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.
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $431.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $321.95
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $425.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.00 – $1,093.00
-
eBayCirculated: $0.99Uncirculated: $0.99 – $320.95
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $200.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $16.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $199.90
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $125.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.00 – $660.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $305.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $900.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $489.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $566.10
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $150.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $2,185.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $275.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $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.
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
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.
