Got an old dime rattling around in a drawer? If it’s from 1964, it’s worth more than just ten cents. You’re holding a piece of silver, and its value is typically somewhere between $2.00 and $2.65, depending on the daily ups and downs of the silver market.
That value comes from its 90% silver composition, a standard the U.S. Mint abandoned after that year, making these dimes the last of their kind.
What Is a 1964 Silver Dime Actually Worth?
The first thing to understand about a 1964 dime's value is its precious metal content. Every single one made for circulation contains 90% silver and 10% copper. Think of this silver content as the baseline—the absolute minimum price it should ever sell for. This is often called its "melt value," and it moves right along with the spot price of silver.
But the story doesn't stop there. While silver provides a solid price floor, other factors can turn a common silver coin into a genuine collector's item worth much more.
Factors That Increase a Dime's Value
The journey from a common silver dime to a collector's prize really comes down to a few key details. Knowing what to look for will help you spot if you've got something special.
- Condition (Grade): Is the coin crisp and shiny like it just left the mint, or is it worn smooth from years in circulation? A dime with sharp details and original luster is always worth more.
- Mint Mark: Dimes were made in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (a small 'D' mark). Sometimes, coins from one mint are rarer or more sought-after than the other.
- Errors and Varieties: Every now and then, mistakes happen during the minting process. Things like doubled lettering or off-center strikes are rare and can make a dime exceptionally valuable to collectors who hunt for them.
Let's take a quick look at how these factors play out in the real world.
1964 Dime Value at a Glance
This table gives you a snapshot of what you can expect for a 1964 dime. Notice how quickly the value jumps once you get into the higher, uncirculated grades where the coins are pristine.
| Dime Type | Average Circulated Value (Good to Fine) | Average Uncirculated Value (MS60-MS63) | High-Grade Collector Value (MS67+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 (Philadelphia) | $2.00 - $2.65 | $3 - $6 | $30 - $100+ |
| 1964-D (Denver) | $2.00 - $2.65 | $3 - $6 | $30 - $100+ |
| 1964 Proof (Philadelphia) | N/A - Not Circulated | $4 - $8 | $15 - $25+ |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse | $25 - $50+ | $100 - $250+ | $500+ |
As you can see, a well-preserved or error coin can be worth significantly more than its simple silver melt value. The Doubled Die Reverse, a famous error variety, is a great example of what collectors are willing to pay for rarity.
Selling Your Silver Coins and Jewelry Locally
If you've found a 1964 dime or have other items you're curious about, why deal with the hassle and risk of shipping it off somewhere? At Carat 24, we specialize in Gold and Jewelry Buying. Selling locally here in Boise means you skip the stress and often get a better price.
We offer Xray Scanning and Gold Testing for free to determine the exact value of your items. Our process is transparent, our offers are hassle-free, and we're committed to the highest payout in Boise and will price match to prove it. You can save the hassle and sell locally for more than online shipments. For more general info, you can also check out our guide on how much is a dime worth.
How Mint Marks Impact Your Dime's Value
Not every 1964 dime that comes out of a coin jar is identical. The first clue to your coin's unique story is a tiny letter stamped on it called a mint mark. This little detail tells you exactly which U.S. Mint facility struck the coin.
Think of it like two F-150s rolling off the line—one from the Dearborn plant and one from Kansas City. They're the same truck, but serious enthusiasts track the production numbers and subtle quality differences from each factory. For the 1964 Roosevelt dime, production was split between two mints, and this is the first step in separating a common coin from one with a little more to its name.
Finding the Mint Mark on Your Dime
To locate the mint mark, you'll want to flip the coin over to the reverse (tails) side. Zero in on the area just to the left of the base of the torch.
- A small 'D' means your dime was minted in Denver.
- If you see no mint mark at all, it was produced at the historic Philadelphia Mint.
Back in 1964, the Denver mint was running full throttle, producing a staggering 1,357,517,180 dimes. The Philadelphia mint wasn't far behind, striking 929,360,000 of its own. While both are huge numbers, numismatists pay close attention to the survival rates of high-quality examples from each location.
A coin's mint mark is so much more than just a letter; it's a piece of its history. It tells us where that coin began its journey and gives collectors a key data point for studying population reports and strike quality.
Why Does the Mint Mark Matter for Value?
While the silver content of a 1964 dime from Philadelphia is exactly the same as one from Denver, the collectible or numismatic value can start to diverge, especially in higher grades. The mint mark influences value in subtle but important ways.
For instance, collectors might notice that dimes from one mint tend to have a sharper, crisper strike than the other from that particular year. Over decades, if more high-grade examples survive from one mint, they become more common and just a touch less valuable than their better-preserved cousins from the other facility.
These little details create two different collecting stories for a 1964-D dime versus a Philadelphia-minted one. While this won't drastically change the 1964 dime value for a common, circulated coin, it's a fundamental detail for uncirculated specimens. This is a great example of how a small detail can affect collectibility, similar to what you'll find when exploring other important coin key dates.
The Local Advantage for Gold and Jewelry Buying
Understanding these details is interesting, but what if you just want to sell your silver coins or other valuables for the best price? Instead of navigating the complexities of online sales—with the risks of shipping, insurance costs, and dealing with unseen buyers—consider the local advantage. As experts in Gold and Jewelry Buying, we make selling locally in Boise easy and profitable.
We believe in making the process transparent. That’s why we offer Xray Scanning and Gold Testing for free to determine the precise value of your items right in front of you. You get a hassle-free offer on the spot, backed by our promise for the highest payout in Boise. We even offer price matching to ensure you're getting the best deal. You can save the hassle and sell locally for more than online shipments.
Understanding How Coin Grading Determines Value
Why can one 1964 dime be worth its silver melt value of around $2, while another that looks almost identical sells for thousands? The answer, almost every time, boils down to its physical condition—what collectors call its grade. Getting a handle on coin grading is the secret to figuring out your dime's true potential.
It’s a lot like comparing two copies of the same classic vinyl record. One has been played at countless parties, its cover worn and the vinyl covered in faint scratches. It still plays, but it shows its history. The other is a mint-condition, first-press copy that’s barely seen the light of day. Same music, but the pristine copy is what a serious collector will pay a premium for. Coins work the exact same way.
A dime that has passed through thousands of hands is "circulated." These coins have noticeable wear, from heavy scratches and faded details to just a bit of lost shine. On the flip side, you have "uncirculated" or Mint State (MS) coins, which look as crisp and brilliant as the day they were struck at the U.S. Mint.
From Good to Mint State: A Grading Overview
Professional graders use a detailed numeric scale from 1 to 70 to nail down a coin's exact condition. A coin graded "Good" (G-4) has seen better days—Roosevelt's portrait and the torch details will be worn mostly flat. An uncirculated coin, however, graded MS-60 or higher, will have zero wear and still radiate its original mint luster, that beautiful satiny glow.
As the grade climbs, the 1964 dime value can shoot up exponentially. An MS-63 coin might fetch a few dollars, but find that same dime in near-perfect MS-67 condition, and you could be looking at hundreds or even thousands. That massive price jump happens because flawless specimens are incredibly rare.
Before you even start looking at condition, though, you need to know where your dime came from.
This simple chart shows that every 1964 dime was produced at either the Philadelphia or Denver mint, a crucial first step in identification before assessing its grade.
The Full Bands Designation: A Game Changer
When it comes to Roosevelt dimes, there's one tiny detail that can make a world of difference: the Full Bands (FB) designation. This refers to the two horizontal bands at the top and bottom of the torch on the coin's reverse side. To earn the coveted FB status, both sets of bands must be sharp, fully separated, and show absolutely no weakness from the strike or any wear.
A coin with Full Bands is proof of a sharp, powerful strike at the Mint and exceptional preservation over the decades. It's a hallmark of quality that collectors eagerly pay a huge premium for, often turning a $50 coin into a $500 treasure.
It's also important not to confuse a standard uncirculated coin with a proof coin, which is a special issue made for collectors. If you're curious about the nuances, you can check out our guide on the difference between proof and uncirculated coins.
To give you a better idea of how grade and those Full Bands impact price, here’s a look at some estimated values.
1964 Dime Value by Grade and Mint Mark
This table breaks down the estimated value of 1964 and 1964-D dimes across various grades, illustrating the significant impact of condition and the 'Full Bands' designation on their market price.
| Grade | Description | 1964 (No Mint Mark) Value | 1964-D Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavily worn, major details are flat | $2 - $3 | $2 - $3 |
| Fine (F-12) | Significant wear, but some details remain | $2 - $3 | $2 - $3 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | Light wear on high points | $2 - $3 | $2 - $3 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Traces of wear, mostly on high points | $3 - $4 | $3 - $4 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | No wear, some minor marks | $6 - $8 | $6 - $8 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65) | Strong luster, few marks | $12 - $15 | $12 - $15 |
| MS-65 FB | MS-65 with Full Bands on torch | $30 - $40 | $30 - $40 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-67) | Near-perfect, exceptional eye appeal | $100 - $150 | $100 - $150 |
| MS-67 FB | MS-67 with Full Bands on torch | $300 - $500 | $450 - $600 |
As you can see, simply being "uncirculated" isn't the end of the story. The jump from a standard MS-65 to one with Full Bands is significant, and it only gets wider as the grade approaches perfection.
Bringing Your Coins for a Professional Opinion
Grading a coin accurately takes a trained eye and years of experience. If you think you have a high-grade 1964 dime, your best bet is to have an expert take a look. Instead of dealing with the risk of shipping, selling locally allows for a direct evaluation.
Here at Carat 24 in Boise, our expertise in Gold and Jewelry Buying extends to silver coins. We offer free, hassle-free evaluations, using tools like Xray Scanning for free to confirm your coin's silver content. Our team can help you understand your coin's grade and make a competitive offer, ensuring you get the highest payout in Boise. We even price match, so you can save the hassle and sell locally for more than online shipments.
Looking for Valuable 1964 Dime Errors
This is where coin hunting gets really exciting. Beyond the mint mark and the grade, you enter the thrilling world of error coins. While the U.S. Mint struck millions of 1964 dimes flawlessly, a very small number managed to slip out with fascinating mistakes.
These aren't just damaged coins; they're valuable imperfections that happened during the minting process. An error can turn a regular silver dime into a genuine collector's prize.
Think of the mint as a high-speed factory floor. When you're churning out billions of coins, things can occasionally go wrong—a die shifts, a metal blank gets clipped, or a coin isn't centered correctly when it's struck. These rare hiccups create the unique varieties that collectors hunt for, adding a true treasure-hunting feel to sifting through old change.
The Famous Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
The most sought-after error for the 1964 dime is the Doubled Die Obverse (DDO). This happens when the die used to stamp the coin's design has a doubled image accidentally pressed into it. That faint second image then gets transferred to every single coin struck by that faulty die.
You'll need a good magnifying glass to spot this one. Take a close look at the lettering on the "heads" side of the coin, paying attention to a couple of key areas:
- Check "LIBERTY": The letters might look unusually thick, or you might see a clear, separated doubling effect.
- Examine "IN GOD WE TRUST": This motto is another prime spot to hunt for the classic signs of a doubled image.
A real DDO will show distinct, separated doubling. Be careful not to confuse it with "machine doubling," which looks more like a flat, shelf-like smear and is far less valuable. A confirmed 1964 DDO dime can be worth anywhere from $25 to over $100, all depending on its condition.
For more helpful tips on finding treasure in your pocket change, check out our guide on discovering treasure by identifying valuable coins from 1964 and earlier.
Other Errors to Look For
While the DDO gets most of the attention, other minting blunders can add serious value to a 1964 dime. Keep your eyes peeled for these less common but equally interesting error types.
- Off-Center Strikes: This is exactly what it sounds like. The blank coin wasn't lined up perfectly when the dies struck it, leaving part of the design missing and a blank, crescent-shaped area. The more off-center it is (while still showing the date), the more valuable it usually is.
- Clipped Planchets: This error happens before the coin is even struck. The machine punching out the blank metal discs (called planchets) from a sheet of silver overlaps with a previous punch. This results in a coin with a distinct curved or straight chunk missing from its edge right from the mint.
Finding a genuine mint error is a true numismatic victory. It means you’ve found something unique that slipped past the mint’s quality control and survived decades of circulation, making it a tiny piece of production history.
Verifying Your Find Locally in Boise
Thinking you've spotted an error is the first step, but getting it authenticated by an expert is crucial. Instead of dealing with the risk of mailing your coins, why not bring them to a local professional?
Here at Carat 24, we specialize in Gold and Jewelry Buying and have the tools and expertise to assess your coins. We offer Xray Scanning and Gold Testing for free to verify your coin's metal content. Our team provides hassle-free offers backed by a price match guarantee, ensuring you get the highest payout in Boise. Save the hassle and sell locally for more than online shipments, with the peace of mind that comes from expert, in-person service.
Why Selling Locally in Boise Is the Smart Choice
Once you’ve figured out what your 1964 dime might be worth—whether it's a common silver piece or a rare find—the next step is turning that potential into actual cash. You could go online, sure. Mail-in services and auction sites seem convenient at first glance. But they often come with a hidden price: stress, risk, and frankly, lower payouts.
This is why selling your coins right here in Boise isn’t just the easier path; it’s the smarter one.
Shipping your valuables, whether it's a single high-grade dime, a bag of old silver coins, or a piece of family jewelry, just opens a can of worms. There's the constant worry of your package getting lost or damaged in the mail. And when you deal with a faceless online buyer, you lose all leverage. There's no real conversation, no transparency, and definitely no room to negotiate.
The Pitfalls of Online Mail-In Services
When you decide to mail your valuables away, you’re immediately giving up control and inviting a bunch of headaches that can chip away at your profit and peace of mind.
- High Shipping and Insurance Costs: You have to insure precious metals and collectibles properly, and that isn't cheap. That cost comes straight out of your pocket before you even get an offer.
- Risk of Loss or Damage: Even with the best intentions, packages get lost, stolen, or damaged. Trying to file a claim is a nightmare, often a long, drawn-out process with no guarantee you’ll ever see a dime.
- Lack of Transparency: You’re essentially sending your items into a black hole, hoping a stranger on the other end gives you a fair shake. You can't watch their grading or testing process. You just have to take their word for it.
- Lowball Offers: This is the classic move. Once they have your items, some online buyers know you’re unlikely to pay for return shipping to get them back. That gives them the upper hand to make a low, take-it-or-leave-it offer.
An in-person transaction with a trusted local expert just wipes all these risks off the board. You stay in control, get instant service, and can build a relationship you can count on.
The Clear Advantages of a Boise Expert
Choosing a local partner like Carat 24 for your Gold and Jewelry Buying needs gives you a level of security and value that online services just can't touch. When you walk into our Boise store, you get an immediate, hassle-free offer without any sales pressure. You can talk face-to-face with an expert who will actually explain the value of your 1964 dime, your gold bracelet, or whatever else you bring in.
Selling locally means you save the hassle and sell for more than online shipments. You walk in with your items and walk out with payment in hand—no shipping labels, no insurance forms, no waiting, and no wondering.
We're serious about providing the highest payout in Boise, and we put our money where our mouth is with a price match policy. Our entire process is built to empower you with knowledge. We offer Xray Scanning and Gold Testing for free so you can see the authentication for yourself and understand exactly what you have. If you're looking to sell more than just dimes, our guide on how to sell silver coins is a great resource.
To really make the smart choice, it helps to understand how local markets work, including the dynamics of how local businesses capture transactional customers. By choosing a reputable local buyer, you get to skip the uncertainty of the digital world and ensure you’re treated fairly, getting the best possible value for your items right here in our community.
Get the Highest Payout for Your Valuables in Boise
Figuring out the world of precious metals and collectibles can feel like a maze, but selling your items shouldn't be. Here at Carat 24, we've built our entire process on transparency, education, and genuine value for our Boise community. We want you to walk away feeling confident and informed, whether you’re selling a single 1964 silver dime or an entire collection of family jewelry.
When you stop by our State Street store, don't hesitate to bring in more than just coins. We're specialists in Gold and Jewelry Buying, offering professional appraisals for all kinds of items. This way, you can handle everything in one trusted local visit and get the kind of personalized, face-to-face service you deserve.
A Process Built on Trust and Technology
We've always believed that knowledge is what makes a transaction fair. That's why we start with a completely free, no-obligation evaluation using our state-of-the-art 8-step authentication method. This isn't just a quick glance over the counter; it's a deep dive designed to uncover the true, full value of your items.
Our commitment to getting it right means we include services that other buyers might charge for—or simply don't have the equipment for.
- Free Xray Scanning: We use advanced X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology to get a precise reading of your item's elemental makeup. This non-destructive scan instantly tells us the purity of your gold, silver, or platinum, making sure you get paid for its exact worth.
- Free Gold Testing: Our experts also perform additional verification to confirm the karat of your gold jewelry, so there’s absolutely no guesswork about its quality.
At Carat 24, our mission is to pull back the curtain on the selling process. By showing you the data and explaining exactly what we're doing, we turn a potentially stressful event into a clear, educational, and easy experience.
This transparent, data-driven approach leads to a hassle-free offer based on live market prices. You’ll never feel pressured here. In fact, we encourage you to ask questions. Our team is here to give you clarity, not just a quote.
Our Boise-Focused Commitment
As a local business, our reputation in the Treasure Valley means everything to us. We stand by our promise to offer the highest payout in Boise, and we put our money where our mouth is with a price match guarantee. We're confident that our fair, transparent offers provide the best value you'll find anywhere.
Choosing to sell locally helps you avoid the risks and hidden fees that come with mail-in services. You save the hassle and sell for more than online shipments, getting paid on the spot without worrying about lost packages or questionable appraisals from someone you'll never meet.
Come experience the peace of mind that comes from working with a dedicated local expert who truly values your business and your trust. Stop by our store today and let us show you the Carat 24 difference.
Your Top Questions About 1964 Dimes Answered
To wrap things up, let's tackle some of the most common questions we hear from people about the 1964 dime's value. This should clear up any lingering confusion and help you feel confident about what you've got.
Is Every Single 1964 Dime Made of Silver?
Yes, it is. Every Roosevelt dime the U.S. Mint struck for circulation in 1964 is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. This is the single biggest reason it holds a real, tangible value well beyond ten cents.
In 1965, the government switched to the copper-nickel clad coins we see today, making 1964 the last call for 90% silver dimes meant for everyday use.
How Can I Figure Out the Silver Melt Value of My Dime?
It's actually pretty straightforward. A 1964 dime contains 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver. To get its basic melt value, you just multiply that number by the current spot price of silver.
For instance, if silver is trading at $30 per troy ounce, the math would be 0.0723 x $30, which comes out to $2.17.
Here at Carat 24 in Boise, we calculate value using live market data. As experts in Gold and Jewelry Buying, we guarantee you get the most accurate and highest payout in Boise for your silver. Our process is transparent with hassle-free offers and includes Xray Scanning and Gold Testing for free.
Should I Try to Clean My 1964 Dime Before Bringing It In?
Please don't. This is probably the most important rule in the world of coin collecting. No matter how carefully you do it, cleaning a coin will leave tiny, microscopic scratches and permanently damage its original surface. For high-grade coins, this can absolutely tank their numismatic value.
Collectors and professional graders prize coins with their natural, original toning. The best thing you can do to preserve a coin's maximum potential value is to bring it to an expert exactly as you found it.
What’s the Most a 1964 Dime Has Ever Sold For?
The really big money is in coins that are not only in near-perfect condition but also feature the "Full Bands" (FB) designation on Roosevelt's torch. For example, a 1964-D dime graded MS67+FB has sold for over $6,000 at auction.
Finding a coin of that quality is incredibly rare, of course. But it perfectly illustrates the huge premium that serious collectors will pay for a perfectly struck and exceptionally preserved piece of history.
Ready to discover the true value of your coins, gold, or jewelry? Carat 24 - Trusted Gold Experts offers a transparent and rewarding experience. We specialize in Gold and Jewelry Buying, providing hassle-free offers and the highest payout in Boise, backed by our price match guarantee. Visit us for a free, no-obligation evaluation with complimentary Xray Scanning and Gold Testing for free. Save the hassle and sell locally for more than online shipments at https://carat24boise.com.
