Price Guide for 1978 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 PriceCirculated: $31.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $4,025.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.32 – $165.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $75.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.50Uncirculated: $0.99 – $1,187.49
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $604.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $113.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $25.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $64.00 – $99.88
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $24.00 – $1,300.00
Design and Specifications of the 1978 Dime
The 1978 Roosevelt Dime continues the series that began in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who passed away in 1945. This coin represents a period of economic challenges in the United States, with high inflation and rising unemployment rates. The Roosevelt Dime, with its symbolic design featuring the torch of liberty, served as a reminder of American ideals during these trying times.
| Weight | 2.27 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.91 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D |
| Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel (Clad over pure copper core) |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, designed by John R. Sinnock |
| Reverse Design | Torch flanked by olive branch and oak branch, designed by John R. Sinnock |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1978 Roosevelt Dimes significantly impacts their value, particularly for circulation strikes. While these coins are common in circulated grades, examples in pristine uncirculated condition (MS65 and above) can command premium prices. For circulation strikes, collectors prize coins with full bands (FB) on the reverse torch, indicating a strong strike.
Proof coins are generally well-preserved but can still vary in quality. Deep cameo proofs with strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields are particularly desirable.
Mintage: 665,690,000
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, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 424,908,660
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, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 3,127,781
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in most proof grades, but scarce in perfect (PR70) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate among proof set collectors
Several factors can influence the value of 1978 Roosevelt Dimes beyond mere condition:
1. Strike Quality: Coins with sharp, well-defined details, especially those with full bands (FB) on the reverse torch, are more valuable.
2. Luster: Uncirculated coins with original mint luster, particularly those with a cartwheel effect, are prized by collectors.
3. Toning: While not as common on clad coins, attractive natural toning can increase value, especially on proof issues.
4. Die State: Late die state coins showing interesting die deterioration characteristics might appeal to specialized collectors.
5. Errors: Although no major errors are known for this year, any discovered off-center strikes, doubled dies, or other mint errors could carry a premium.
