Price Guide for 1961 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.
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $1,610.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.30 – $460.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00 – $4.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $225.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $110.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $336.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $160.50Uncirculated: $1.40 – $396.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $350.00
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eBayCirculated: $29.00Uncirculated: $101.00 – $124.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $24.00Uncirculated: $26.00 – $275.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $230.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.36 – $26.00Uncirculated: $1.25 – $550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00 – $4.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11.00 – $5,287.50
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eBayUncirculated: $7.30 – $695.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $44.00 – $3,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.44 – $1,775.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $4,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $213.39
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eBayUncirculated: $2.25 – $150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $90.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,115.00Uncirculated: $8.50 – $5,581.25
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eBayUncirculated: $6.50 – $330.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 – $5,750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1961 Dime
The 1961 Roosevelt Dime continues the series that began in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who passed away in 1945. This coin represents a significant period in American history, as it was minted during the early years of the Cold War and the beginning of the Space Race. The silver composition of the coin also makes it valuable for its precious metal content.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), D (Denver) |
| 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
The condition of a 1961 Roosevelt Dime significantly impacts its value, especially for higher grades. Circulation strikes in Mint State (MS) condition command premium prices, with values increasing substantially for grades MS65 and above. For proof coins, grades of PR67 and higher are particularly desirable.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more valuable.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from contact marks, scratches, or other imperfections are highly sought after.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s value, especially for proof issues.
Mintage: 172,534,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for silver content and high-grade examples
Mintage: 209,146,550
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for silver content and high-grade examples
Mintage: 3,028,244
Rarity Scale: Common for proof coins
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades PR68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Several factors can influence the value of a 1961 Roosevelt Dime beyond its condition:
1. Silver content: As a 90% silver coin, its intrinsic metal value provides a baseline worth.
2. Full Bands: Examples with fully separated horizontal bands on the torch reverse are more valuable.
3. Cameo and Deep Cameo proofs: Proof coins with strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields command higher premiums.
4. Error coins: While not common for this year, any significant mint errors could greatly increase value.
5. Historical significance: As a coin from the early 1960s, it may appeal to collectors interested in Cold War era numismatics.
