Why the 1970 Roosevelt Dime Is Gaining Attention Among Coin Collectors

The 1970 Roosevelt Dime was minted in large numbers but is often overlooked by collectors. With a total production of 345,570,000 coins, it marked the transition from the silver era to the clad coinage era. This dime is still frequently found in circulation, although most examples are in lower grades. For collectors, however, higher-grade versions can have some value. This guide will help you understand the key details about the 1970 Roosevelt Dime, its historical background, and its current market value.

History of the 1970 Roosevelt Dime

In 1970, the U.S. Mint was transitioning from using silver to clad metals for producing dimes. The last .900 silver dimes were made in 1964, so the 1970 dimes were the first to use a new clad composition, which was a mixture of copper and nickel. This change marked the end of silver dimes in regular circulation.

The U.S. Mint produced 345,570,000 dimes in 1970. The dimes from Philadelphia Mint, however, didn’t carry a mintmark and are often confused with Proof mint errors where the “S” mintmark is mistakenly left off. These coins, although not rare, are significant for collectors looking to complete their sets.

How the Mint Produced the 1970 Dime

During this period, the U.S. Mint used both old and new presses. The older presses could strike two dimes per stroke, while the newer ones could strike four dimes. The Mint also experimented with a high-tech press, called a Superpress, designed to strike 144 coins per revolution. However, this machine wasn’t successful and was later shelved.

Although many silver coins were removed from circulation by 1970, you could still find some mixed in with the new clad coins. This situation led to the Treasury Department working systematically to remove silver coins from circulation.

What Is the 1970 Roosevelt Dime Worth?

The value of a 1970 Roosevelt Dime depends on its condition. Most of the coins found today are in lower grades, such as VF (Very Fine), which means they don’t have much value over face value. However, uncirculated coins from mint sets are more valuable.

For uncirculated coins in good condition, collectors can expect to pay around $2 for a “Gem” uncertified coin. MS65-certified coins, which are higher quality, can trade for under $10 each. However, coins with the “Full Bands” or “Full Torch” designation (meaning the bands and torch on the coin’s reverse are fully struck) are worth much more and can fetch higher prices, especially in MS67 or higher grades.

Current Market Value

Coin Type	Estimated Value	Condition Level	Source
Uncirculated (Gem)	Around $2	Uncertified	Red Book
MS65-Certified Coin	Under $10	Certified	Market Trends
MS66 or Higher (Full Bands)	Higher Premium	High Quality	Market Trends

Important Notes:

• MS65-certified 1970 dimes typically sell for less than $10 each.
• Full Bands/Full Torch dimes can fetch premiums, especially in MS67 or higher grades.
• The coin is common in circulation, but the higher-quality versions are rare and valuable.

Conclusion

The 1970 Roosevelt Dime, though produced in large quantities, is an interesting coin for collectors due to its transition from silver to clad composition. While most of the dimes are found in lower grades, high-quality examples with special designations like Full Bands or Full Torch can have significant value. For collectors looking for these rarer coins, paying attention to certification and coin quality is essential to determine the right value.

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