1955 Roosevelt silver dime obverse and reverse showing John R. Sinnock's portrait design

The 1955 Roosevelt Dime Value Guide

The 1955-P dime is the lowest-mintage silver Roosevelt dime ever struck for circulation — just 12,450,181 pieces — making it the undisputed key date of the silver era. Gem Mint State examples in Full Bands have traded for thousands, while even circulated coins carry real silver value. Use the free tools below to pinpoint what yours is worth today.

★★★★★  Rated 4.8 by 1,347 collectors  ·  Backed by PCGS & Heritage auction data

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12.45M 1955-P mintage — lowest in the silver series
$4,025 Auction record for 1955-S MS67 (Superior Galleries)
<500 Est. 1955-P Full Bands examples across all grades
90% Silver content — every 1955 dime has real silver value

1955 Roosevelt Dime Value Chart at a Glance

The table below spans all three circulation mint varieties plus the proof issue across four condition tiers. For a detailed illustrated complete 1955 Roosevelt dime identification guide with grading photos and updated auction data, visit our linked reference. The Full Bands (FB) row is highlighted in gold — that designation is the single biggest value multiplier for this date.

Variety Worn (G–VF) Circulated (EF–AU) Uncirculated (MS60–64) Gem MS (MS65–67)
1955-P (No Mint Mark) $5 – $8 $8 – $14 $12 – $30 $35 – $200+
1955-P Full Bands ⭐ N/A (FB = Mint State only) N/A $50 – $200 $300 – $2,600+
1955-D (Denver) $5 – $8 $8 – $12 $12 – $25 $30 – $150
1955-S (San Francisco) $5 – $8 $8 – $14 $12 – $30 $40 – $300+
1955 Proof (PR) 🔴 N/A N/A $15 – $30 $35 – $200+

⭐ Signature variety (gold) · 🔴 Rarest premium tier (orange-red) · Values reflect typical retail; sharp Full Bands or Cameo Proof coins can exceed the ranges shown.

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The Valuable 1955 Dime Errors (Complete Guide)

The 1955 production year was unusually light at all three mints, and the same die fatigue and punching inconsistencies that produced low mintages also created a set of collectible errors. Five varieties stand out for collectors: the coveted Full Bands strike designation, two doubled-die varieties, the repunched mint mark on D and S issues, and die cud errors. Each is described below in full — including how to spot it, its mint of origin, and what it has sold for.

1955-P Full Bands (FB)

MOST FAMOUS $50 – $2,600+
1955-P Roosevelt dime Full Bands designation showing completely separated torch bands on reverse

The Full Bands designation — abbreviated FB by PCGS and FT ("Full Torch") informally — refers to the complete, uninterrupted separation of all horizontal lines across both sets of bands on the torch on the Roosevelt dime reverse. It is not a mint error in the conventional sense, but rather a striking quality designation awarded only to coins that received sufficient die pressure for those fine lines to strike up fully.

On the 1955-P, this designation is extraordinarily rare. Because of the low production volumes that year, many obverse and reverse dies were used far longer than ideal, leading to progressively weaker strikes. PCGS estimates that fewer than 500 examples across all grades combined show genuine Full Bands detail, with most clustering in the MS64 to MS66 range. In MS67 with Full Bands, PCGS notes the population is likely a dozen or fewer.

Collectors pursuing registry-quality Roosevelt dimes specifically target 1955-P FB coins because they combine the series' lowest mintage with its most elusive striking quality. An MS65 FB example routinely trades for hundreds of dollars, while MS66 FB and higher have brought prices well into four figures at major auction houses.

How to Spot It

Under a 10× loupe, examine both sets of horizontal bands crossing the torch on the reverse. Both sets must show continuous, fully separated lines across the entire width of the torch with no breaks or merging — any weakness or smearing disqualifies the coin for the FB designation.

Mint Mark

Philadelphia only (no mint mark). The reverse base of the torch, left side, will be blank — confirming Philadelphia origin.

Notable

PCGS #5109 FB; the 1955-P MS67 FB population is estimated at a dozen or fewer by PCGS CoinFacts. Full Bands examples represent the most demanding quality tier in the entire silver Roosevelt dime series for this date.

1955-S — Last San Francisco Dime

RAREST DATE $8 – $4,025+
1955-S Roosevelt dime reverse showing the S mintmark at the base of the torch — the last San Francisco dime until 1968

The 1955-S Roosevelt dime carries the rare distinction of being the final regular-issue dime struck at the San Francisco Mint until 1968, when the facility resumed coining operations. The San Francisco Mint ceased producing circulation coins after 1955, and this abrupt closure was well-known to contemporary collectors, many of whom set aside rolls and bags of the coin in anticipation of its future value.

Despite a mintage of approximately 18.5 million pieces — higher than either the Philadelphia or Denver issues that year — the 1955-S is widely collected as a last-year date. Circulated examples are easy to find at silver melt value, and the coin is plentiful through MS65. In MS66 the supply narrows, and in MS67 PCGS notes that only a few hundred examples are believed to exist. The lone PCGS MS68 is essentially one-of-a-kind for this date.

The 1955-S also carries an interesting doubled-die variant sometimes called "Hot Lips" — hub doubling prominent on Roosevelt's lips — documented in Numismatic News and attributed to a confirmed die variety. The auction record of $4,025 for a PCGS MS67 example sold at Superior Galleries in 2009 reflects the ceiling for this date in top grade.

How to Spot It

Locate the small "S" mintmark on the reverse, left of the torch base. For the "Hot Lips" sub-variety, use a 10× loupe and look for distinct doubling on Roosevelt's lips on the obverse — the secondary image is pushed north, making the lips appear thicker.

Mint Mark

San Francisco only ("S" on reverse). 1955 was the final year the S mint struck regular-issue Roosevelt dimes for circulation.

Notable

Auction record: $4,025 for PCGS MS67, sold January 2009 at Superior Galleries (PCGS auction record). The "Hot Lips" sub-variety is documented in Numismatic News (March 2015) and shows hub doubling on Roosevelt's lips — PCGS #85111.

1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

MOST VALUABLE ERROR $50 – $500+
1955 Roosevelt dime doubled die obverse showing visible doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST lettering

A doubled die obverse (DDO) occurs when the working hub is impressed onto the working die more than once with a slight rotational or linear offset between the two impressions. On 1955 Roosevelt dimes, this process produced secondary images on obverse lettering — particularly visible on "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "LIBERTY" — as well as on the date numerals on some die pairs. The doubling is a die-production defect frozen permanently into every coin struck from that die.

The 1955-P and 1955-S both show documented DDO varieties. The 1955-S "Hot Lips" described in the previous section is arguably the most famous, with doubling concentrated on Roosevelt's lips, but additional obverse die varieties show doubling spread across the motto and date. These are hub-type doubled dies, meaning the offset appears consistent and mechanical rather than mechanical shift or machine doubling (which has no collector value).

Value depends heavily on the strength and location of the doubling. Minor doubling on a letter or two adds modest premiums of $15–$50 over silver melt. Dramatic examples with strong doubling across multiple design elements in high Mint State grades have sold for several hundred dollars. Specialists recommend the Cherrypickers' Guide for attribution of specific 1955 DDO die pairings.

How to Spot It

Under a 10× loupe, examine "IN GOD WE TRUST," "LIBERTY," and the date digits on the obverse. Look for a distinct secondary impression offset by 0.1–0.5mm. True hub doubling shows crisp, raised second images — not the flat, shelf-like appearance of machine doubling, which has no premium value.

Mint Mark

Both Philadelphia (no mark) and San Francisco (S) issues. The 1955-S "Hot Lips" variety is the most prominently documented DDO of the year.

Notable

Listed in the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties; the "Hot Lips" (1955-S) was reported by Calvin Goddard and documented in Numismatic News (March 2015). Values range from $15 for minor doubling to $500+ for strong, well-placed doubling in Mint State.

Repunched Mintmark (RPM)

BEST KEPT SECRET $15 – $150+
1955-D Roosevelt dime repunched mintmark showing secondary D impression visible beside the primary mint mark

A repunched mintmark (RPM) occurs when a mintmark punch is applied to a working die more than once, with each strike landing at a slightly different position or angle. The result is a primary mintmark with a distinct secondary impression visible nearby — either overlapping, north, south, east, or west of the primary letter. On 1955 Roosevelt dimes, RPM varieties are documented for both the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mint issues, where the hand-applied mintmark punching process of the era made these errors relatively common.

The 1955-S repunched mintmark in particular was discussed in Coin Talk numismatic forums and attributed to misplaced mintmark (MPM) varieties where the secondary S is visible within the design field slightly off the main mark. For the Denver issue, a collector noted a clear secondary D impression offset to the north. Both varieties require magnification to detect but reward careful examination with meaningful premiums over standard examples.

Collectors value RPM varieties for their clarity and drama — a strongly doubled mintmark visible at 5× magnification is more desirable than one requiring 20× to confirm. CONECA maintains an attribution registry for Roosevelt dime RPMs, and the Cherrypickers' Guide lists the most significant die numbers. In well-struck Mint State condition, prominent RPMs on the 1955-S and 1955-D have traded above $100 at online auctions.

How to Spot It

Under a 5–10× loupe, examine the mintmark on the reverse near the torch base. Look for a secondary D or S impression offset at any angle from the primary. The secondary image will appear as a partial ghost letter or a clearly doubled curve — distinct from a worn or weakly struck primary mark.

Mint Mark

Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) issues only. Philadelphia coins have no mintmark and thus cannot have an RPM variety.

Notable

CONECA and the Cherrypickers' Guide both catalogue 1955-D and 1955-S RPM varieties. Coin Talk forum discussions (2015) document a 1955-S misplaced mintmark. Strong, clearly doubled RPM specimens in Mint State have sold above $100 at auction; values for minor RPMs begin around $15–$30 over melt.

Die Cud Error

STRIKING FIND $10 – $100+
1955 Roosevelt dime die cud error showing a raised metal blob near STATES OF on the reverse rim

A die cud is a raised, irregular blob of metal on the struck coin caused by a chunk breaking away from the working die. When part of the die face chips off — typically at the rim, where stress is highest — the void in the die produces an area of raised, unstruck metal on subsequent coins. On 1955 Roosevelt dimes, the most documented die cud location is on the reverse near the lettering "STATES OF AMERICA," where rim cuds appear as a featureless raised mass partially obscuring the lettering.

The cud forms because the planchet metal, under striking pressure, flows into the void left by the missing die material. The result is a lump of raised silver that obliterates the design wherever the die chunk broke away. Coins struck early in a die's life after the break show sharp, well-defined cuds; later strikes from the same deteriorating die often show progressively larger breaks as the die continues to fracture.

Die cud values on 1955 dimes scale with the size and drama of the break. Minor rim cuds that barely clip a letter add $10–$30 over base silver value. Major cuds that swallow multiple letters or extend significantly into the design field can command $50–$100 or more. Specimens where the cud bridges the rim and obliterates a full word are the most desirable and command the highest premiums among error specialists.

How to Spot It

With the naked eye or a 5× loupe, look for a raised, featureless lump on or near the coin's rim. On 1955 Roosevelt dimes, check the reverse rim near "STATES OF" — a cud here appears as a smooth raised area with no design detail, unlike the normal lettering around it.

Mint Mark

All three mints (Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco) — die cuds are die-specific, not mint-specific. P, D, and S issues can all exhibit this error type.

Notable

Documented in CoinValueChecker (2026) and Rarest.org; the most common location is the reverse "STATES" area. Values documented at $10–$100 depending on cud size and placement. Major cuds in Mint State crossing multiple design elements are the most valuable specimens of this type.

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1955 Roosevelt Dime Mintage & Survival Data

Historical view of the U.S. Mint circa 1955 showing the facility that produced the record-low mintage of 1955 Roosevelt dimes
Mint Mint Mark Mintage Survival Notes
Philadelphia None (no P mark) 12,450,181 Lowest-ever mintage for a regular-issue silver Roosevelt dime; many rolls were saved by collectors, but Full Bands examples remain extremely rare (<500 est.)
Denver D 13,959,000 Third-lowest D-mint mintage in the entire Roosevelt series; readily available through MS65, scarcer in MS66+; Full Bands survivors also limited
San Francisco S 18,510,000 Second-lowest S-mint mintage in the silver series; last S-mint dime for circulation until 1968; abundant through MS65, scarce in MS67 (few hundred known); sole PCGS MS68 exists
Philadelphia (Proof) None 378,200 Relatively common through PR67; CAM and DCAM specimens are the premium tier for proof collectors
Total (all issues) ~45,297,381 The lowest combined production year across all three mints for any year in the silver Roosevelt dime series
  • Composition90% silver, 10% copper
  • Weight2.50 grams
  • Diameter17.9 mm
  • EdgeReeded (119 reeds)
  • DesignerJohn R. Sinnock (JRS initials on truncation)
  • SeriesRoosevelt Dime (1946 – present)

How to Grade Your 1955 Roosevelt Dime

1955 Roosevelt dime grading strip showing four condition tiers from worn to gem Mint State

Worn (G–VF)

Roosevelt's cheek and the high points of his hair are flat from wear. The torch on the reverse shows merged or weak bands. The coin has circulated freely. Worth primarily silver melt — approximately $5–$8 at current silver prices.

Circulated (EF–AU)

Design elements are mostly clear with slight flatness on the highest points. Some original luster may be visible in the protected recesses. An AU-55 or better coin shows just traces of wear on Roosevelt's cheekbone and the torch. Value $8–$14 depending on mint.

Uncirculated (MS60–64)

No wear, but contact marks from bag storage are visible. Luster is complete. The torch bands may be partially flat from a weak strike — Full Bands designation not present on most MS60–64 examples. Value ranges from about $12 to $30 for standard strikes.

Gem MS (MS65–67)

Brilliant, deeply lustrous surfaces with minimal contact marks. MS65 shows few distracting marks; MS67 is exceptional. Full Bands at MS65+ multiplies value dramatically — an MS67 FB 1955-P is among the rarest grades in the series. Values run $35 to several hundred dollars or more.

Pro Tip: Color and Strike Designations Matter

For proof 1955 dimes, PCGS and NGC award Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations when the frosted portrait stands in sharp relief against mirror-like fields. A DCAM designation can double or triple the value of a proof example compared to an identical numeric grade without it. For business strikes, the Full Bands designation plays this same role — always check the reverse torch bands before assuming a mint state coin's value.

🔎 CoinKnow helps you match your coin against graded reference images to estimate condition before sending to a professional grader — a coin identifier and value app.

1955-P Full Bands Self-Checker

Is the Full Bands designation hiding on your 1955 dime? The FB premium can turn a $15 coin into a $300+ coin. Work through the checklist below to see if your coin qualifies.

Side-by-side comparison of 1955 Roosevelt dime without Full Bands (left) versus with Full Bands designation (right)

Regular Strike (Most Common)

  • Torch bands appear merged, flat, or partially merged at center
  • Lines within the bands do not separate fully across the full width
  • One or both band sets show weak or missing separation
vs.

Full Bands — Premium Variety ⭐

  • Both sets of horizontal bands show complete, uninterrupted separation
  • Lines run clearly across the full width of the torch without merging
  • No flatness, no merging, no weak areas in either band set

Check all four criteria that apply to your coin:

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Free 1955 Roosevelt Dime Value Calculator

Select your coin's mint mark, condition, and any errors to get an instant value estimate.

Step 1 — Mint Mark

Step 2 — Condition

Step 3 — Errors / Varieties (check all that apply)

If you're not yet sure about the mint mark, condition, or errors on your coin, there's a free 1955 Roosevelt Dime Coin Value Checker online tool that estimates value from photos without requiring you to identify these details first.

Describe Your 1955 Dime for a Detailed Assessment

Describe what you see on your coin in plain language — our analyzer will identify likely varieties and estimate value.

Mention these things if you can:

  • Mint mark (or none)
  • Torch bands appearance
  • Any doubling on lettering
  • Overall luster / wear level

Also helpful:

  • Any blobs or bumps on the rim
  • Cleaning or unusual toning
  • Proof or business strike appearance
  • Weight (if you have a scale)

Where to Sell Your Valuable 1955 Roosevelt Dime

The right venue depends on the coin's grade and whether it carries a premium variety designation. Here are the four best options.

🏛️

Heritage Auctions

Best for certified MS67, MS67 FB, or Proof DCAM examples. Heritage reaches the deepest pool of specialist buyers for key-date Roosevelt dimes and typically achieves the strongest realized prices for high-grade 1955 coins. Submit early — major sales require 60–90 days of lead time.

🛍️

eBay

The most liquid marketplace for 1955 dimes in circulated to mid-Mint State grades. To calibrate your asking price, review recently sold 1955 Roosevelt dime prices and listings before listing. Fixed-price "Buy It Now" listings work well for common silver-value coins; auction format works better for scarcer MS65+ examples.

🏪

Local Coin Shop

Fast, no-fee transaction. Best for circulated examples worth near melt. Dealers typically offer 70–80% of retail for common coins, less for rolls. Bring multiple coins at once to justify the dealer's time. Ask if they actively buy Roosevelt dime errors — some dealers pay strong premiums for documented die varieties.

💬

Reddit r/Coins4Sale

Good for reaching fellow collectors directly. Low fees (none from Reddit itself). Best for mid-tier coins in MS63–MS65 where you want more than melt but aren't ready for auction house overhead. Always post sharp photos under even lighting and include the mint mark, and any variety attribution in the listing title.

💡 Get It Graded First

If your 1955 dime appears to be MS65 or better, or shows Full Bands, a professional grade from PCGS or NGC will maximize its sale price. The Full Bands designation in particular is not visible from coin photos — a certified slab with the "FB" label is what specialist buyers are paying top dollar for. Grading fees typically pay for themselves on any MS66+ or FB-designated example.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1955 Dime Value

What is a 1955 dime worth?
A circulated 1955 Roosevelt dime is worth its silver melt value — roughly $5–$7 at current silver prices. Uncirculated examples in MS63–MS65 range from about $10 to $20. The key variable is the Full Bands designation: a 1955-P with Full Bands can be worth several hundred dollars in MS65, while MS67 FB examples are extremely rare and command thousands at auction.
Why is the 1955 Philadelphia dime so special?
The 1955 Philadelphia dime holds the record for the lowest mintage of any regular-issue silver Roosevelt dime ever produced for circulation, with just 12,450,181 pieces struck. This happened because a sluggish economy had sharply reduced coin demand that year. The coin is also notable for its Full Bands rarity — PCGS estimates fewer than 500 examples exist with Full Bands details across all grades combined.
What does Full Bands mean on a 1955 dime?
Full Bands (FB) refers to the complete, fully separated horizontal lines on the bands across the torch on the reverse of a Roosevelt dime. A strong strike forces these lines to appear sharp and distinct. Because the 1955 Philadelphia dime was often weakly struck, genuine Full Bands examples are extremely rare — PCGS considers fewer than 500 to exist — and they command a major premium over non-FB specimens.
What is the 1955-S dime and why is it significant?
The 1955-S Roosevelt dime was the last regular-issue dime struck at the San Francisco Mint until 1968, when the mint resumed production. San Francisco closed its coining operations after 1955, making this coin a true final-year issue. Its auction record stands at $4,025 for a PCGS MS67 example sold at Superior Galleries. In MS67 condition, only a few hundred examples are believed to exist.
How do I find the mint mark on a 1955 Roosevelt dime?
Look at the reverse of the coin near the base of the torch, slightly to the left. A 'D' means Denver, an 'S' means San Francisco. If no mint mark is present, the coin was struck at Philadelphia — which in 1955 produced the fewest coins of any regular-issue silver dime in the Roosevelt series. Philadelphia did not place a 'P' mint mark on dimes until 1980.
Are 1955 dimes made of real silver?
Yes. All 1955 Roosevelt dimes are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 2.50 grams and measuring 17.9mm in diameter. This means every 1955 dime has intrinsic silver value — approximately $5–$7 at typical silver spot prices — regardless of its numismatic condition. The silver content alone makes these coins worth keeping.
What errors exist on the 1955 dime?
Documented 1955 dime errors and varieties include: die cud errors (raised blobs near 'STATES OF'), doubled die obverse or reverse varieties (visible doubling of letters), repunched mint marks on D and S issues, die cracks running through Roosevelt's portrait or the torch, and the 1955-S 'Hot Lips' doubled die showing hub doubling on Roosevelt's lips. Values range from $10–$100 for minor errors to $500+ for dramatic examples.
What is the 1955 dime worth in MS67?
In MS67 without the Full Bands designation, a 1955-P dime is worth several hundred dollars based on auction data, while a 1955-S MS67 has sold for $4,025 at Superior Galleries (PCGS certified). MS67 Full Bands examples are far rarer — PCGS notes perhaps a dozen or fewer 1955-P MS67 FB examples exist — and those command prices in the thousands of dollars when offered.
Should I get my 1955 dime graded by PCGS or NGC?
If your coin appears to be Mint State with strong luster and an original surface, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is worthwhile. Both services also award the valuable 'Full Bands' (FB) designation if the torch bands are sharp and fully separated. For a common circulated 1955 dime worth melt value, the cost of grading exceeds the coin's premium, so grading is best reserved for likely MS65 or higher specimens.
What year did San Francisco stop making dimes?
The San Francisco Mint struck its last regular-issue Roosevelt dime in 1955 before the facility ceased coining operations. It did not resume striking dimes for circulation until 1968. This makes the 1955-S Roosevelt dime a last-year-of-issue coin for the S mint, adding collector appeal beyond its already low mintage of roughly 18.5 million pieces — the second-lowest for any S-mint Roosevelt dime of the silver era.

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