The 1972 Dime is a part of the Roosevelt Dime series, also known as the ten-cent piece. If you’re wondering about the value of this particular year, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explain it through the 1972 Dime Value Guide.
1972 Roosevelt Dime Value Chart
| Mint Location | Mintage | Coin Series | Estimated Value |
| Philadelphia | 431,540,000 | 1972 P 10C MS | $0.15 to $200 |
| 1972 P 10C MS FB | $70 to $600 | ||
| Denver | 330,290,000 | 1972 D 10C MS | $0.15 to $40 |
| 1972 D 10C MS FB | $15 to $195 | ||
| San Francisco | 3,260,996 | 1972-S 10C (Proof) | $0.45 to $20 |
| 1972-S 10C, CAM (Proof) | $3.25 to $25 | ||
| 1972-S 10C, DCAM (Proof) | $4.25 to $85 |
The United States Mint released the 1972 Roosevelt Dime in three locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. In total, 765,090,996 dimes mintage were produced in 1972.
When it comes to value, this year is on the lower edge of the scale. Not only is it one of the most numerous coins produced, but it also does not have any silver content. Most of the 1972 Roosevelt Dimes have a value of $0.15 to $30, depending on the series.
That said, there are outliers, which we will discuss in depth below.
1972 Roosevelt Dime Details
- Category: Roosevelt Dime
- Material: Copper-Nickel Clad Copper
- Weight: 27g
- Obverse Designer: John R. Sinnock
- Reverse Designer: John R. Sinnock
- Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad Copper
- Diameter: 9mm
- Thickness: 3.5mm
- Edge: Reeded
The Roosevelt Dime is the current 10-cent coin circulating in the USA since 1946. It’s a dime that does not have many design changes over the years.
It features an obverse and reverse design by John R. Sinnock. The obverse shows the bust of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the words ‘Liberty’ and ‘In God We Trust.’ Along with that is the year of mintage, mint mark (for the S and D series), and Sinnock’s ‘JS’ signature.
The reverse side features a flaming torch flanked by olive and oak branches. Along with that is the phrase ‘E Pluribus Unum,’ which means ‘Out of Many, One.’
How Much Is A 1972 Roosevelt Dime?
The typical value of a 1972 Roosevelt Dime in circulated condition is generally between $0.15 and $0.35. In comparison, an uncirculated state of the same coin can be worth up to $40 to well over hundreds on the market. Check out these prices for Regular Strike coins based on the mint location and coin grade.
| 1972 MS Dime Grading and Value for Each Mint Location | ||
| Grading | 1972 P | 1972 D |
| Good | $0.15 | $0.15 |
| Fine | $0.15 | $0.15 |
| Extremely Fine | $0.15 | $0.15 |
| MS 50 | $0.15 | $0.15 |
| MS 58 | $0.25 | $0.35 |
| MS 60 | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| MS 61 | $1.50 | $1.50 |
| MS 62 | $2 | $2 |
| MS 63 | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| MS 64 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| MS 65 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| MS 66 | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| MS 67 | $200.00 | $40.00 |
The data for the 1972 Roosevelt Dime shows a unique value comparison. As you can see, according to NCG, the 1972 P has more value for its MS 67 grading than the 1972 D. This is despite the Philadelphia Mint producing more coins than the Denver Mint.
The higher price point for the 1972 P dime is because it’s more commonly used for daily commodities. So, finding a dime in this series with a grade of more than MS 65 can be hard.
In fact, there are currently only eight coins graded as MS 67 in the 1972 P dime series. Compare that to the forty graded coins for the 1972 D dime series. In turn, this factor makes the price for the P coins much higher despite producing more in the market.
1972 P Dime Value
Coins produced by the Philadelphia Mint do not feature a mint mark, and 1972 dimes were no exception. This coin, in particular, is known for its low strike quality as the master dies used to produce this coin had become significantly worn out by 1972.
As such, Philadelphia coins of this era did not achieve the same level of excellence as those from Denver. Some characteristics of this dime include a weak W in the motto, a lack of detail in Roosevelt’s hair, and faint lines within the torch found on its reverse. So, this coin series has the lowest value in the 1972 Dime series.
That said, an uncirculated one can go up to $400. See this auction as an example, in which a 1972 P Dime Full Band is bought for $423 in MS66 grading.
1972 D Dime Value
The D dime has a mint mark on the lower-right, obverse side of the coin. You can find it on top of the year in-between the year number 7 and 2.
The NGC Price Guide states that this 1972 D Dime series in circulated condition can have a price between $0.15 to $0.35. Although almost the same base value as the P series, mintage from Denver has higher quality. So, it can easily cost more!
That said, those same 1972 D Dimes that remain in uncirculated, pristine condition have been sold on the open market for up to $40.
1972 Dime Full Torch (FT) Worth
Full Torch designation refers to the higher strike quality for the reverse side of the Roosevelt dime. The torch needs to have a very pronounced relief and clear distinction in the details, especially in the flames. Due to their lower amount produced, these coins have a higher value than the regular MS coins.
| 1972 MS FT Dime Grading and Value for Each Mint Location | ||
| Grading | Philadelphia | Denver |
| MS FT 64 | / | $15.00 |
| MS FT 65 | $70.00 | $20.00 |
| MS FT 66 | $250.00 | $95.00 |
| MS FT 67 | $600.00 | $195.00 |
Full Torch (FT) Dime with clear bands on the reverse is pretty unusual when it comes to 1972 P Dime. However, a few of them have been made. Due to its high strike nature, this series can go from $70.00 to $600.00. On the other hand, the 1972 D Dime can go from $15.00 to $195.00.
1972 S Dime (Proof) Value
In 1937, a new mint building was opened in San Francisco. Coin operations at this location were then suspended in 1955 and remained so for the next 13 years. In 1968, this site took over the majority of proof coinage production that had been traditionally managed by the Philadelphia Mint.
So, all of the 1972 Proof Dime features an ‘S’ mint mark. The new building also limits the production from this mint location.
Here are the projected prices for the 1972 Proof Dime by NCG.
Proof coins have more value in general than Regular Strike coins. Although this table shows almost the same value as the Regular or Full Torch coins, it does not include the auction records, which we will discuss below.
| 1972 PF Roosevelt Dime Grading and Value | |||
| Grading | Proof (PF) | PF Cameo (CA) | PF Ultra Cameo (UC) |
| MS FT 60 | $0.45 | / | / |
| MS FT 61 | $0.50 | / | / |
| MS FT 62 | $0.55 | / | / |
| MS FT 63 | $1.55 | / | / |
| MS FT 64 | $1.75 | $3.25 | $4.25 |
| MS FT 65 | $3.25 | $5.00 | $8.00 |
| MS FT 66 | $6.25 | $8.50 | $13.00 |
| MS FT 67 | $8.75 | $11.00 | $19.00 |
| MS FT 68 | $15.00 | $18.00 | $24.00 |
| MS FT 69 | $20.00 | $25.00 | $85.00 |
The San Francisco or ‘S’ mint from 1972 generally offers the highest value coins. It’s because it has the lowest amount produced among all the series. Also, it has a few varieties that can easily be auctioned at very high prices. That said, the 1972 S Dime (Proof) series has a base price of $0.45 to $20.
1972 S Cameo Proof Value
If a proof coin has a polished, reflective surface on its field and its lettering and design features are frosted, it’s considered a cameo coin. It used to be a lot rarer, especially with San Francisco Mint. That said, this was not always the case.
Before 1971, only the first 100 proof coins would have the cameo contrast. This is due to the lower production in San Francisco. But, in 1972, this changed, and these coins became less rare. So, the 1972 S Came Proof has a price of around $3.25 to $25.00.
1972 S Deep Cameo Value and Auction Record
If you’re looking for the highest value for the 1972 Roosevelt dime, look no further than the 1972 S Deep Cameo. On average, the 1972 S Deep Cameo has a base price ranging from $4.25 to $85.
However, this series shines when it comes to auctions. For example, on 22nd February 2018, this rare coin was put in auction and bought for the highest bid of $8,400. According to PCGS, the Deep Cameo coin has a very pristine state of PR-70.
1972 Error Coins
Now that we know the different prices for the standard 1972 Dime let’s get into the rare error coins, such as:
1972 D Roosevelt Dime Doubled Die Mint Error
This 1972 D Roosevelt Dime has a mint error on the left side. It shows a mint error where the phrase is misaligned in the rim. A coin with this error sells for an average of $1.00 to $8.00.
1972 D Off Center Roosevelt Dime
Another 1972 D Dime error is this off-center coin. You’ll notice the words touching the rim on the coin’s obverse side. It’s selling for $39, but some circulated states can be much lower.
1972 Dime ‘Cud’ Error
A cud is an unintended bump from a dent or gouge on the die of the coin instead of a die crack, which happens when it’s being minted. It’s selling for $160.
1972 Roosevelt Dime Value Grading Based on Four Conditions
The 1972 dimes have estimated values depending on the coin’s condition. Here are some expected grades and what you need to look for your coin to be graded as high as possible.
Uncirculated State
This state should have a grade of MS-60 or higher. This condition shows no signs of wear, remaining in its original pristine condition. The hair above the ear is finely detailed, and the cheek and jaw still have a sheen. On the reverse side, the flame should remain visible, and the oak and olive leaves should be clearly separated.
Extremely Fine State
Coin with the grading of extremely fine (EF-40) exhibits slight signs of use, with the most prominent features still present. However, it’s not as good as uncirculated.
It can have a few marks under magnification. That said, no major marks should be prominent.
Fine State
Coin in fine condition (F-15) still exhibits visible detail ─though there may be some minor merging of the separated elements. This coin has been in circulation so it will show signs of wear and tear.
Good State
For the good state (G-6 and lower), the obverse and reverse sides of the coin appear to be smoothened with less sharp details. Furthermore, the inscription seems faint, and the last digit of the year minted fades inwards.
FAQ
Are 1972 Dime Worth Good Money?
It is possible to make money off a rarer type of 1972 dime. However, for the standard circulated, one does not have that much value. If you would like more information on how high prices these coins can fetch, take a look at the video:
1972 Dimes: Where to Buy and Sell?
If you’re on the hunt for a 1972 dime, check out some online auctions, such as eBay or Amazon. If that doesn’t seem fruitful, your local coin shops and nearby coin shows may be worth looking into. However, because of its lower value, finding one up for sale could be challenging.
In Conclusion
In summary, regarding its worth, the 1972 Roosevelt Dime is on the low end of the spectrum if you don’t have any uncirculated or proof. Not only was it mass-produced, but it also had no silver content.
This coin’s value can range depending on which series you have.If you own a Deep Cameo Proof, the 1972 Roosevelt dime can be a great venture!
Jenson is a professional numismatist, a dedicated coin collector, a graduate of the College of Business at Oregon State, a life member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), and an overall coin nerd. He is the founder of Coin Value List.
Hi, My eBay Name ( honestjohnny ), I am currently selling a,
1972-S PR70 DCAM Roosevelt Dime.
It has been Graded by IGC
Only One has been listed for sale. I have another at home. If you’d like them both, Please leave me a detailed message, or you may call me.