1963 Roosevelt Dime

In 1963, about 550 million Roosevelt dimes would be minted to meet the rising demands from the American public. While the need was rising along with a growing population, which was in its final years of the post-war baby boom, the need for more coinage wasn’t solely due to organic growth in the economy. Dimes, quarters, and half dollars were disappearing from circulation as silver prices rose.

Most of the hoarders were from outside the numismatic community, and held onto the coins for the sole purpose of gaining profit from the increasing intrinsic value of the silver within the higher-denomination coins. The bulging mintage figures for 1963 dimes can be seen below:

• 1963 – 123,650,000; $3

• 1963-D – 421,476,530; $3

• 1963 proof – 3,075,645; $4

• 1963 proof doubled die reverse – mintage unknown; $350 

*Values are for coins in a grade of Extremely Fine 40, unless otherwise noted. 

1963 Roosevelt dimes were saved in huge quantities, and this has resulted in large numbers of the coin being available today in uncirculated grades. It’s not hard to find a choice specimen of an uncirculated Roosevelt dime, let alone one in proof. Astute coin collectors with a keen eye may be able to pick up a choice specimen for little over spot prices from a roll of uncirculated dimes or a mint set. Keep an eye out for the scarce and valuable 1963 doubled die dime in proof sets.