Price Guide for 1979 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 – $1,495.00
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eBayCirculated: $228.54 – $246.50Uncirculated: $0.99 – $72.01
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $525.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $384.00
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eBayUncirculated: $114.00 – $850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12.00 – $2,650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $184.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.50 – $260.55Uncirculated: $0.99 – $125.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $140.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $3,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $472.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.77 – $69.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $25.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $426.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $154.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $35.00
Design and Specifications of the 1979 Dime
The 1979 Roosevelt Dime continued the long-standing design introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This year marked the 34th anniversary of the Roosevelt Dime, which had become a staple of American coinage. The late 1970s saw high inflation rates, which affected the purchasing power of coins, including the dime.
| 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 and oak branches, designed by John R. Sinnock |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1979 Roosevelt Dimes. While common in circulated grades, these coins become more desirable in higher mint state conditions. Coins grading MS65 and above can command significant premiums, especially those with full bands (FB) on the reverse torch.
The quality of the strike, presence of luster, and absence of contact marks are key factors in determining grade. Toning can also impact value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding higher prices among collectors.
Mintage: 1,298,859,074
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in lower grades, somewhat scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 360,534,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in lower grades, somewhat scarce in gem (MS65+) condition
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 3,677,175
Rarity Scale: Common for proof issues
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in PR65 and above, due to careful handling
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low to Moderate, mainly for proof set collectors
Mint State Full Bands (FB) designation is a crucial factor for Roosevelt Dimes. Coins with clearly defined horizontal lines on the torch bands are more valuable and sought after by collectors.
Die varieties and errors, while not common for this year, can significantly increase a coin’s value if discovered. These may include doubled dies, repunched mint marks, or off-center strikes.
The overall eye appeal of the coin, including the quality of luster and any attractive toning, can also influence its desirability and value in the collector market.
