If you have a stash of old coins at home, it’s time to inspect them closely. One particular 1955 Roosevelt dime, which could be hiding among your change, is valued at over $9,000 in certain conditions. This small piece of history, often overlooked, could turn out to be a hidden treasure worth far more than its face value. Here’s what you need to know about this coin and why it’s so valuable.
The 1955 Roosevelt dime: A piece of history
The Roosevelt dime made its debut in 1946, a year after Franklin D. Roosevelt died, to replace the Mercury Head dime. The dime was designed by John R. Sinnock. On the front (obverse) of the coin is a left-looking portrait of Roosevelt, while symbols representing strength and freedom—an olive branch, a torch, and oak leaves—depict the back. These images are still the main symbols of a dime standing for freedom, peace, and self-governance. Nonetheless, the 1955 version is especially distinct due to its material and scarcity in circulation.
Why the 1955 dime is valuable
The composition of the 1955 Roosevelt dime is one reason it is considered so profound. Up until 1964, dimes had been minted with 90% silver, which made them highly treasured by many coin collectors. After 1965, the U.S. Mint turned to a copper-nickel mixture, and spun dimes contained no silver, except those minted before 1965; the commercial worth of these dimes after 1964 dropped significantly due to their differences from the previous generations of the silver dimes. The silver content alone in the 1955 dime makes it more priceless than the price stamped on it, however, a few of these coins are valued higher than that owing to their grade and scarcity.
For example, a 1955 Roosevelt uncirculated coin (MS65 grade or higher by PCGS or NGC) would be valued well above $9000 in an auction. Such high-grade coins are in short supply because this period hasn’t been spared, and thus most dimes of this era were worn and damaged, thus losing their value.
Key features of the 1955 dime
To identify if your 1955 dime is potentially valuable, you need to look for several features:
1. Composition: The coin is made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
2. Obverse (Front): It displays Roosevelt’s profile with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the minting year, 1955.
3. Reverse (Back): It features the iconic torch, olive branch, and oak branch, along with the phrases “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
4. Condition: Coins with minimal wear (graded MS65 or higher) are the most valuable. Even slight imperfections can lower the coin’s grade and, in turn, its value.
Factors that affect the value of your coin
The worth of your 1955 dime largely relies on its state of preservation and scarcity. Uncirculated coins or those in mint condition tend to be the most valuable. Despite this, the value is subject to change as per the prevailing conditions in the numismatic market, as there is a continual demand for high-grade examples – collectors looking for such coins.
If you want to assess the actual worth of your coin, it is recommended to find a reputable coin dealer or, even better, a coin grading service. They will assess your dime’s condition and provide you with an approximate valuation. You can also have a Party Grading Company such as PCGS, NGC, or others, give your coin a certification grade that can help you to sell your coin for a bigger amount.
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How to sell your coin
If you believe you have a valuable 1955 Roosevelt dime, there are several ways to sell it. Coin dealers, numismatic auctions, and online platforms like eBay are popular venues for selling rare coins. It’s advisable to get your coin professionally graded before selling, as this can significantly increase its value in the eyes of collectors.
Take home note
The 1955 Roosevelt dime is more than just a small piece of currency—it’s a potential goldmine for coin collectors. With its 90% silver content and the possibility of being worth thousands of dollars in the right condition, this dime is a reminder of how old coins can still hold significant value today. If you have old coins lying around, take the time to review them; you might just have a treasure worth over $9,000 hidden in your collection.
