Rare and Valuable 1996 Dimes You Should Watch Out For

The U.S. dime is one of America’s most popular coins, but even the most plain-looking coins like the 1996 Roosevelt dime can often be worth much more than a dime. While most examples of these dimes will be worth only their face value, certain rare errors and variations make some examples incredibly valuable to collectors. Find out what you need to know about identifying and pricing rare 1996 dimes.

1996 Roosevelt Dime

The Roosevelt dime, introduced in 1946, depicts Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse and a torch flanked by olive and oak branches on the reverse.

In 1996, the U.S. Mint produced over 1.2 billion dimes at:

• Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
• Denver Mint (“D” mint mark)

And despite the high mintage of the year, there are a few errors and anomalies from that year that have made them highly valuable to collectors.

Most 1996 dimes are worth just 10 cents, but some unique variations and errors can command significant premiums. Here are the most notable types:

1996 Dime with Missing Mint Mark

A missing mint mark is a notable error for dimes produced at the Denver Mint. While Philadelphia Mint coins do not carry a mint mark, a Denver-minted dime without the “D” is considered a minting error.
Value:
Coins with missing mint marks are priced in the range of $20 to $50, although higher grades sell for much more.

1996 Dime with Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

A doubled die error occurs when the impression is made twice due to a misaligned die and is visible on parts of the coin.
Doubling areas include:
The word “LIBERTY”
The date “1996”
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s portrait
Price:
The dime in good quality, with clear doubling visible can cost $50 to thousands of dollars. The sum really depends on the clarity of doubling and coin condition.

1996 Dime Off-Center Strike

When an off-center strike happens during the minting process because the planchet is not correctly aligned with the dies, part of the design on a 1996 dime will be missing.
Value:
Off-center 1996 dimes can be sold for between $30 to $100 as long as the misalignment is that much dramatic.

1996 Dime with Die Crack

Die cracks are defects due to fissures occurring in the dies used for coin striking. These cracks may produce rising lines or breaks on the coin’s surface.

Price:
Based on the apparent and raised position of the fissure, the value for these dimes can run from $20 to $100.

Tips for Identifying

For an expert eye to spot the potential valuable 1996 dimes, carefully look through these steps.

1. Look for the Mint Mark
Look for the lack of a “D” mint mark on coins that should have one.
2. Check for Doubling
Use a jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass to check for doubled elements, especially on the inscriptions and date.
3. Check for Off-Center Strikes
Tilt the coin to check for misaligned designs or missing pieces.
4. Check for Die Cracks
Carefully examine the rim and design elements of the coin for visible cracks or raised lines.
5. Have the Coin Professionally Graded
If you suspect that your dime is rare or valuable, then consider to have it authenticated and graded by a professional service such as PCGS or NGC. A graded coin will often fetch a higher price.

While most 1996 dimes are common and worth only their face value, rare errors such as missing mint marks, doubled dies, off-center strikes, and die cracks can make some examples significantly more valuable. By taking a closer look at your coins and learning what to look for when it comes to these error coins, you may just find a hidden treasure in your collection.