2003 Dime Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

With over 2 billion 2003 Roosevelt dimes produced across three U.S. Mints, these 2003 dime value coins initially appear too common to merit serious collecting attention. Yet this massive production conceals significant value variations determined by mint location, striking characteristics, and condition, factors that transform seemingly identical dimes into pieces worth multiples of face value.

Philadelphia and Denver strikes dominate circulation, typically valued between 10 cents and $5 in mint state grades, while San Francisco proof specimens occupy a separate premium tier at approximately $6 for both clad and silver versions. The Full Bands designation, indicating exceptional torch detail, adds substantial premiums across all varieties.

 

2003 Dime Value By Variety

Collectors can find 2003 dimes value in both circulation strikes and special proof editions, with full band (FB) designations adding another layer of desirability for quality-conscious numismatists. 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 2003 Dime Worth Money

The 2003 Roosevelt dime market reveals a clear hierarchy of value determined primarily by mint mark, strike type, and professional grading.

San Francisco proof specimens dominate the top tier, with the 2003-S Silver PR 67 reaching $336, making it the most coveted variety among collectors. The exceptional value of this particular grade reflects the rarity of silver proofs achieving near-perfect condition combined with strong collector demand for premium-quality pieces.

Philadelphia and Denver mint issues occupy the middle range when graded at upper levels, with the 2003-P 68 valued at $210 and the 2003-D 68 at $103. These examples demonstrate that even business strikes can achieve significant value with proper preservation and exceptional grading.

What’s particularly noteworthy is the dramatic price differential between grade levels within the same variety. The 2003-S Silver Proof ranges from $17 in PR 69 to $336 in PR 67, underscoring how specific grade populations and market demand can create unexpected value patterns.

 

History of The 2003 Dime

The 2003 Roosevelt dime represents a significant year in the modern era of American coinage, marking nearly six decades since the series’ inception in 1946.

By 2003, the Roosevelt dime had firmly established itself as one of America’s most enduring coin designs, continuing the legacy of honoring President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The series was created as a tribute to Roosevelt, who fought polio and helped establish the March of Dimes organization, making the ten-cent denomination particularly meaningful to his charitable work.

This year holds special numismatic significance as 2003 marked a pivotal moment in Roosevelt dime collecting. In April 2003, PCGS introduced the “Full Bands” designation for Roosevelt dimes, responding to overwhelming collector demand for recognizing exceptionally well-struck specimens. NGC followed suit on April 14, 2003, with their “Full Torch” designation, establishing standardized criteria for identifying premium-quality strikes.

The introduction of these designations in 2003 fundamentally transformed how collectors approached Roosevelt dimes. Both Full Bands and Full Torch designations became highly valued by enthusiasts, with some dates commanding significant premiums in the retail market, elevating what was traditionally considered a common series into a more nuanced collecting specialty.

The 2003 dime itself was produced during the copper-nickel clad era that began in 1965, maintaining the composition that replaced the 90% silver issues of earlier decades. This year’s production continued the uninterrupted minting tradition that has made Roosevelt dimes a cornerstone of American pocket change for over half a century.

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

 

Is Your 2003 Dime Rare?

Unlock the coin hidden rarity value in your home with our specialized CoinValueChecker App, designed to instantly analyze your 2003 dime’s rarity factors including mint marks, Full Bands features, and grade potential.

 

Key Features of The 2003 Dime

Understanding these key features of 2003 Dime obverse and reverse, from the distinctive “JS” designer initials to the reeded edge containing exactly 118 ridges, enables collectors to properly authenticate specimens, assess strike quality, and identify the premium Full Bands characteristic that can multiply a coin’s value.

The Obverse Of The 2003 Dime

The obverse displays President Roosevelt’s left-facing profile portrait, accompanied by the inscriptions LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, positioned to frame the presidential bust with dignity.

Designer John R. Sinnock’s initials “JS” appear at the cutoff of Roosevelt’s bust, to the left of the date, a subtle signature that initially sparked Cold War-era controversy when some mistakenly believed it referenced Joseph Stalin.

The 2003 date appears in the lower right portion of the obverse, with the mint mark positioned above it for Philadelphia and Denver strikes.

The Reverse Of The 2003 Dime

The reverse features a centrally positioned torch flanked by an olive sprig on the left and an oak sprig on the right, with the inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM stretching across the field, creating a balanced and meaningful composition.

The country name UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arcs across the top, while the denomination ONE DIME appears at the bottom, completing the circular legend that frames the symbolic elements.

For Full Bands designation pieces, the horizontal bands on the torch must demonstrate complete separation without interruption, a strike quality that significantly enhances collector value.

Other Features Of The 2003 Dime

The 2003 dime maintains standard specifications with a diameter of 17.90 millimeters and weight of 2.27 grams, composed of a pure copper core clad in 75% copper and 25% nickel outer layers. The edge features 118 reeds, providing both aesthetic appeal and anti-counterfeiting functionality through its distinctive tactile surface.

The coin’s copper-nickel composition produces the characteristic silver-gray appearance that distinguishes post-1965 clad issues from their 90% silver predecessors, though the design remains visually identical across both composition types.

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

 

2003 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The 2003 Roosevelt dime production reflects typical modern era output, with Philadelphia and Denver facilities combining to strike over 2 billion circulation pieces. The Philadelphia Mint produced 1,085,500,000 dimes while Denver contributed 986,500,000 pieces, demonstrating the robust demand for ten-cent coins in early 21st century commerce.

Proof production presents a stark contrast to circulation strikes, with the San Francisco Mint creating just 2,172,684 standard DCAM proofs and 1,125,755 Silver DCAM proofs for collectors. This limited proof mintage represents less than 0.2% of total 2003 dime production, establishing a clear distinction between common circulation issues and scarce collector editions.

The survival data reveals an interesting pattern among proof varieties. Standard clad proofs show a documented survival rate of approximately 49.22%, with 1,069,467 specimens accounted for in professional grading services and collector holdings. Business strikes from Philadelphia and Denver lack precise survival tracking, guess though the enormous original mintages ensure abundant availability in all circulated grades.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2003 Dime Value

Stop guessing whether your 2003 dime is worth ten cents or ten dollars. Professional coin grading requires experience and skill to identify subtle differences in strike quality, surface preservation, and valuable features like Full Bands, making accurate assessment challenging for most collectors.

Our advanced CoinValueChecker App eliminates the guesswork by instantly analyzing your dime’s critical value factors—mint mark, grade, and special designations, delivering professional-level evaluations in seconds without requiring numismatic expertise.

 

2003 Dime Value Guides

The 2003 Roosevelt dime divides into four distinct categories, each produced by different U.S. Mint facilities with varying compositions and intended purposes:

• 2003-P Dime (Standard circulation strike from the Philadelphia Mint)
• 2003-D Dime (Standard circulation clad composition coin from the Denver Mint)
• 2003-S DCAM Dime (San Francisco proof coin featuring Deep Cameo contrast)
• 2003-S Silver DCAM Dime (Special collector proof coin with 90% silver content)

From everyday circulation change to premium collector editions, each variety serves a different market segment. These dimes vary significantly in value based on their mint mark, condition grade, and whether they were produced for general circulation or as collector proofs.

Understanding these distinct categories helps collectors and enthusiasts properly identify and evaluate their 2003 Roosevelt dimes, recognizing which pieces merit careful preservation and which represent common circulation finds with minimal premium over ten cents.

 

2003-P Dime Value

About the 2003-P Roosevelt dime, the Philadelphia Mint identified these dimes with a small “P” mint mark located on the obverse above the date, a practice that began in 1980 when Philadelphia started adding mint marks to dimes for the first time in the series’ history. This relatively subtle identifier distinguishes Philadelphia strikes from their Denver and San Francisco counterparts.

What makes certain 2003-P dimes stand apart is their strike quality and preservation level rather than scarcity. Full Bands specimens showing complete separation of the torch’s horizontal bands command premiums reaching $9.57 in mint state condition, nearly double the value of standard strikes at comparable grades.

Collectors seeking 2003-P dimes should focus on uncirculated examples with strong luster and minimal contact marks. While circulated pieces remain at face value, certified mint state specimens range from modest premiums in lower grades to significant values in MS67 and above, particularly when accompanied by the Full Bands designation that indicates exceptional minting quality.

Recent market activity demonstrates collector interest and trading volume for Philadelphia strikes over the past year.

 

2003-D Dime Value

The 2003-D dime’s value proposition mirrors that of Philadelphia issues, with circulated examples trading at face value and uncirculated specimens commanding modest premiums. However, Full Bands examples showing complete torch band separation reach approximately $7 in mint state condition, demonstrating how strike quality remains the primary value determinant beyond basic preservation.

The auction record for a 2003-D dime stands at $103 for an MS68FB specimen sold in June 2021, demonstrating the ceiling for even top-tier examples from this high-mintage issue.

Error collectors particularly value 2003-D specimens, as several significant mint errors documented from this variety have achieved four-figure auction prices. Die cracks, off-center strikes, and other dramatic minting anomalies make Denver strikes an important hunting ground for those building error collections focused on modern Roosevelt dimes.

Market activity data reflects current collector enthusiasm for Denver specimens.

 

2003-S DCAM Dime Value

The 2003-S clad proof dime represents San Francisco’s standard proof production for collectors, distinguished by its Deep Cameo contrast that creates striking visual appeal. With a mintage of 2,172,684 pieces, this copper-nickel clad proof was struck exclusively for inclusion in annual proof sets, never intended for circulation and produced with specially prepared dies and polished planchets.

The auction record for a 2003-S clad proof DCAM dime stands at $207 for a PR70 specimen sold at Heritage Auctions on July 20, 2004, representing the perfectation of preservation for this variety.

But most 2003-S DCAM proofs remain affordable for collectors, with typical market values around $14 in PR69DCAM condition. The accessibility of these proofs makes them attractive entry points for collectors building high-quality Roosevelt dime sets focused on premium strike quality and visual appeal rather than rarity.

Auction price history for 2003-S DCAM proofs is below the reference.

Recent market trends indicate sustained collector interest for this premium proof variety.

 

2003-S Silver DCAM Dime Value

Collectors seeking the ultimate combination of precious metal content and proof perfection gravitate toward the 2003-S Silver DCAM dime, the premium offering among that year’s proof production. This 90% silver proof had a mintage nearly half the production of the standard clad proof version, making it the scarcest regularly issued 2003 dime variety.

The silver composition produces a distinctly different appearance compared to clad proofs, with a brighter white luster and slightly different reflective properties. Experienced collectors can often distinguish silver proofs from clad versions by visual inspection alone, even before checking the weight difference.

The lower mintage combined with silver content creates stronger long-term value retention compared to clad proofs. Typical PR69DCAM silver proofs trade in the $12 range, while PR70DCAM examples can command $20 to $35 or more depending on market conditions and eye appeal.

The auction record for a 2003-S Silver DCAM dime reached $336 for a PR67DCAM specimen sold at Stack’s Bowers on April 9, 2025, demonstrating sustained collector demand for high-quality examples even at grades below perfect.

Recent sales records establish value benchmarks for silver proof examples at elite certification levels.

Market activity analysis indicates robust collector interest in premium silver Deep Cameo specimens.

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

 

Rare 2003 Dime Error List

The best way to build a high-value 2003 dime collection is to collect error coins, as these minting mistakes can elevate standard Roosevelt dimes to premium status, with authenticated examples regularly achieving hundreds or even thousands of dollars at major numismatic auctions.

1. Die Crack Errors

Die crack errors occur when fissures develop on the die’s surface due to damage or normal wear and tear, leaving raised lines on struck coins, appearing as horizontal or vertical lines across Roosevelt’s portrait or the reverse design.

Larger and more prominent die cracks typically command higher premiums than minor hairline varieties. Collectors particularly value cracks that intersect major design elements like Roosevelt’s face or the torch, as these are more visually striking and easier to authenticate.

In 2010, a 2003-D Roosevelt dime graded MS65 with a die crack running from the rim through Roosevelt’s head sold for $1,175 at a Stack’s Bowers auction, demonstrating strong collector demand for dramatic examples.

2. Clipped Planchet Errors

Clipped planchet errors occur when the blanking press cuts out planchets irregularly, resulting in incomplete coins with missing edges, creating distinctive curved, straight, or ragged clips depending on how the cutting process malfunctioned.

A 2003-D Roosevelt dime graded MS63 with a ragged clipped planchet sold for $985 at a 2011 Stack’s Bowers auction, reflecting the appeal of these dramatic and easily recognizable minting mistakes.

The size and visibility of the clip directly impact value, with larger missing sections commanding substantially higher premiums. Coins retaining a complete date and mint mark despite significant clipping are especially desirable to collectors.

3. Broad Strike Errors

Broad strike errors happen when the planchet is struck outside the restraining collar, resulting in an expanded diameter and a flattened, undefined rim without reeding, creating a visibly wider coin with stretched design elements. In 2014, a 2003-P Roosevelt dime graded MS64 with a broad-struck error brought $845 at Heritage Auctions, establishing this variety as a sought-after addition to error collections.

These coins are immediately recognizable by their smooth edges lacking the standard 118 reeds found on normal dimes. The degree of expansion and overall preservation quality determine the final market value for broad strike specimens.

 

Where to Sell Your 2003 Dime?

Successful selling starts with knowing your coin’s true market before approaching any buyer. Below provides instant professional market assessments that prepare you for every selling scenario, ensuring you recognize legitimate offers and avoid common pitfalls that cost sellers hundreds of dollars in missed value.

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

 

FAQ about The 2003 Dime

1. Does my 2003 dime contain silver?

No, 2003 dimes do not contain silver in their standard circulation composition. The coins are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel cladding over a pure copper core, a composition used from 1965 onwards, making them distinct from pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes that contained 90% silver.

However, the San Francisco Mint did produce special 90% silver proof dimes in 2003 exclusively for collectors, with a mintage of 1,125,755 pieces. These silver proofs were not released into circulation and can only be found in special collector sets sold directly by the U.S. Mint.

2. How much is a 2003 dime worth?

Most circulated 2003 Roosevelt dimes are worth their face value of ten cents. In average circulated condition, a 2003-D dime is worth around 10 cents, while certified mint state examples can bring as much as $2, though premium grades and special designations command significantly higher prices.

Well-struck coins with Full Bands showing complete horizontal lines on the torch are more valuable, with coins in MS67 and MS68 grades being particularly desirable due to their exceptional strike quality and minimal contact marks. Proof specimens from San Francisco, especially those with Deep Cameo contrast, represent the upper tier of value for this year.

3. How can I tell if my 2003 dime has Full Bands?

Full Bands refers to complete horizontal lines visible on the torch bands, indicating exceptional strike quality, a feature that significantly increases collector value across all grade levels. Examine the torch on the reverse carefully under good lighting or magnification—both the upper and lower pairs of horizontal bands must show full, uninterrupted separation to qualify for this designation.

Professional grading services formally certify Full Bands specimens, with PCGS using the “FB” designation and NGC employing “FT” (Full Torch). Coins with this feature can command premiums ranging from modest increases at lower grades to several times the value of non-FB examples in top mint state grades.