1981 Roosevelt Dime
Base
About This Coin
The 1981 Roosevelt Dime is a United States dime from the Roosevelt Dimes Clad and Silver Proof 1965 to Date series — 17th of 61 years in the series. In 1981, coins were struck at the Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 1.4 billion. This ranks 24th of 59 years by total mintage, below the series median of 1.5 billion. The obverse features Franklin D. Roosevelt facing left, honoring the president who championed the March of Dimes and the reverse displays a torch flanked by olive and oak branches, symbolizing liberty, peace, and strength. Struck after the transition from silver to clad coinage, as the Mint adapted to modern production methods and record-breaking mintages. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper center, weighing 2.27 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have identified 4 known die varieties for this date, including cud, repunched mint mark, split die, type i counter clash. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $7 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $2.2K in PR68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by John R. Sinnock.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
