition is striking. Philadelphia struck exactly 1,163,000,000 dimes (over 1.1 billion), while Denver produced 1,172,250,000 — both operating at full capacity during the economic boom. Survival data for these circulation issues remains unknown because tracking billions of coins through commerce is impossible.

The 1998-S silver proof tells a completely different story. Just 878,792 silver Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimens were struck exclusively for collectors — a minuscule fraction of the total year’s output. Deep Cameo, sometimes abbreviated DCAM, describes coins with frosted, white design elements contrasting against mirror-like fields.

These 1998-S proofs achieved a remarkable 95% survival rate, with an estimated 834,852 examples still in existence today, because they were kept in protective packaging rather than spent.

This comparison perfectly illustrates how collecting intentions shape rarity. Circulation coins serve commerce and disappear; proof coins are preserved as historical artifacts.

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

 

The Easy Way To Know Your 1998 Dime Value

Finding your 1998 dime’s true value comes down to a few quick checks. First, locate the mint mark above the date on the obverse — “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco. Next, assess the coin’s overall condition: are there heavy scratches and wear (circulated), or does it still show original mint luster (uncirculated)?

If your coin looks uncirculated, examine the reverse torch under a magnifying glass. Look for complete separation of the horizontal bands — this is the Full Bands (FB) detail that can multiply a coin’s value many times over.

Finally, inspect for any striking errors or unusual features that may increase value even further. For instant assessment and current market prices, use the CoinValueChecker App to identify your coin’s variety and grade.

 

1998 Dime Value Guides — All Varieties Explained

• 1998-P Dime — Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with 1,163,000,000 produced for circulation. Features copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper core) and carries a “P” mint mark above the date. Full Band specimens require complete torch band separation per PCGS standards. PCGS has certified 44 examples at MS67 FB — gem quality examples with Full Bands — making these genuinely scarce among the billions minted.
• 1998-D Dime — Produced at the Denver Mint with 1,172,250,000 circulation strikes. Identical composition to the Philadelphia issue. The 1998-D is especially noteworthy for its extremely rare Prooflike (PL) and Full Bands Prooflike examples — NGC has certified 10 known Prooflike Full Bands coins at MS67. At MS68 Full Bands, PCGS reports only three certified examples exist, making the 1998-D FB the conditionally rarest variety of this date.
• 1998-S Silver DCAM Dime — Minted exclusively as proof coins at San Francisco with 878,792 specimens struck. Contains 90% silver and weighs 2.50 grams — heavier than clad circulation strikes. Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation means frosted devices contrast sharply against mirror-like fields, produced through special multi-step die polishing techniques used only in proof production.

Each variety appeals to a different type of collector. Circulation strikes offer accessibility and the thrill of condition rarity hunting. The silver proof provides precious metal content and proof quality in a single collectible package.

 

1998-P Dime Value — Philadelphia Mint Analysis

The Philadelphia Mint produced over 1.163 billion 1998-P dimes — enough that most circulated examples remain extremely common at face value today. The coin doesn’t become interesting from a collector standpoint until you reach the upper Mint State grades.

Examples graded MS67 remain reasonably accessible. The true rarity threshold begins at MS68 and above, where strike quality and surface preservation become exceptional. PCGS reports that in MS67 with Full Bands, 44 coins have been certified — and only a handful exist above that level, with the record sale being $895 in June 2018 for an MS68 Full Band example.

Beyond grade, the 1998-P is also notable for some dramatic error specimens that have sold at Heritage Auctions. A double-struck example with a second broadstruck 100% obverse indent reached the market graded MS67 Full Bands.

A 70% off-center strike at the 1:00 position sold graded MS64 by ANACS. An obverse die cap error — where the coin becomes stuck to the die and creates an inverted cap shape — was certified MS66 by NGC. These error specimens confirm that even common dates can produce extraordinary finds.

Historical auction records show how different grades perform over time.

Monthly trading data reflects current collector demand for this issue.

 

1998-D Dime Value — Denver Mint’s Hidden Rarity

Denver struck 1,172,250,000 dimes in 1998 — slightly more than Philadelphia — reflecting peak capacity during the economic expansion. Circulated pieces are extremely abundant and worth face value, but this date holds a hidden surprise for advanced collectors.

The 1998-D stands out as the only 1998 dime to produce certified Prooflike (PL) examples. Prooflike coins are business strikes — made for everyday use, not for collectors — that happen to show mirror-like surfaces similar to proof coins because they were struck early in a die’s life when the fields were still fresh and reflective.

NGC has certified 10 examples of the 1998-D at MS67 Full Bands Prooflike, making this arguably the rarest certified subset of the entire 1998 dime series.

At MS68 Full Bands without the Prooflike designation, PCGS has certified only three examples. The all-time auction record for the 1998-D is $4,602, achieved by a Full Band specimen graded MS62 at Heritage Auctions in January 2012 — a remarkable result for a coin that should theoretically be common at that grade level.

Auction records document how this Denver issue has performed across different collecting periods.

Market activity shows monthly trading patterns and current collector engagement levels.

 

1998-S Silver DCAM Dime Value — The Collector’s Premium Choice

The San Francisco Mint produced 878,792 silver proof dimes exclusively for collectors in 1998, as part of the annual Silver Proof Set program that has run continuously since 1992. These coins contain 90% silver, weigh 2.50 grams, and are struck multiple times with specially prepared, polished dies to achieve the proof finish.

The Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation — which PCGS and NGC award to proof coins with the most dramatic contrast between frosted, white devices and mirror-like fields — represents the highest quality tier within the 1998-S proof series. Achieving DCAM requires exceptional die preparation and is not guaranteed on every coin from a given proof run.

A perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimen sold for $428 at Heritage Auctions in September 2004. PR70 means the coin is absolutely flawless with no post-mint imperfections under 5x magnification. The 95% survival rate among these silver proofs — approximately 834,852 surviving examples — means they remain attainable, but perfect PR70 examples are genuinely scarce.

Auction records display price performance across different grade levels and time periods.

Market activity data reveals monthly trading patterns and collector engagement for this proof issue.

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

 

Rare 1998 Dime Error List — What To Look For

While 1998 Roosevelt dimes don’t have a famous named variety like the 1982 No-P dime or the 1975 No-S proof, they can still carry valuable minting mistakes. Several 1998 error coins have been certified by PCGS and NGC and sold at major auction houses. Here is what to search for.

1. Off-Center Strike

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet (the blank metal disc) shifts out of position before the dies descend, producing a misaligned design with blank metal on one side. A 1998-P Roosevelt Dime struck 70% off-center at the 1:00 position was graded MS64 by ANACS and appeared in the Heritage Auctions archive — a confirmed, certified example from this date.

Value depends on how dramatically off-center the coin is and whether the date is still visible. Minor shifts of 5–10% add modest value ($10–$20). Mid-range errors showing 25–40% displacement can reach $50–$150. Dramatic examples with 50% or more off-center, especially those retaining the complete date, can command $200–$500 or more.

2. Clipped Planchet

Clipped planchet errors show a missing section along the coin’s edge, created when blank planchets overlap during the cutting process and the punch takes a bite from two blanks at once. A 1998-P dime with a dramatic 30% double clip (both a curved clip and a straight clip from the Fred Weinberg Collection) was documented and sold at Heritage Auctions, confirming this error type exists for this date.

Curved clips are more common and show a smooth arc; straight clips are less frequent. The larger the missing section — and the more design it removes — the higher the value. Small edge clips may add just a few dollars; a dramatic 20–30% clip with clear evidence can reach $75–$200 certified.

3. Doubled Die Errors (DDO / DDR)

Doubled die errors happen during die manufacturing when the hub strikes the die multiple times in slightly different positions. This creates a raised, three-dimensional doubling on letters, numbers, or design elements — different from the flat “shelf” appearance of machine doubling, which has no collector value. Obverse doubled dies (DDO) typically show doubling on the date, “LIBERTY,” or “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

No major named doubled die variety exists for 1998, but minor doubling has been reported on some specimens. Any genuine doubled die should show raised, separated doubling under magnification. The most valuable Roosevelt doubled dies in the series — such as the 1963 reverse doubled die — can reach thousands of dollars, so careful examination of 1998 examples is worthwhile.

4. Missing Clad Layer

This is one of the most visually dramatic and confirmed error types for 1998. Both a 1998-P and a 1998-D Roosevelt dime with a missing obverse clad layer have been certified and sold at auction.

The 1998-P example (graded AU58 by ANACS) appeared at Heritage Auctions, weighing just 1.86 grams versus the standard 2.27 grams — proving one copper-nickel outer layer had separated before striking. The 1998-D version was graded AU58 by PCGS and sold at GreatCollections.

A missing clad layer exposes the copper core, giving one side a reddish-brown color while the other side appears normal silver-nickel. Single-side missing clad layer dimes typically sell for $75–$300 certified.

The rarest subtype is the dual missing clad layer — where both outer layers are gone — with fewer than 10 examples known for the entire Roosevelt dime series; these can fetch $1,000–$5,000.

5. Broadstrike

Broadstrike errors occur when the collar die — the ring that normally contains the metal and creates the reeded edge — fails during striking. Without this containment, metal spreads outward freely. The resulting coin is larger in diameter (often 19–21mm versus the standard 17.91mm), thinner, and has a completely smooth edge with no reeding.

A genuine broadstrike shows a complete design on both sides, just expanded. Broadstruck 1998 dimes in circulated condition typically sell for $20–$40. Uncirculated examples command $50–$100, and dramatic broadstrikes with significant diameter increase can reach $75–$150 certified. Always measure the coin with calipers — a larger diameter combined with a smooth edge confirms this error.

6. Die Cap Error

One of the rarest 1998-P errors documented is an obverse die cap, graded MS66 by NGC and sold at Heritage Auctions. A die cap forms when a coin sticks to the die and gets carried along, becoming a cap-shaped object that then leaves curved impressions on subsequent coins it contacts. Die caps are dramatic, immediately recognizable errors and always command significant premiums from error collectors.

7. Die Cracks and Cuds

Die cracks appear as raised lines across the coin’s surface when the steel die develops stress fractures from repeated use. Metal flows into these cracks during striking, leaving raised lines on the finished coin. A cud is an advanced form of this error — a piece of the die actually breaks away, leaving a raised blank area on the coin where the design should be.

Minor die cracks add modest collectible interest. Major cuds that affect primary design elements such as Roosevelt’s portrait or the torch command premiums of $25–$100 or more depending on size and placement.

 

Where To Sell Your 1998 Dime?

Selling your 1998 dime requires choosing the right marketplace for your specific coin. We’ve compiled detailed information on the best online platforms for selling coins. Each option includes comprehensive pros and cons to help you make informed decisions based on your needs and goals.

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

 

1998 Dime Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1998 Dime Value

1. How much is a 1998 dime worth in 2026?

Most circulated 1998 dimes are worth face value or slightly above, averaging around $0.31 in Fine condition. Uncirculated MS-grade examples range from $8.43 to $12.43 for regular strikes.

Full Band varieties — where the torch bands are completely separated — command substantial premiums, with the 1998-D FB reaching $126.29 in MS condition and auction records extending to $4,602 for the finest examples.

2. What is a Full Band (FB) 1998 dime and why is it worth more?

Full Band refers to the complete, unbroken horizontal band separation visible on the torch bands on the coin’s reverse. PCGS officially defines this designation for Roosevelt dimes as requiring “full separation of the upper and lower horizontal bands of the torch on the reverse” with no breaks or weaknesses from edge to edge.

Most 1998 dimes show incomplete or merged bands due to die wear or insufficient striking pressure. Full Band examples prove superior die quality and are dramatically scarcer — at MS67 FB, PCGS has certified only 44 examples of the 1998-P and just a handful of 1998-D.

3. How rare is the 1998-D MS68 Full Band dime?

Extremely rare. PCGS has certified only three examples of the 1998-D in MS68 Full Bands — making it arguably the rarest certified variety of the 1998 dime series in the conventional grading system. Additionally, NGC has certified 10 examples of the 1998-D at MS67 Full Bands Prooflike, a subset that combines the rarity of Full Bands with the mirror-like surfaces of Prooflike designation, adding another dimension of scarcity.

4. What is the most expensive 1998 dime ever sold?

The record sale is $9,200 for a 1998-P Roosevelt Dime graded “NG0” (No Grade — Error) by NGC at Stack’s Bowers Galleries in August 2011. This coin was a major mint error so unusual that standard numerical grades don’t apply. Among conventionally graded coins, the highest auction price is $4,602 for a 1998-D MS62 Full Band sold at Heritage Auctions in January 2012.

5. What errors can appear on a 1998 dime?

Several confirmed errors have been certified for this date. These include a 1998-P missing obverse clad layer (AU58, sold at Heritage Auctions, weighing just 1.86g instead of the standard 2.27g), a 1998-D missing obverse clad layer (PCGS AU58, sold at GreatCollections), a 70% off-center strike (MS64 ANACS), a double-struck obverse indent error (MS67 FB, NGC), and an obverse die cap (MS66 NGC). All of these are confirmed, certified examples — not speculation.

6. How do I tell if my 1998 dime is silver?

Circulation strike 1998 dimes from Philadelphia and Denver are copper-nickel clad — they contain no silver at all. Only the 1998-S proof dime contains silver (90%). The easiest way to identify it is the mint mark: look above the date for an “S.”

You can also check the edge — a silver proof coin has a solid silver-white edge with no visible copper stripe, whereas clad coins show a thin brown copper band at the edge’s core. The 1998-S also weighs 2.50 grams versus 2.27 grams for clad circulation strikes.

7. What does Deep Cameo (DCAM) mean on the 1998-S proof dime?

Deep Cameo, abbreviated DCAM, is the highest cameo designation assigned by PCGS and NGC to proof coins. It describes the dramatic visual contrast where the raised design elements (devices) appear bright white and frosted, while the flat background fields are mirror-smooth and reflective.

This effect is achieved through special die preparation — polishing the fields to a mirror finish while leaving the device areas with a frosted texture. Not all 1998-S silver proof dimes earn DCAM; the designation is awarded only to the finest examples with the most pronounced contrast.

8. Is the 1998-S dime a key date?

The 1998-S is not a key date in the traditional sense — it does not have unusually low mintage compared to other modern proof issues. Its 878,792 mintage and 95% survival rate mean approximately 834,852 specimens still exist today, making it readily available.

The real rarity within the 1998-S series is conditional: a perfect PR70 Deep Cameo example is genuinely scarce and commands a premium over typical PR69 examples. It’s best described as a condition rarity rather than a date rarity.

9. Why did the 1998 dimes have such a massive mintage?

The enormous combined mintage of over 2.3 billion dimes reflects the extraordinary economic conditions of 1998. The United States was experiencing its longest peacetime economic expansion in history — GDP grew at 4.2% annually, unemployment hit a 28-year low, and consumer spending reached record highs.

This surge in commercial activity drove unprecedented demand for small-denomination coins at both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, pushing them to operate at or near full capacity throughout the year.

10. Should I get my 1998 dime professionally graded?

Professional grading from PCGS or NGC — where experts authenticate the coin and seal it in a tamper-proof plastic holder called a “slab” — makes financial sense only in specific circumstances.

For 1998 dimes, consider grading if your coin appears to be MS68 or higher (where value can reach $895–$1,200), shows Full Band designation at MS67 or above, or displays a confirmed error like a missing clad layer, off-center strike, or die cap.

Grading fees typically start at $30–$50 per coin plus membership costs; only submit if the potential certified value exceeds the total cost by a significant margin.