1946 Roosevelt Dime Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
Is your 1946 Roosevelt Dime worth more than silver melt? Discover verified errors—RPM FS-502 ($214+), DDO FS-101 ($150–$400), DDR FS-801 ($2,760 record). Full identification guide and current values as of January 2026.
Most 1946 Roosevelt Dimes are worth their silver melt value of roughly $7.80–$8.00, but verified die varieties can push values to $75–$400+—and one top-grade Doubled Die Reverse sold for $2,760.
- 💰 1946-S RPM FS-502 (split S mintmark, Southeast): $75–$225 in MS63–MS65
- 💰 1946 DDO FS-101 (doubled IN GOD WE TRUST): $150–$400
- 💰 1946-S DDR FS-801 (doubled ONE DIME lettering): up to $2,760 in MS68
- 🔍 Every 1946 dime contains 90% silver—worth ~$7.81 at ~$108/oz even in worn condition
⚠️ The #1 trap: Machine Doubling mimics a doubled die but carries zero premium. A flat, shelf-like step on letters = no value. Rounded, split serifs with notching at corners = investigate further.
1946 Roosevelt Dime Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of 2026-01.
Silver melt values fluctuate daily with spot price. The ~$108/oz figure used here was current as of January 2026. Always check live silver prices before buying or selling.
Error coin values vary significantly based on grade, eye appeal, die state, and market conditions.
Professional authentication (PCGS/NGC) is recommended for varieties valued over $150. Submission fees typically run $40–$60.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like) is NOT a valuable error—it is the most common false positive for 1946 dimes.
A 1946 dime with no mint mark is a normal Philadelphia issue (255 million minted), not an error.
Generic mint errors (broadstrikes, off-centers) have limited 1946-specific auction data. Values are estimated from broader silver Roosevelt error trends.
The 1946 Roosevelt Dime is the first-year issue of an American classic—rushed into production within months of FDR's death to honor the president on the coin he championed through the March of Dimes. That hurried die-shop schedule is exactly why this date is a playground for error hunters: hand-punched mintmarks, repeated hubbing squeezes, and sky-high production volume created a documented catalog of Repunched Mintmarks, Doubled Dies, and mechanical mint errors. On top of that, with silver spot prices near historic highs (~$108/oz as of January 2026), every 1946 dime carries a built-in value floor around $7.80. See the complete 1946 dime value guide for baseline prices, then use this guide to find out if you have something far more valuable.
The 1946 Roosevelt Dime obverse (left) and reverse (right)—the first-year issue of an iconic silver series.
1946 Roosevelt Dime Specifications & Mintage
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 2.50 grams (±0.097g tolerance) |
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Silver Content | 0.07234 troy oz per coin |
| Melt Value (Jan 2026) | ~$7.81 at ~$108/oz silver spot |
| Designer | John R. Sinnock (obverse and reverse) |
| Series | Roosevelt Dime (first year of issue, 1946) |
| No Proof Issue | No proof coins were struck for 1946 |
Mintage & Baseline Values by Mint
| Mint | Mintage | Circulated Value | Mint State Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (no mintmark) | 255,250,000 | $7.80–$8.00 (melt) | $12–$20 |
| Denver (D mintmark) | 61,043,500 | $7.80–$8.00 (melt) | $15–$25 |
| San Francisco (S mintmark) | 27,900,000 | $7.80–$8.00 (melt) | $20–$35 |
⚠️ Silver Melt Value Fluctuates Daily
The ~$7.81 melt floor is based on ~$108/oz silver (January 2026), which is near historic highs. Always check the live silver spot price before buying or selling. Every $10 move in silver changes the melt floor by roughly $0.72 per dime.
1946 Roosevelt Dime Quick Checks: Do You Have Something Valuable?
Use a 10x–20x loupe (a small magnifying glass used by jewelers and coin collectors) to examine the areas listed below. You do not need any special equipment beyond a loupe and a digital scale to complete these checks. Work from highest-potential to lowest.
Check 1: 1946-S Repunched Mintmark — FS-501 & FS-502 (S Mint Only)
The "S" mintmark on the reverse (back of coin), located to the left of the base of the torch.
A distinct secondary impression of the S with the same raised height as the primary. For FS-502: a second S shifted to the Southeast, with a split top serif (two distinct tips separated by a vertical notch). For FS-501: a cluster of S shapes—faint loops to the North, Northeast, and West of the main S (a quadruple punch).
A mushy, swollen, or blobby S caused by die erosion. A flat "shelf" effect (that is Machine Doubling, which is worthless). True RPMs show crisp, raised, separated punch marks.
Check 2: 1946 Doubled Die Obverse — FS-101 (Philadelphia Only)
The motto IN GOD WE TRUST and the word LIBERTY on the obverse (front of coin, Philadelphia issue has no mintmark).
Letters G and O in GOD appear widened with notching at their corners. "LIBERTY" shows thickening of the vertical strokes. Both effects come from two overlapping hub impressions—the letters are additive (wider), not shaved.
Machine Doubling, which makes letters look narrower with a flat shelf to one side. Die deterioration, which gives a mushy appearance without distinct split serifs.
Check 3: 1946-S Doubled Die Reverse — FS-801 (S Mint Only)
Reverse lettering, specifically ONE DIME and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Split serifs on the E in ONE and the D in DIME. Both letters should appear slightly bolder than on a normal coin. The secondary image is rounded, not flat, and adds width to the letters.
Machine doubling (flat, shelf-like extensions that reduce letter width). Die deterioration doubling (mushy and indistinct, no clear secondary image).
Check 4: 1946-D Repunched Mintmark — FS-502 / RPM-015 (Denver Only)
The D mintmark on the reverse, to the left of the torch base.
D over D South: the top horizontal bar of the D appears split, or a secondary horizontal bar is visible just below the primary one. The secondary impression is shifted South.
Die erosion causing a mushy or swollen D. Machine doubling showing a flat shelf on one side. True RPMs have distinct separation lines between primary and secondary punches.
Check 5: Silver Content & Weight Verification (All Mints)
Use a digital scale and examine the edge of the coin.
Weight must be 2.50 grams (±0.097g). The edge must be a solid silver-white color with no copper-colored core. Silver is non-magnetic. Dropped gently on a wood surface, genuine silver produces a high-pitched, sustained ring.
A post-1964 clad dime (those show a visible copper layer on the edge). A magnetic steel counterfeit. An environmentally damaged silver coin turned dark or reddish is still silver—verify with scale and magnet.
TRAP Check: Machine Doubling on Date or LIBERTY (All Mints)
The date "1946" and the word "LIBERTY" on the obverse.
A flat, shelf-like extension that "steps down" from the main letter or number. It subtracts from the letter width—the number looks shaved on one side. Often affects one side of the date uniformly.
A genuine Doubled Die adds width to letters. Serifs will be notched or split, not shaved. The secondary image is rounded and appears at the same relief as the primary. Machine Doubling is flat and dull under magnification.
1946 Roosevelt Dime Errors & Varieties: Master Value Table
All values are for authenticated, slabbed examples (PCGS/NGC) as of January 2026. Raw (ungraded) coins in lower grades typically trade for significantly less. Silver melt floor (~$7.80) applies to all entries.
| Error Type | Designation | Mint | Rarity | Value (MS63–MS65) | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die Obverse | FS-101 | P | Rare | $150–$400 | $148 (MS64, GC) |
| Repunched Mintmark S/S SE | FS-502 | S | Scarce | $75–$225 | $214.50 (MS66, GC) |
| Repunched Mintmark S/S/S/S | FS-501 | S | Scarce | $60–$180 | $75 (MS66, eBay) |
| Doubled Die Reverse | FS-801 | S | Scarce | $50–$150 | $2,760 (MS68, PCGS) |
| Repunched Mintmark D/D S | FS-502 / RPM-015 | D | Scarce | $40–$120 | $275 (MS66, eBay) |
| Off-Center Strike (major) | — | P/D/S | Very Rare | $50–$200 | $53 (MS66, Heritage) |
| Clipped Planchet (major) | — | P/D/S | Scarce | $50–$100+ | $84 (Heritage, 2022) |
| Minor RPMs (RPM-003 to RPM-022) | Various | S | Common | $25–$45 | — |
| Clipped Planchet (small) | — | P/D/S | Uncommon | $10–$20 | — |
| Broadstrike | — | P/D/S | Uncommon | $10–$30 | — |
| Off-Center (minor, 1–10%) | — | P/D/S | Common | $10–$20 | — |
Sources: PCGS CoinFacts, GreatCollections auction archive, Heritage Auctions, VarietyVista. Values as of January 2026. Auction records are for specific graded examples and may not represent typical market prices.
1946 Roosevelt Dime Jackpots: Detailed Identification Guides
Each variety below requires magnification and comparison to reference images. Links to PCGS CoinFacts and VarietyVista are provided where available. Do not clean any coin before authentication.
1946-S Repunched Mintmark FS-502 (S/S Southeast)
Normal S mintmark (left) vs. FS-502 with split top serif and secondary S to the Southeast (right).
Origin & Background
In 1946, mintmarks were hand-punched into working dies at Philadelphia before shipping to branch mints. When the punch operator repositioned between strikes, a secondary impression formed. On this variety, the second punch landed to the Southeast of the first. This is considered the most visually dramatic 1946-S RPM because the offset is clear and consistent.
How to Identify
- On the reverse, locate the S mintmark to the left of the torch base.
- Under 10x–20x magnification: look for a split top serif—two distinct tips to the S separated by a vertical notch.
- The bottom curve of the S shows a distinct "under-curve" where the first punch protrudes below the main S.
- Early Die State (EDS) coins show the crispest separation. Late Die State coins may have blurred lines from die wear.
- Compare to plate photos at VarietyVista 1946-S RPM listings.
False Positives to Avoid
Die erosion can cause the S to look mushy or swollen—this is not an RPM. A general halo or blur around the mintmark is normal aging, not a second punch. The secondary image of a genuine RPM must show the same raised relief as the primary punch, not a flat shelf.
Market Values
- MS63–MS65: $75–$225
- MS66: Premium, especially for EDS or Full Bands examples
- Raw (ungraded) in lower grades: $20–$40
Auction Record
$214.50 for MS66 (PCGS Auction Prices, GreatCollections).
1946-S Repunched Mintmark FS-501 (S/S/S/S Quadruple Punch)
Normal S mintmark (left) vs. FS-501 showing four overlapping punch impressions inside and around the S loops (right).
Origin & Background
This is technically a quadruple punch—the die received four blows from the S mintmark punch, each landing at a slightly different position. It is the most complex RPM for the 1946-S, sometimes designated FS-501 as the "primary" variety in the series.
How to Identify
- Main S is bold. Look for faint upper loops to the North and Northeast of the main loop.
- A faint lower loop protrudes to the West.
- The "inner eyes" (negative spaces inside the S loops) show clutter from previous punch impressions—especially clear in MS65+.
- Compare to plate photos at PCGS CoinFacts FS-501 and VarietyVista.
False Positives to Avoid
Strike doubling or die erosion can cause a general blur that resembles multiple punches. A genuine FS-501 must show at least three separate, distinct impressions around the primary S, not just mushiness.
Market Values
- MS63–MS65: $60–$180
- MS66+ with Full Bands: significant premium as a scarce top-pop candidate
Auction Record
$75 for MS66 (eBay). Note: eBay records for slabbed RPM coins are less reliable benchmarks than Heritage or GreatCollections sales.
1946-S Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 (DDR-001)
Normal ONE DIME lettering (left) vs. DDR FS-801 showing split serifs on E and D (right).
Origin & Background
A Doubled Die occurs during the die-making process. A working die is pressed by a positive hub multiple times. If the die or hub shifts slightly between pressings, the image is doubled in the die itself—meaning every coin struck by that die carries the exact same doubling. The FS-801 affects the reverse lettering. Its record sale of $2,760 in MS68 illustrates how extreme condition amplifies value for any variety.
How to Identify
- Examine "ONE DIME" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" under 10x magnification.
- Look for split serifs on the E in ONE and D in DIME—the serif tips appear doubled, with a notch between the two images.
- Both ONE DIME and UNITED STATES should show consistent doubling direction across all letters.
- The secondary image is rounded and adds width to the letters (never flat or shelf-like).
False Positives to Avoid
Machine doubling produces a flat, shelf-like effect on reverse letters just as on the obverse. Die deterioration doubling looks mushy and indistinct with no clear secondary image. The NGC article on Doubled Dies vs. Machine Doubling is the definitive reference for learning this distinction.
Market Values
- MS63–MS65: $50–$150
- MS66–MS67: Strong premium
- MS68 (top grade): $2,760 (auction record)
Auction Record
$2,760 for MS68 (PCGS Auction Prices). This is an outlier driven by supreme condition—MS68 is virtually flawless and extremely rare for any 1946 dime.
1946 Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 (DDO-001) — Philadelphia
Normal IN GOD WE TRUST (left) vs. DDO FS-101 showing widened G and O with notched corners (right).
Origin & Background
True Doubled Dies for 1946 are rarer than RPMs. The FS-101 is the most prominent obverse doubled die in the series. It affects the Philadelphia issue (no mintmark). While RPMs are common because mintmarks were hand-applied at the end of the process, a DDO like FS-101 had to pass additional quality control steps—making survivors scarcer.
How to Identify
- Examine "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "LIBERTY" on the obverse (front of coin, no mintmark on Philadelphia issues).
- Letters G and O in GOD appear widened with notching at the corners where the two hub impressions intersect.
- "LIBERTY" shows thickening of vertical strokes; look for a secondary stroke just inside or outside each letter.
- Doubling should be consistent across multiple letters—if it is only on one letter, it may be PMD (post-mint damage).
- Reference: GreatCollections FS-101 auction archive
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling is the #1 false positive here. If the letters in "LIBERTY" look narrower with a flat step on one side, it is Machine Doubling—worth nothing extra. Die deterioration thickens letters but without split serifs or notched corners.
Market Values
- MS63–MS65: $150–$400
Auction Record
$148 for MS64 (GreatCollections).
1946-D Repunched Mintmark FS-502 / RPM-015 (D/D South)
Normal D mintmark (left) vs. RPM-015 showing split horizontal bar and secondary D shifted south (right).
Origin & Background
Denver-mint RPMs are less commonly sought than San Francisco varieties, making this coin a "sleeper" in the series. The same hand-punch process applied: the D mintmark was struck into the die, and a second impression fell slightly to the south. Reference: PCGS CoinFacts 1946-D FS-502.
How to Identify
- Examine the D mintmark on the reverse under 10x–20x magnification.
- Look for the top horizontal bar of the D to be split, or a secondary horizontal bar just below the primary.
- The secondary D impression is shifted South—visible as a slight widening of the lower bowl of the D.
- Early die state coins show the sharpest separation lines.
False Positives to Avoid
Die erosion causing a mushy, swollen D. Machine doubling creating a flat shelf on one side of the D. Must show clear secondary punch marks with distinct separation lines at the same relief as the primary.
Market Values
- MS63–MS65: $40–$120
Auction Record
$275 for MS66 (eBay). Given the eBay venue, treat this as an indicative reference rather than a firm market benchmark.
1946 Off-Center Strike
A 1946 dime struck off-center, showing a blank crescent of unstruck silver at the edge with the date visible.
How to Identify
The design is not centered on the planchet, leaving a blank, unstruck crescent of silver visible at the edge. Value depends entirely on two factors: severity (% off-center) and whether the date "1946" is still visible. A coin without a visible date cannot be confirmed as a 1946 issue and sells as a generic "Silver Roosevelt error".
- Minor (1–10%):$10–$20 — mostly distinguishable from a misaligned die
- Moderate (10–40%):$20–$60 — date must be visible
- Major (40–75%):$50–$150 — eye appeal drives price; date presence is critical
- No Date:$5–$15 — generic silver error only
Auction Record
$53 for a 75% off-center example graded MS66 (Heritage Auctions via PCGS).
1946 Clipped Planchet
A 1946 dime clipped planchet showing a curved crescent bite missing from the edge, with the Blakesley Effect (weak strike opposite the clip) labeled.
How to Identify
A curved, crescent-shaped bite is missing from the coin's edge. This happened when the planchet punch overlapped a previously punched hole in the silver strip. The key authenticator is the Blakesley Effect—weakness in the strike directly opposite the clip (the rim and design details will be weak or missing at the 180-degree position from the clip). Straight cuts or tool marks are post-mint damage, not genuine clips.
- Small clip (<5%):$10–$20 — can resemble a rim nick
- Medium clip (15–20%):$30–$50 — clearly elliptical bite
- Major clip (>25%, "Crescent"):$50–$100+ — date must remain visible
Auction Record
$84 for an incomplete punched planchet & clipped planchet example (Heritage Auctions, 2022, via PCGS).
1946 Roosevelt Dime Common Traps: What Looks Valuable But Isn't
These are the three most common reasons collectors waste time (and submission fees) on coins worth only melt value. Learn to rule these out first.
⚠️ Machine Doubling (Mechanical Doubling)
A flat, shelf-like step on one side of the date "1946" or letters in "LIBERTY" that looks like a doubled impression. Often affects one side of the date uniformly. Visible under a 10x loupe.
A loose or worn press die bounces or slides slightly after the initial strike, acting like a chisel on the soft silver planchet surface. This is die movement during the strike—NOT a doubled hub. Every coin from that press session can show it, but it has no variety designation.
- The doubled area looks flat and shelf-like, stepping down from the main device.
- Letters or numbers appear narrower than normal (metal was shaved off, not added).
- No notching or split serifs at letter corners—just a smooth shelf.
- Often affects the entire date uniformly from one direction.
Machine Doubling (left, no value) shows a flat shelf. True Doubled Die (right, valuable) shows rounded split serifs.
Value: Melt value only (~$7.80). See NGC's guide to Doubled Dies vs. Machine Doubling.
⚠️ The "No Mintmark" Myth
A 1946 dime with absolutely no mintmark. Seller or finder believes this is a rare "No S" or "No D" error worth hundreds of dollars.
In 1946, the Philadelphia Mint did not use a P mintmark. All Philadelphia coins were intentionally struck without any mintmark. With 255,250,000 minted, this is one of the most common Roosevelt Dimes in existence.
- No mintmark on a 1946 dime is the standard Philadelphia issue—completely normal.
- "No S" errors exist only for proof coins in later years (1968, 1970, 1975, 1983)—NOT for 1946 business strikes.
- If someone is selling a "1946 No Mintmark Rare Error," they are either misinformed or misleading you.
Value: Standard Philadelphia issue, worth $7.80–$20 depending on condition.
⚠️ Die Erosion on S Mintmark (Mistaken for RPM)
The S mintmark on a 1946-S dime looks swollen, mushy, or has a slight "halo" around it—as if there is a second impression buried behind it.
As a die ages and is used to strike tens of thousands of coins, metal flow and erosion cause the areas around recessed design elements (like the mintmark) to swell and blur. This creates a fuzzy, rounded edge that superficially resembles a secondary punch.
- A genuine RPM shows a distinct, raised secondary S with the same relief as the primary—not just a blur or halo.
- Die erosion creates a general softness—no clear separation lines between primary and secondary images.
- Compare side-by-side with VarietyVista plate photos for FS-501 and FS-502 before assuming it is an RPM.
Value: Melt value only.
1946 Roosevelt Dime Grading: How Condition Drives Value
Coins are graded on the Sheldon scale from 1 (barely identifiable) to 70 (perfect). For 1946 Roosevelt Dimes, condition matters most in the Mint State (MS) range, where premiums accumulate rapidly.
| Grade Range | What to Look For | Typical Value (No Variety) |
|---|---|---|
| AG–G (1–6) | Heavy wear, design barely visible | ~$7.80 (melt) |
| VG–VF (8–30) | Moderate wear, main features clear | ~$7.80 (melt) |
| EF–AU (40–58) | Light wear, luster traces remain | $8–$12 |
| MS63–MS65 | No wear, some marks or blemishes | $12–$35 |
| MS66–MS67 | Exceptional luster, minimal marks | $35–$60+ |
Normal torch bands (left, bridged) vs. Full Bands (right, fully separated) on the 1946 Roosevelt Dime reverse.
💡 The Full Bands (FB) Premium
On the reverse torch, two horizontal bands bind the torch. If both upper and lower pairs are fully separated with no bridging metal, the coin qualifies for a Full Bands (FB) designation. An MS67 1946-S might sell for ~$60; the same coin as MS67FB can command a significant premium because it represents a fresh, sharp die strike. Always examine the torch bands when evaluating any Mint State 1946 dime—the FB designation is a value multiplier, especially when combined with a variety.
1946 Roosevelt Dime Authentication: When to Get It Certified
Third-Party Grading (TPG) services—primarily PCGS and NGC—authenticate coins, assign a grade, and seal them in a tamper-evident plastic holder (slab). Certified coins command significantly higher prices than raw (ungraded) examples. But certification costs money, so not every coin is worth submitting.
Submit If:
- The coin is a verified FS-101, FS-501, or FS-502 variety.
- The coin is Mint State (lustrous, no wear) with potential Full Bands.
- The potential value exceeds $150.
- You have a major mint error (e.g., 40%+ off-center strike or major clipped planchet) that requires authentication to sell at a premium.
Do NOT Submit If:
- The coin is circulated (worn, dull gray surface).
- The error is minor (small die chip, RPM-003 or later).
- You only see Machine Doubling (flat shelf-like effect).
- The potential value is under $80—submission fees of $40–$60 plus shipping make this a net financial loss.
⚠️ Do Not Clean the Coin
Cleaning a coin—even with water—causes microscopic scratches that permanently damage surfaces and result in a "Cleaned" designation from TPGs, reducing value by 50–80%. Store in a flip or 2x2 holder and handle by the edges only.
For local dealer information and coin show listings where you can get in-person opinions before submission, check your regional coin club or the ANA (American Numismatic Association) dealer directory.
1946 Roosevelt Dime Error FAQ
My 1946 dime has no mintmark. Is that a rare error?
No. The Philadelphia Mint intentionally struck all 1946 Philadelphia dimes without a mintmark—this was standard practice. With 255 million minted, a 1946 dime with no mintmark is the most common variety. "No S" errors only exist for proof coins struck decades later. Your no-mintmark 1946 dime is worth its silver melt value (~$7.80) unless it shows a verified variety like the FS-101 DDO.
How can I tell if I have a genuine Repunched Mintmark versus die erosion?
A genuine RPM shows a distinct secondary S or D at the same raised relief as the primary punch—you can see clear separation lines between the two images. Die erosion creates a mushy, swollen appearance with no distinct secondary image. Use 10x–20x magnification and compare directly to plate photos on VarietyVista. If you cannot clearly see two separate S shapes, it is likely erosion.
What is the difference between a Doubled Die and Machine Doubling?
A Doubled Die (valuable): the die itself has two impressions from the hubbing process. Every coin struck by that die shows identical doubling. Letters appear wider with split serifs and notched corners. The secondary image is rounded and raised. A Machine Doubling (no value): the press bounced or slid during striking. Letters appear narrower with a flat, shelf-like step on one side. The NGC article Double Dies vs. Machine Doubling is the definitive beginner resource.
What does "Full Bands" (FB) mean and does it affect value?
"Full Bands" refers to the horizontal bands wrapping the torch on the reverse. When both upper and lower band pairs are fully separated with no bridging metal, the coin earns an FB designation from PCGS or NGC. It indicates the coin was struck with a fresh, sharp die. A 1946-S MS67 without Full Bands might sell for ~$60; the same coin with Full Bands (MS67FB) can command a significantly higher premium. When combined with a variety like the FS-502 RPM, Full Bands is a powerful value multiplier.
Should I clean my 1946 Roosevelt Dime before selling?
Never clean a coin. Even gentle cleaning with water and a cloth causes microscopic scratches that permanently damage the coin's surface. PCGS and NGC grade cleaned coins as "improperly cleaned", which reduces their value by 50–80% compared to an uncleaned example of the same grade. Handle coins only by their edges, and store in a non-PVC holder.
Why does the 1946-S have more RPM varieties than the Philadelphia issue?
In 1946, mintmarks were hand-punched into working dies at Philadelphia before those dies were shipped to branch mints. San Francisco had the lowest mintage of the three mints (27.9 million vs. 255 million for Philadelphia), so each die had to work harder. The compressed production schedule and manual punching process increased the chance of a second or third punch landing in a slightly different position—creating the rich RPM variety population the 1946-S is known for. Philadelphia coins required no mintmark punch at all, eliminating that error category entirely.
Can I have a copper 1946 Roosevelt Dime?
Extremely unlikely. No genuine copper transitional errors for 1946 dimes are verified by major TPGs. The 1946 Roosevelt Dime was struck exclusively in 90% silver/10% copper. A reddish or dark coin is almost certainly environmental damage (toning or corrosion) on a silver coin, or a misidentified post-1964 clad dime. Always check weight (must be 2.50 grams) and magnetism (silver is non-magnetic) first.
1946 Roosevelt Dime Research Methodology & Sources
Values and diagnostics in this guide are drawn exclusively from the following primary sources, accessed January 2026:
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1946 Roosevelt Dime (Philadelphia)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1946-D Roosevelt Dime
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1946-S Roosevelt Dime
- PCGS Auction Prices — Roosevelt Dime (1946 to Date)
- VarietyVista — 1946-S RPM Listings
- NGC VarietyPlus — Roosevelt Dimes (1946–Date)
- NGC Educational — Double Dies vs. Machine Doubling
- GreatCollections — 1946 DDO FS-101 Auction Archive
Silver melt calculations based on ~$108/oz spot price as of January 2026. Melt value fluctuates daily. Generic mint error values (broadstrikes, off-centers) are estimated from the broader Silver Roosevelt Dime error market due to limited 1946-specific auction data.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
