Finding an old coin in a tip jar can be a surprising moment. A Roosevelt dime discovered in a coffee shop tip jar may look ordinary, but it could be silver and worth more than face value.
How to tell if a Roosevelt dime is silver
Most Roosevelt dimes minted before 1965 are 90% silver. After 1964, dimes switched to a copper-nickel clad composition. Checking a dime for silver is straightforward when you know what to look for.
Date and mint mark for silver Roosevelt dimes
First, check the date on the obverse (front) of the dime. Any Roosevelt dime dated 1964 or earlier is made of 90% silver. Dimes dated 1965 and later are not silver.
Look for a mint mark, usually on the reverse near the torch or on the obverse near the date depending on year. The mint mark won’t change silver content, but it helps with value estimation for collectors.
Physical tests to identify a silver dime
Use these simple, non-destructive checks to verify silver content before doing anything else.
- Visual inspection: Silver dimes often show a light gray luster and different wear pattern compared to clad dimes.
- Weight test: A silver Roosevelt dime weighs about 2.5 grams. Modern clad dimes weigh about 2.27 grams.
- Ring test: Gently drop the dime on a hard surface and listen for a clear, high-pitched ring. Silver rings differently than copper-nickel clad.
- Magnet test: Silver is non-magnetic. If a strong magnet attracts the coin, it’s not silver.
Avoid destructive tests like acid testing unless you plan to sacrifice the coin.
How much is a silver Roosevelt dime worth?
Value depends on silver content, condition, and collector demand. For most common dates, melt (silver) value sets a baseline. Collector interest can increase price for key dates or better condition coins.
As of recent silver prices, a typical 90% silver Roosevelt dime has melt value equal to its silver weight times the spot price. Collector premiums vary.
Value examples
- Common circulated 1940s–1964 dimes: roughly melt value plus small premium.
- Key dates (scarcer mint years or mint marks): can be several times melt value.
- Uncirculated or proof examples: higher collector value, sometimes substantial.
Always check current silver spot price and consult recent sales on auction sites to estimate realistic market value.
What to do if you find a silver Roosevelt dime in a tip jar
If you discover a silver dime, follow practical steps to confirm and preserve its condition. Handling and quick verification will protect value.
- Handle by the edges to avoid oils and fingerprints.
- Verify the date and run the simple tests above (weight, ring, magnet).
- Photograph the coin clearly from both sides and note the date, mint mark, and condition.
- Store it in a small coin flip or envelope to prevent further wear.
- Research similar coins for price guidance or take it to a reputable coin dealer for appraisal.
If you plan to sell, get multiple offers and consider online auctions for rare dates. If holding, store in a cool, dry place and consider a small plastic or cardboard holder for long-term protection.
When to seek professional grading
Have a coin professionally graded if it appears to be in exceptionally good condition, is a key date, or you suspect it may be a valuable collector piece. Grading can increase buyer confidence and market value.
Most Roosevelt dimes minted from 1946 through 1964 contain 90% silver. The U.S. stopped using silver in circulating dimes starting in 1965 to conserve silver and reduce costs.
Small real-world case study
Case study: A barista at a neighborhood coffee shop found an old dime in the tip jar and noticed it looked different. The date read 1952, and the coin felt slightly heavier than modern dimes.
She followed the steps above: handled the coin by the edges, did a ring test, and checked the weight. Satisfied it was silver, she stored it in a coin flip and later sold it to a local dealer for a price above the silver melt value due to collector interest.
This simple process turned a small curiosity into a modest extra income for the barista without harming the coin.
Common questions about silver Roosevelt dimes found in tip jars
Is the coin worth more than face value?
Almost always yes if the dime is pre-1965 because silver alone is worth more than ten cents. The final value depends on condition and collector demand.
Can coffee or tip jar grime damage a silver dime?
Light dirt can often be left alone, but heavy contamination or improper cleaning can reduce value. Seek professional advice before attempting cleaning.
Summary and next steps
Finding a Roosevelt dime in a coffee shop tip jar that turns out to be silver is a pleasant surprise. Confirm the date, perform non-destructive tests, and protect the coin to preserve value.
When in doubt, document the coin and consult a trusted coin dealer or numismatist for an appraisal. Whether you sell or keep it, understanding the coin’s composition and potential value helps you make an informed decision.
