Discover the factors that determine the value of a 1968 dime, including mint marks, condition, rarity, and more in our comprehensive guide for coin collectors.

In 1968, the U.S. Mint released a Roosevelt dime composed of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel, with a total weight of 2.27 grams. This composition remained consistent for circulating dimes from 1965 until 2014. Collectors often seek out 1968 dimes for their unique combination of historical significance and numismatic value.

1968 Dime Pricing Chart

Mint			Extremely Fine (40)	Mint State (60)	Mint State (70)
Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)			$1.00	$3.00	$10.00
Denver (D)			$1.00	$3.50	$12.00
San Francisco (S)			$10.00	$20.00	$40.00

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the 1968 Dime
2. Mint Marks: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco
3. Condition and Grading: The Key to Value
4. Rarity and Mintage Figures
5. Valuing a 1968 Dime: A Step-by-Step Process
6. Expert Tips for Collectors
7. 1968 Dime Error List

Understanding the 1968 Dime

In 1968, the U.S. Mint released a Roosevelt dime composed of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel, with a total weight of 2.27 grams. This composition remained consistent for circulating dimes from 1965 until 2014. Collectors often seek out 1968 dimes for their unique combination of historical significance and numismatic value.

Mint Marks: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco

The U.S. Mint produced the 1968 dime at three different locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Each location used a unique mint mark to identify where the coin was made:

• Philadelphia (no mint mark): As the primary minting facility, the Philadelphia Mint produced the majority of 1968 dimes. The absence of a mint mark signifies that the coin was minted in Philadelphia.
• Denver (D): The Denver Mint produced a smaller number of 1968 dimes, which can be identified by a “D” mint mark above the date.
• San Francisco (S): The San Francisco Mint primarily produced proof coins for collectors, making these dimes rarer than their Philadelphia and Denver counterparts. These coins feature an “S” mint mark above the date.

Condition and Grading: The Key to Value

The condition of a 1968 dime plays a significant role in determining its value. Coins in better condition generally command higher prices. Coin grading is a standardized process that evaluates a coin’s condition using a scale from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Mint State or MS).

Professional coin grading services, such as the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), offer expert grading and certification services. Obtaining a professional grade for your 1968 dime can help you accurately assess its value and increase its marketability.

Rarity and Mintage Figures

Mintage figures indicate the number of coins produced at each mint. These figures can provide insight into the rarity of a 1968 dime:

• Philadelphia: 424,420,000 dimes minted
• Denver: 474,810,000 dimes minted
• San Francisco (proof): 3,041,506 dimes minted

While the San Francisco proof dimes are the rarest of the three, it is essential to note that rarity alone does not determine the value of a coin. Other factors, such as condition and market demand, also play a significant role in a coin’s overall worth.

Valuing a 1968 Dime: A Step-by-Step Process

To accurately determine the value of a 1968 dime, follow these steps:

1. Identify the mint mark: Locate the mint mark on your coin to determine where it was produced. This will give you an initial idea of its rarity.
2. Evaluate the coin’s condition: Assess the coin’s condition by examining its wear, luster, and overall appearance. If you’re unsure of your assessment, consider seeking the help of a professional grading service.
3. Research recent sales: Investigate recent sales of 1968 dimes in similar condition and with the same mint mark. Online auction sites, such as eBay, can provide valuable insights into current market values.
4. Consult reputable price guides: Refer to trusted numismatic price guides, such as the “Red Book” (A Guide Book of United States Coins) or online resources like the CoinTrackers.com, PCGS Price Guide, or NGC Coin Price Guide. These guides offer up-to-date price estimates for coins in various conditions and mint marks.
5. Consider market trends: Pay attention to overall market trends in the coin-collecting community. Fluctuations in precious metal prices and shifts in collector preferences can impact the value of your 1968 dime.

Obverse (front)

Reverse (back)

Expert Tips for Collectors

As you build your collection and seek to maximize the value of your 1968 dimes, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Preserve your coins: Proper storage and handling can help maintain your coin’s condition, protecting its value. Invest in quality coin holders and avoid touching the coin’s surface with your fingers to prevent damage.
• Seek professional advice: If you’re unsure about a coin’s condition or value, consult with a professional numismatist or coin dealer. Their expertise can help you make informed decisions about buying, selling, or grading your coins.
• Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with market trends and news in the coin-collecting community. Attend coin shows, join numismatic clubs, and subscribe to reputable publications to stay informed and connected.

1968 Dime Error List

Error Type	Description
Off-center strike	A coin that was not properly centered during the striking process, resulting in an off-center design.
Clipped planchet	A coin struck on a blank that was incompletely punched from the metal sheet, causing a portion of the coin to be missing.
Double die	A coin with a doubled image due to a misaligned or incorrectly prepared die.
Die crack	A raised line or ridge on the surface of a coin caused by a crack in the die during the striking process.
Die break	A coin with a raised, irregularly shaped area caused by a piece of the die breaking away during the striking process.
Die clash	An impression of the obverse design elements appearing on the reverse side of the coin, or vice versa, due to the dies clashing together without a planchet in between.