Price Guide for 1981 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.

1981-D Dime, FB (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $431.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $321.95
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $4.00 – $425.00
1981-P Dime (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $1.00 – $1,093.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $0.99
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $320.95
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1.00 – $2.00
    Uncirculated: $4.00 – $200.00
1981-D Dime (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $16.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $199.90
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1.00 – $2.00
    Uncirculated: $4.00 – $125.00
1981-P Dime, FB (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $12.00 – $660.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $305.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $5.00 – $900.00
1981-S Dime Type 2, DCAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $489.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $566.10
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $3.00 – $150.00
1981-S Dime Type 1, DCAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $3.00 – $2,185.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $275.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $4.00 – $22.00

Design and Specifications of the 1981 Dime

The 1981 Roosevelt Dime continues the design introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who passed away in 1945. This coin represents a significant year in American history, as it was minted during the first year of Ronald Reagan’s presidency, marking the beginning of a new era in U.S. politics and economics.

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

The condition of 1981 Roosevelt Dimes significantly impacts their value, particularly for higher grades. While these coins are common in circulated conditions, uncirculated examples in MS65 or better can command a premium. Collectors seek coins with:

Full luster and no signs of wear
Sharp strike, especially on Roosevelt’s hair and the torch flames
Minimal contact marks or blemishes
Attractive, original surfaces free from cleaning or other alterations

Coins meeting these criteria are considerably scarcer and more valuable than their circulated counterparts.

Philadelphia, P

Mintage: 696,579,028

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

Denver, D

Mintage: 730,946,308

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

Several factors can influence the value of 1981 Roosevelt Dimes beyond their condition:

1. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
3. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting die wear characteristics may interest variety collectors.
4. Mint errors: While no major errors are known for this year, any discovered could be valuable.
5. Original rolls or sets: Unopened mint sets or original bank rolls may carry a premium.

While not rare, high-grade examples of 1981 dimes can be challenging to find due to the large number that entered circulation. This scarcity in top grades can drive prices for superb specimens.

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *