1946 Roosevelt Dime Value (D, S, No Mint Mark & Errors Worth)

Did you know an old 1946 Roosevelt Dime recently sold for an astonishing price of $12,650 in a coin auction? While most circulated 1946 dimes fetch $2-3, some rare examples can be highly valuable today. So, scroll down to find out what rare features can make this silver coin worth a big fortune!

1946 Roosevelt Dime Value

Identifying a Real 1946 Roosevelt Silver Dime (Design & Composition)

Designed by John R. Sinnock, the 1946 Roosevelt Dime features unique design elements on both sides that help collectors verify real coins. Here’s a breakdown of the design as well as other physical features to authenticate your dime.

1946 Roosevelt Dime Obverse:

1946 Roosevelt Dime Obverse
  • A left-facing portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt at the center
  • “LIBERTY” appears along the left rim
  • “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed to the left of Roosevelt’s neck
  • The mint date “1946” below the truncation line (bottom-right)
  • The designer’s initials “JS” appear at the truncation of Roosevelt’s neck

1946 Roosevelt Dime Reverse:

1946 Roosevelt Dime Reverse
  • A torch in the center with an oak and olive branch on either side
  • “E PLURIBUS UNUM” stretches across the middle
  • “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the top rim
  • The denomination “ONE DIME” at the bottom
  • The mint mark, if present, to the torch’s bottom left

1946 Roosevelt Dime Composition, Weight & Size

The 1946 Roosevelt Dime was struck in .900 fine silver (90% silver, 10% copper), continuing the standard composition used for dimes since 1837.

1946 Roosevelt DimeKey Features & Facts
Material Composition 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Minting LocationPhiladelphia, Denver, San Francisco
Minting Year1946
Face Value$0.10 (10 cents)
Weight2.5 grams
Diameter17.91 mm
Thickness1.55mm
EdgeReeded edge
DesignerJohn R. Sinnock
Mint Marks‘D,’ ‘S’ and No mint mark
Total Mintage 344,193,500 coins

How Much Is a 1946 Silver Dime? (3 Key Factors to Find Its Value)

The average value of a circulated 1946 Roosevelt Dime is typically around $2-$3, thanks to its silver content. The uncirculated examples can range from $15 to several thousand dollars depending on condition, mint mark, and any valuable errors present on the coin.

1. Coin Condition & Grades

Like every other old coin, the value of a 1946 Roosevelt Dime is heavily influenced by its condition assessed in grades. The grades on the Sheldon Scale range from P-1 to MS-70, where higher grades indicate a better condition.

Naturally, Mint State (MS) grades from MS60 to MS67+ are more valuable than the lower grades examples (below MS60).

Another feature that impacts a Dime’s value is the Full Bands Designation, which is assigned to the specimens showing complete horizontal lines on the torch on the reverse. Generally, Full Band examples command premium prices.

2. 1946 Roosevelt Dime Mint Marks & Mintage

The total mintage of Roosevelt Dimes in 1946 crossed 344 million mintage. This large number of dimes were produced at three different mints with their unique mint marks and mintages, influencing their rarity and value today.

1946 No Mint Mark Dime (Mintage – 255,250,000)

With the highest mintage, the Philadelphia-minted 1946 Roosevelt Dime with no mint mark is the most common variety. Still, well-preserved examples of this dime variety can easily fetch $5 to 10,000 or more, like this most valuable MS-69 example sold for $12,650 in auction.

Here are the average values of a 1946 no mint mark dime based on grades:

  • MS60-MS63: $5-$10
  • MS64-MS65: $10-$20
  • MS66: $20-$40
  • MS67: $30-$250
  • MS68: $500-$2,500
  • MS69: $10,000-$12,000+

The Full Band variety of 1946 no mint mark dime is also quite valuable, typically fetching $15 to $11,000 based on grades. The highest value of a 1946 Dime MS68 FB example is $10,870 released on Legend Rare Coin Auctions!

1946 D Roosevelt Dime (Mintage – 61,043,500)

The Denver Mint produced the second least dimes in 1946, identified by the D mint mark on the reverse. Although rarer than 1946 no-mint-mark dimes, 1946 D dimes typically sell for $7 to $1,000.

The average values of a 1946 D dime are as follows:

  • MS60-MS63: $5-$10
  • MS64-MS65: $15-$20
  • MS66: $20-$35
  • MS67: $50-$500
  • MS68: $600-$900
  • MS69: N/A

On the other hand, an FB-designated 1946 D Roosevelt Dime can fetch up to $3,000 to $4,500 in MS68 grade, like this example, which sold for $4,230 at Heritage Auctions.

1946 S Roosevelt Dime (Mintage – 27,900,000)

1946 S Roosevelt Dime

With the least mintage of only 27.9 million coins, the 1946 S Roosevelt Dimes featuring the S mint mark are considered the rarest. However, they’re still worth around $5 to $1,850 in uncirculated state.

Here are the estimated prices of a 1946 S Dime in mint state.

  • MS60-MS63: $5-$12
  • MS64-MS65: $15-$30
  • MS66: $30-$45
  • MS67: $50-$135
  • MS68: $600-$1,840
  • MS69: N/A

The average value of a Full Band 1946-S Dime is almost similar to that of a regular mint state dime, fetching $25 to $1,500 for MS65 to MS68 grades.

3. Valuable 1946 Roosevelt Dime Errors

The presence of mint marks also significantly impacts a 1946 Roosevelt silver dime value. Here are the most notable errors to look for:

Struck on Elliptical Planchet

This error occurs when the planchet (blank coin) is misshapen before striking making its shape elliptical rather than round. These distinctive oval-shaped 1946 dimes can be worth $100-$300 depending on the degree of distortion and overall condition, like this AU55 example sold for almost $120 on Heritage auctions.

For a valuable find, look for an elongated shape while maintaining the complete Roosevelt design on both sides.

Straight Clip Error

Straight clips occur when the planchet strip is misaligned during blanking, creating a straight-edged cut on the coin’s rim. Depending on the degree of the straight clip and the coin’s overall condition, this rare dime can be worth $50-$200.

An MS63 example with a 7% straight clip sold for $80 on eBay! Higher-grade examples with a dramatic straight clip can fetch premium prices.

Screenshot 2025 02 03 183823
Source: eBay – mdkirkham

Obverse Struck Thru Die Cap

A die cap error happens when a struck coin sticks to the die and strikes subsequent planchets, creating a coin with curved edges. The affected area appears flattened or missing detail due to striking through the stuck coin.

The value of a rare 1946 Dime with a dramatic struck thru die cap error can range from $50-$200, like this MS67 FB specimen sold for almost $85 in an auction!

Double Die Error

Double die errors show a distinct doubling of design elements, especially in lettering and Roosevelt’s features. Depending on the visibility of the doubling and the coin’s overall condition, the 1946 Roosevelt Dime with Double Die error coin can be worth $100-$500 or more!

Judith Miller
Judith Miller

Judith is an antique expert with nearly 20 years of experience in the field of antique identification and valuation. She has reviewed over 30 thousand vintage items and has worked with numerous antique shops. She enjoys seeing new places, attending antique shows and events, and sharing her knowledge with people! Know more about me