Silver Dime Value Today (Melt Value)
Silver dime melt value table
| Quantity | Face value | Silver (ozt) | Melt value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.10 | 0.0723 | $3.90 |
| 10 | $1.00 | 0.7234 | $39.04 |
| 50 (1 roll) | $5.00 | 3.6170 | $195.22 |
| 100 | $10.00 | 7.2340 | $390.45 |
| 500 (10 rolls) | $50.00 | 36.1700 | $1,952.25 |
| 1000 | $100.00 | 72.3400 | $3,904.49 |
Melt (metal) value only. Key dates such as the 1916-D Mercury dime or 1949-S Roosevelt, rare mint marks and high-grade coins can be worth much more.
Which dimes contain silver?
- Barber dime (1892–1916): 90% silver, 2.5 g, 0.07234 ozt.
- Mercury (Winged Liberty) dime (1916–1945): 90% silver, 2.5 g, 0.07234 ozt.
- Roosevelt dime (1946–1964): 90% silver, 2.5 g, 0.07234 ozt.
- Roosevelt dime (1965 onward): copper-nickel clad, 2.268 g, no silver.
- Silver proof Roosevelt dimes (1992 onward): collector-only issues in proof sets.
The silver figure: 2.5 g × 0.90 = 2.25 g of silver ÷ 31.1035 g per troy ounce = 0.07234 ozt.
How to identify a silver dime
Date: any circulating dime dated 1964 or earlier is silver. Edge: silver dimes show a solid silver edge; clad dimes reveal a thin copper line. Weight: 2.50 g for silver versus 2.27 g for clad — a 0.01 g scale separates them easily. Design: any Mercury or Barber dime is silver regardless of wear.
Note that dimes from 1965 were sometimes struck on leftover silver planchets by error. A 1965 or later dime that weighs 2.5 g is unusual and worth having checked by a specialist — it could be worth far more than melt.
Worked example: valuing a roll
A full roll of 50 uncirculated silver dimes contains 50 × 0.07234 = 3.617 ozt. At $53.97/oz that is $195.22. Circulated dimes are thin from wear, so dealers often use the junk silver rule of 0.715 ozt per $1 face: $5 × 0.715 = 3.575 ozt, or $192.96. Because dimes are small, they are popular for people who want silver in very small units.
Mercury vs Roosevelt dimes
Both carry the same silver, so their melt value is identical: $3.90 each. The difference is collector demand. Mercury dimes are older and scarcer, so even common worn dates often sell for a little over melt, and full-band uncirculated examples carry big premiums. Pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes are much more plentiful and usually trade close to melt. Always check the date and mint mark (on the reverse to the left of the fasces for Mercury dimes, and on the reverse to the left of the torch for 1946–1964 Roosevelts) before selling.
Selling silver dimes
Silver dimes are usually bought as junk silver per $1 face value. Pull out key dates and uncirculated coins first, then compare offers from at least two dealers. For other denominations see the US silver coin melt value calculator, and watch the live silver price to time your sale.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a silver dime worth?
A 90% silver dime dated 1964 or earlier contains 0.07234 troy oz of silver. Its melt value is 0.07234 times the live silver spot price. Rare dates, mint marks and high grades can be worth more than melt.
What is a Mercury dime worth in silver?
Mercury dimes (1916–1945) are 90% silver, weigh 2.5 grams and contain 0.07234 troy oz of silver, exactly like Roosevelt silver dimes. Common worn dates trade near melt; key dates like 1916-D are worth far more.
Which Roosevelt dimes are silver?
Roosevelt dimes dated 1946 through 1964 are 90% silver. From 1965 onward circulating Roosevelt dimes are copper-nickel clad and contain no silver, except special silver proof issues sold to collectors.
How much is a roll of silver dimes worth?
A standard roll holds 50 dimes, $5 face value, containing 3.617 troy oz of silver. Multiply by the live silver price for melt value; circulated rolls are usually valued at about 0.715 oz per $1 face.
How do I tell if a dime is silver?
Dimes dated 1964 or earlier are silver. Silver dimes also have a solid silver edge with no copper stripe, and weigh 2.50 grams compared with 2.27 grams for a clad dime.
Are Barber dimes silver?
Yes. Barber dimes (1892–1916) are 90% silver with 0.07234 troy oz of silver, the same as Mercury and pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes.