Price Guide for 1972 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 – $52.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.29 – $300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $36.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $42.00 – $440.63
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eBayUncirculated: $74.00 – $444.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $2,850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $18.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $99.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.76 – $120.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $300.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $19.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $44.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $39.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $10.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $13.00 – $141.00
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eBayUncirculated: $10.01 – $950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $1,400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $2,160.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $42.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $10.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $8,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $60.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $8,750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1972 Dime
The 1972 Roosevelt Dime continued the long-standing design introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This year marked the 27th anniversary of the design, which remained largely unchanged since its inception. The Roosevelt Dime holds historical significance as it represents the transition from silver to clad composition in U.S. coinage, a change that occurred in 1965 due to rising silver prices.
| Weight | 2.27 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Composition | 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel clad to pure copper core |
| 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 1972 Roosevelt Dimes. While these coins are generally common, specimens in pristine condition can command significant premiums. For circulation strikes, coins in MS65 and above are considerably scarcer and more valuable.
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 full details are more desirable.
3. Contact marks: Fewer marks, especially on key areas like Roosevelt’s cheek, increase value.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s value for some collectors.
Mintage: 378,543,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low to Moderate, higher for gem specimens
Mintage: 330,066,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low to Moderate, higher for gem specimens
Mintage: 3,260,996
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in perfect (PR70) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for perfect specimens
While the 1972 Roosevelt Dime is generally common, certain factors can increase its value:
1. Full Bands (FB) designation: Coins with fully separated horizontal bands on the torch reverse are more valuable.
2. Cameo and Deep Cameo proofs: Proof coins with strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields command premiums.
3. Error coins: Although no major errors are known for this year, any discovered off-center strikes, die cracks, or other mistakes could be valuable.
4. Original rolls or sets: Uncirculated coins in original mint rolls or proof sets may carry a premium.
The 1972 Roosevelt Dime’s value is primarily numismatic, as its metal content is worth less than face value. Collector demand focuses on high-grade examples and special varieties.
