It’s Finally Dime Time: My Dive into Roosevelt Dime Collecting

After years of focusing on nickels, with my album nearly complete, I’ve turned my attention to Roosevelt dimes. There’s something special about this underappreciated series—since fewer collectors chase them, it feels like the perfect moment for fresh discoveries. I’ve wanted to shout “it’s dime time!” forever, so here’s why I think now’s the right time to start that album.

Why Roosevelt Dimes Are Worth Your Time

Roosevelt dimes strike a nice balance between being easy to find and offering real challenges. While Jefferson nickels get called the simplest series to build from change, I actually prefer Roosevelts for their silver heritage and modern rarities. Patience is key though—silver hoarders have pulled so many pre-1965 coins from circulation, but that just makes finding them more exciting.

Dimes You Should Definitely Hold Onto

When I’m coin roll hunting or checking my change, these are what I look for first:

• Non-Roosevelt dimes: Any dime that’s not a Roosevelt, like Mercury or Barber issues, is an instant keeper—they’re scarce and bring variety to your collection.
• Silver dimes (1946-1964): Must-saves for their silver content and history; I hold every one I find for possible grading or trades.
• 1996-W: This rare NIFC (Not Intended for Circulation) is a true prize—I was lucky to find one raw for my type set and suggest getting it graded by NGC to protect its value.
• 2009-P & 2009-D: Low mintage modern sleepers worth setting aside; I’ve watched their values creep up over time.
• 2024-P & 2024-D: They’re fresh and have low mintages, so I’ve been scooping them up from recent change.
• Proofs and errors: Modern Roosevelts are known for die chips, cracks, and cuds. While not hugely valuable, they’re fun to discover and give your album personality.

Grading and Finding Errors

I sent my 1996-W to NGC for grading, and I think it’s worth doing for key dates to protect condition and value. When it comes to errors, I always check new finds with a magnifier—keep an eye out for overworked dies on newer coins; they often show small but interesting flaws. It’s a fun way to add some extra excitement without spending a lot.

The Real Challenge: Finishing Your Set

Putting together a full set of Roosevelt dimes from circulation is harder than you might think because of all the silver hoarding, but I love the satisfaction of the chase. I finished an uncirculated silver set years back and now I’m working on adding modern coins. Compared to series like Buffalo or V nickels, it’s more doable but still quite a challenge—using an album helps me stay organized and focused.

My Own Dime Hunting Stories

Lately, I’ve been really getting into dime hunting, and I’m planning to do even more next year. Finding those 2024 dimes was a real thrill, and hunting for errors adds another layer of fun. It’s the thrill of the hunt that I love—whether it’s a rare find or just filling an empty spot in my album, every coin adds to my excitement.

So if you’re considering a new collecting focus, try Roosevelt dimes. With a sharp eye and a little luck, you might find yourself saying “it’s dime time” too.