That old dime in your change jar may be worth considerably more than 10 cents.
For regular U.S. circulating dimes, the easiest rule to remember is:
Dimes dated 1964 or earlier are generally 90% silver.
The U.S. Mint removed silver from regular circulating dimes beginning in 1965 and switched to a copper-nickel clad composition.
The silver dimes most people are likely to encounter are:
| Dime | Years | Silver Content |
|---|---|---|
| Barber Dime | 1892–1916 | 90% silver |
| Mercury Dime | 1916–1945 | 90% silver |
| Roosevelt Dime | 1946–1964 | 90% silver |
| Regular Roosevelt Dime | 1965 and later | No silver |
There are exceptions involving special modern silver proof coins, which we explain below.
If you have a jar, roll, inherited collection or box of older dimes, don’t spend them before checking the dates.
At Gold Kings, we evaluate silver coins for both their precious-metal content and possible collector value. A common silver dime and a scarce collectible dime should not automatically be treated the same way.
Quick Answer: What Years of Dimes Are Silver?
If you are checking ordinary U.S. pocket change:
1964 or earlier: Usually 90% silver.
1965 or later: Regular circulation dimes are generally copper-nickel clad and contain no silver.
The United States Mint confirms that silver was removed from the circulating dime in 1965.
However, the Mint has also produced special silver proof Roosevelt dimes for collectors in later years. Modern Silver Proof Sets can contain dimes struck in 99.9% silver, so the date alone should not be used to identify every possible modern collectible dime.
How Much Silver Is in a Silver Dime?
A standard 90% silver dime originally weighs about 2.5 grams.
Because the coin is 90% silver and 10% copper, a full-weight dime contains approximately:
0.07234 troy ounce of pure silver.
PCGS lists approximately 0.07234 troy ounce of pure silver in a Mercury dime.
That gives you a simple way to estimate the silver value.
Silver Dime Melt Value Formula
Silver price per troy ounce × 0.07234 = approximate silver value of one full-weight dime
For example:
| Silver Spot Price | Approx. Silver in 1 Dime | $1 Face Value / 10 Dimes | 50-Dime Roll |
| $30/oz | $2.17 | $21.70 | $108.51 |
| $40/oz | $2.89 | $28.94 | $144.68 |
| $50/oz | $3.62 | $36.17 | $180.85 |
| $60/oz | $4.34 | $43.40 | $217.02 |
| $70/oz | $5.06 | $50.64 | $253.19 |
These are melt-value examples, not guaranteed purchase prices or collector values.
Circulated coins can lose a small amount of metal through decades of wear, and some silver dimes can be worth substantially more than melt because of their date, mint mark, condition or rarity.
For current market information, see Gold Kings’ live Gold & Silver Prices page.
1892–1916 Barber Dimes
The Barber dime was designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber and was produced from 1892 through 1916.
These dimes contain 90% silver.
Many circulated Barber dimes are valued partly for their silver content, but older dates, mint marks and better-condition coins can command substantial collector premiums.
The 1894-S Barber Dime
One date deserves special attention:
1894-S
This is not simply an ordinary old silver dime.
Only 24 were struck, according to PCGS, making the 1894-S Barber dime one of the legendary rarities in American coin collecting. PCGS estimates only a small number survive today.
An authenticated example sold at auction in January 2025 for more than $2 million.
The chances of casually finding one are extremely small, but it demonstrates why old coins should be inspected before being sold strictly for silver.
Other Barber dimes can also carry collector premiums depending on date, mint mark and condition.
Never clean an old Barber dime.
Polishing or chemically cleaning a collectible coin can permanently alter its surface and potentially reduce its numismatic value.
If you find Barber dimes in an inherited collection, let someone knowledgeable examine them before treating them as ordinary scrap silver.
1916–1945 Mercury Dimes
Mercury dimes are among the most recognizable American silver coins.
Despite the nickname, the woman on the front is not Mercury.
The design created by Adolph A. Weinman depicts Liberty wearing a winged cap representing freedom of thought. The resemblance to the Roman god Mercury gave the coin its popular nickname.
Every regular Mercury dime was struck in 90% silver.
That makes identifying their silver content easy:
If it is a genuine Mercury dime, it is a 90% silver coin.
But some Mercury dimes are worth much more than their silver content.
Valuable Mercury Dimes to Look For
Before selling a pile of Mercury dimes as ordinary 90% silver, check the dates and mint marks.
Important examples include:
- 1916-D
- 1921
- 1921-D
- 1926-S
- 1942/1 overdate
- 1942/1-D overdate
The 1916-D Mercury dime is the major key date.
Only about 264,000 were minted at Denver, making it one of the most sought-after coins in the Mercury dime series.
PCGS also identifies the 1921 and 1921-D as key dates, the 1926-S as a semi-key date, and the 1942/1 overdates as important varieties.
Mid-Article Gold Kings Tip
Have a roll or jar of old dimes? Don’t sort everything by silver value alone.
Gold Kings can help identify the type of coins you have and look for dates or varieties that may deserve additional attention before the collection is valued for its silver.
That is particularly important with inherited collections where Barber, Mercury and Roosevelt dimes may all be mixed together.
1946–1964 Roosevelt Silver Dimes
The Roosevelt dime replaced the Mercury dime in 1946.
Regular Roosevelt dimes produced from 1946 through 1964 contain 90% silver and 10% copper.
Beginning with regular circulating dimes in 1965, the Mint switched to copper-nickel clad coinage.
For many common circulated Roosevelt dimes, silver content is the largest part of their value.
That makes these coins popular with people buying and selling what is commonly called:
- Constitutional silver
- Junk silver
- 90% silver
- Pre-1965 silver coins
The term “junk silver” does not mean the coins are junk.
It generally refers to circulated U.S. silver coins that are traded primarily for their precious-metal content instead of their rarity.
Are 1964 Dimes Silver?
Yes.
A regular 1964 Roosevelt dime contains 90% silver.
1964 was the final date used for regular 90% silver circulating U.S. dimes before the composition changed.
If you find a 1964 dime, do not put it back into circulation as ordinary ten-cent change.
Is a 1965 Dime Silver?
A regular 1965 Roosevelt dime produced for circulation is not a 90% silver dime.
The Mint changed the circulating dime to a clad composition beginning in 1965.
Because the designs are similar, the fastest first step is simply checking the date.
What About Modern Silver Roosevelt Dimes?
This is where the simple “1964 and earlier” rule has an exception.
The rule works very well for ordinary circulating dimes, but the U.S. Mint has produced special silver Roosevelt dimes for collectors.
For example, modern U.S. Mint Silver Proof Sets include Roosevelt dimes struck in 99.9% silver.
These were not ordinary coins intended for everyday circulation.
If you have proof coins, original Mint packaging or an unusual modern dime that came from a collection, don’t assume it is worthless simply because the date is later than 1964.
How Can You Tell If a Dime Is Silver?
1. Check the Date
For regular circulating Roosevelt dimes:
1946–1964 = 90% silver
1965 and later = normally clad
Mercury and Barber dimes are also 90% silver.
2. Look at the Edge
A clad modern dime usually shows layers on the edge, including a copper-colored center.
A 90% silver dime normally has a much more uniform silver-gray edge.
This is a useful clue, but it should not be your only test.
3. Check the Weight
A traditional 90% silver dime was approximately 2.5 grams when new.
A modern circulating clad dime weighs approximately 2.268 grams, according to current U.S. Mint specifications.
Wear, scale accuracy and counterfeit coins can affect the result.
4. Don’t Rely Only on a Magnet
Silver is not magnetic, but neither are many other metals.
A coin failing to stick to a magnet does not prove it is silver.
5. Have Questionable Coins Professionally Checked
When authenticity or composition is uncertain, professional testing can help.
Gold Kings has professional precious-metals testing equipment, including XRF testing, and can verify questionable silver items without relying on one simple home test.
For ordinary U.S. dimes, the date, design, weight and specifications usually provide most of the information needed. Testing becomes more useful when a coin is unusual, suspicious or difficult to identify.
What Determines the Value of a Silver Dime?
There are two very different types of value to consider.
1. Silver or Melt Value
For common circulated dimes, value may be driven primarily by:
- Current silver spot price
- Actual silver content
- Quantity
- Weight
- Amount of circulation wear
2. Collector Value
A dime may be worth more than its silver if collectors want it.
Important factors include:
- Date
- Mint mark
- Mintage
- Rarity
- Condition
- Errors
- Die varieties
- Original surfaces
- Demand from collectors
- Professional certification on higher-value coins
A scarce dime should therefore be evaluated as a coin first and silver second.
That distinction can matter considerably.
Where Is the Mint Mark on a Silver Dime?
The location depends on the series.
Barber Dimes
Mint marks appear on the reverse of the coin beneath the wreath.
Mercury Dimes
The mint mark appears on the reverse near the bottom, to the left of the fasces.
Silver Roosevelt Dimes
On 1946–1964 Roosevelt dimes, the mint mark appears on the reverse near the base of the torch.
Philadelphia coins from these periods commonly have no mint mark.
Common mint marks include:
- D — Denver
- S — San Francisco
- No mint mark — generally Philadelphia
The combination of date + mint mark can be much more important than either one alone.
Should You Clean Silver Dimes Before Selling Them?
No.
If you think a dime might have collector value, leave it exactly as you found it.
Do not use:
- Silver polish
- Baking soda
- Chemical cleaners
- Abrasive cloths
- Brushes
- Acid
- Jewelry cleaner
Cleaning can remove the original surface and leave scratches or unnatural brightness.
A dark or tarnished old coin is not necessarily damaged.
Collectors frequently prefer an original coin with natural toning over one that has been polished.
How Many Silver Dimes Make One Troy Ounce of Silver?
A full-weight 90% silver dime contains approximately 0.07234 troy ounce of pure silver.
That means approximately:
13.8 full-weight silver dimes contain one troy ounce of pure silver.
In the real world, circulated dimes may weigh slightly less because decades of use gradually wear metal away.
That is why bulk silver coins may also be evaluated by actual weight.
How Much Is a Roll of Silver Dimes Worth?
A standard dime roll contains 50 dimes, or $5 face value.
At full original weight, 50 silver dimes contain approximately:
3.617 troy ounces of pure silver.
To estimate the theoretical silver value:
Silver spot price × 3.617
Then determine whether any individual coins deserve additional collector consideration before valuing the roll strictly as bullion.
This is especially important with Mercury or Barber dime rolls.
What Should You Do With an Inherited Jar of Old Dimes?
Don’t rush to the bank.
A mixed collection may contain:
- Modern clad dimes
- 90% silver Roosevelt dimes
- Mercury dimes
- Barber dimes
- Proof coins
- Better dates
- Mint-mark varieties
- Errors
- Foreign silver coins
Start by separating obvious post-1964 circulating dimes from earlier coins.
Then keep older coins organized by type and date.
Most importantly:
Don’t clean them.
If the collection is large, you do not need to become a professional coin grader before having it evaluated.
Gold Kings regularly evaluates gold, silver and coins, including loose coins, rolls and inherited collections.
You can also explore the Gold Kings Silver & Silver Coins guides, including guides to silver quarters and silver half dollars.
Selling Silver Dimes in Georgia
If you searched for a silver buyer near me, coin buyer near me, or a place to sell silver coins, Gold Kings has two Georgia locations.
We can examine your coins, identify the silver content, weigh applicable items transparently and look for coins that may deserve additional consideration before making an offer.
You do not need to know exactly what you have before visiting.
Bring:
- Loose silver dimes
- Coin rolls
- Mercury dimes
- Barber dimes
- Pre-1965 Roosevelt dimes
- Silver quarters
- Silver half dollars
- Silver dollars
- American Silver Eagles
- Silver bullion
- Inherited coin collections
See more of the items Gold Kings purchases on our What We Buy page.
Have Your Silver Dimes Evaluated at Gold Kings
Gold Kings of Snellville
3635 Stone Mountain Hwy
Snellville, GA 30039
770-771-4650
The Snellville location is convenient for customers throughout Gwinnett County and surrounding communities, including Snellville, Loganville, Lawrenceville, Grayson, Lilburn and Stone Mountain.
Learn more about Gold Kings of Snellville.
Gold Kings of Commerce
480 Banks Crossing Dr
Commerce, GA 30529
706-336-0043
The Commerce location serves Commerce and surrounding Northeast Georgia communities, including Jefferson, Homer, Maysville, Nicholson, Gainesville, Cornelia, Winder and nearby areas.
Learn more about Gold Kings of Commerce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Silver Dimes
What years are dimes made of silver?
Regular Barber dimes from 1892–1916, Mercury dimes from 1916–1945 and Roosevelt dimes from 1946–1964 contain 90% silver.
Are all dimes before 1965 silver?
Regular U.S. dimes from the Barber, Mercury and Roosevelt series covered here are 90% silver. Earlier U.S. dime series were also struck in silver, although their age and rarity often make collector value more important than melt value.
Is a 1964 dime silver?
Yes. A regular 1964 Roosevelt dime contains 90% silver.
Is a 1965 dime silver?
A regular 1965 Roosevelt dime produced for circulation is clad and does not contain 90% silver.
Are any newer dimes silver?
Yes. Special collector issues exist. Modern U.S. Mint Silver Proof Sets include silver Roosevelt dimes, including recent versions struck in 99.9% silver.
How much silver is in a dime?
A traditional full-weight 90% silver dime contains approximately 0.07234 troy ounce of pure silver.
How do I calculate the melt value of a silver dime?
Multiply the current silver spot price by approximately 0.07234.
Are Mercury dimes silver?
Yes. Regular Mercury dimes produced from 1916 through 1945 contain 90% silver.
Are Barber dimes silver?
Yes. Barber dimes contain 90% silver.
Are Roosevelt dimes silver?
Regular Roosevelt dimes dated 1946 through 1964 contain 90% silver. Regular circulation dimes beginning in 1965 use a clad composition, although special silver proof Roosevelt dimes have also been produced for collectors.
What is the most valuable silver dime?
The 1894-S Barber dime is among the most famous and valuable U.S. dimes. Only 24 were struck, and surviving authenticated examples can be worth extraordinary amounts.
What is the key Mercury dime?
The 1916-D is the major key date of the Mercury dime series. Only about 264,000 were produced.
Should I clean old silver dimes?
No. Cleaning can alter the coin’s original surface and may reduce its collector value.
Where can I sell silver dimes near me in Georgia?
Gold Kings buys and evaluates silver coins at our locations in Snellville and Commerce, Georgia. Bring your dimes, rolls or collection in so we can identify what you have and determine whether the coins are primarily valuable for silver or whether particular pieces deserve closer numismatic consideration.
Before You Sell Your Silver Dimes
A silver dime can be worth far more than its ten-cent face value.
For many pre-1965 dimes, the primary value comes from their 90% silver content. But date, mint mark, rarity and condition can sometimes make an individual coin considerably more valuable than the metal inside it.
That is why the safest approach is simple:
Identify the coin first. Check the date and mint mark. Don’t clean it. Then determine its value.
If you have silver dimes, coin rolls or an inherited collection, bring them to Gold Kings of Snellville or Gold Kings of Commerce for an evaluation.
We’ll help you understand what you have before you decide whether selling makes sense.
We test it. We weigh it. We pay you.