Price Guide for 1953 Dime Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $4,230.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $775.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00 – $4.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $1,100.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $489.00
-
eBayCirculated: $1.25 – $55.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $350.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00 – $4.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $400.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $4,800.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $6.00 – $799.95
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $4,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15.00 – $4,700.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $4.92 – $1,785.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $5,750.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $601.20
-
eBayCirculated: $28.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $1,100.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00 – $4.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $650.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $460.00
-
eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $296.00Uncirculated: $4.99 – $500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12.00 – $650.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $59.00 – $1,200.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $13.35 – $300.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $18.00 – $28.00Uncirculated: $32.00 – $500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21.00 – $2,070.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $10.49 – $1,725.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $10,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $35.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $264.00 – $303.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $140.00 – $650.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $56.00 – $330.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $26.00 – $3,680.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $9.95 – $2,595.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $38.00 – $1,750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1953 Dime
The 1953 Roosevelt Dime continued the series that began in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who passed away in 1945. This coin was minted during the early years of the Cold War, a period of significant political tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Roosevelt Dime symbolized the values of freedom and democracy that FDR championed during his presidency, particularly relevant during this era of global conflict.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, designed by John R. Sinnock |
| Reverse Design | Torch flanked by olive and oak branches, designed by John R. Sinnock |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1953 Roosevelt Dimes. For circulation strikes, coins in Mint State (MS) condition, particularly MS65 and above, command significant premiums. Full Bands (FB) designation is highly sought after, indicating strong strike quality where the torch’s horizontal bands on the reverse are fully separated.
For proof coins, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast between the frosted devices and mirrored fields can substantially increase value. Preservation of original surfaces without hairlines or contact marks is essential for achieving top grades.
Mintage: 53,475,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Mintage: 136,433,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for gem-quality specimens
Mintage: 128,800
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades PR68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for cameo and deep cameo examples
Toning can significantly impact the desirability and value of 1953 Roosevelt Dimes. Natural, attractive toning patterns, especially on silver proof issues, are highly prized by collectors. For circulation strikes, original mint luster is a key factor in determining grade and value.
While not typically considered a rare date, the 1953 San Francisco proof issue’s relatively low mintage makes it more desirable to collectors, especially in high grades. The presence of full split bands on the reverse torch can also command a premium, as it indicates a strong, well-executed strike.
