The 1973-D Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.10 in worn condition to over $1,200 for rare high-grade specimens. If you have recently emptied your pockets and found one of these clad coins, you might be curious if you are holding a hidden treasure or just spare change.
Is the 1973-D Roosevelt Dime Made of Silver
If you are checking your change in hopes of finding silver, you might be a few years too late for this specific coin. The 1973-D Roosevelt Dime was minted long after the United States transitioned from 90% silver to a copper-nickel clad composition in 1965. This means your 1973 dime features a core of pure copper with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. You can often see a brown or orange “sandwich” stripe on the edge of the coin, which confirms it is a clad issue.
If you aren’t sure about the metal content or the specific mint mark on your coin, using a free coin identifier app can quickly clear up any confusion. While millions of these coins were produced at the Denver Mint, the CoinHix app can help you distinguish between a common pocket piece and a high-grade investment. Most circulated examples you find in the wild today are only worth their ten-cent face value, but collectors pay much more for coins that survived in pristine, uncirculated condition.
Determining the Grade and 1973-D Dime Value
How much is your coin actually worth? The value of a 1973-D Roosevelt Dime depends almost entirely on its “grade,” which measures the amount of wear and tear on its surface. Coins that have been passed around for decades are considered “Circulated” and rarely fetch a premium. However, “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS) coins are those that never made it into general commerce. These coins retain their original luster and look exactly as they did when they left the Denver Mint over 50 years ago.
For those serious about the market, the 1973 D Roosevelt Dime MS price guide shows that values climb significantly once a coin reaches MS65 or higher. While a typical Mint State dime might only be worth a few dollars, a coin graded MS67 or MS68 can be worth hundreds. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC evaluate these factors, and having the CoinHix app handy can help you learn how to spot these high-grade details yourself.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.10 |
| Uncirculated (MS60) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65) | $10.00 – $25.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS67) | $150.00 – $350.00 |
| Full Torch (FT) Designation | Up to $1,250+ |
The Secret to High Value: Full Torch Details
To get the most money for a 1973-D dime, collectors look for the “Full Torch” (FT) or “Full Bands” (FB) designation. This refers to the torch on the reverse side of the coin. If the horizontal bands at the top and bottom of the torch are clearly separated and distinct, the coin was struck with high pressure and great detail. These specimens are incredibly rare for the 1973-D issue because most dies used that year were slightly worn, resulting in “mushy” details.
According to latest data on the current 1973 Roosevelt Dime worth and market trends, a 1973-D with Full Torch details in MS67 condition is the “holy grail” for Roosevelt collectors. Because so few of these survive, auction houses often see fierce bidding for them. If you suspect your coin has these sharp details, the CoinHix app can provide high-resolution photos for comparison to help you decide if it is worth the cost of professional certification.
Notable 1973-D Dime Errors to Look For
While most 1973-D dimes are common, mint errors can turn a mundane coin into a valuable collector’s item. One of the most common errors from this era is the “Off-Center Strike,” where the coin blank was not properly aligned with the dies. If much of the design is missing and you see a blank area of the planchet, the value could jump to $20 or $50.
Another interesting error is the “Clipped Planchet,” where the coin looks like a bite was taken out of the edge. Collectors also look for “Die Cracks,” which appear as raised lines of metal on the surface of the coin. These errors are accidental and happen during the high-speed minting process. While they aren’t as famous as the rare 1973 “No S” proof dime (which only came from the San Francisco mint), a Denver-minted error is still a prized find for many hobbyists.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1973-D Roosevelt Dime?
A: The “D” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above the date. It signifies that the coin was minted in Denver.
Q: Is a 1973-D dime rare?
A: No, the 1973-D dime is not rare in circulated condition, as the Denver Mint produced over 350 million of them. It only becomes rare and valuable in extremely high grades like MS67 or with “Full Torch” strike details.
Q: How can I tell if my dime is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge, it might be silver. If you see a stripe of copper/brown, it is a standard clad coin. Note that all 1973-D dimes were intended to be clad.
