Coin values · live melt
Dime value: silver melt value and key dates
A dime is 10 cents — unless it is dated 1964 or earlier, in which case it is 90% silver and worth roughly its weight in silver, with key Mercury dimes worth far more. Every dime dated 1964 or earlier is 90% silver: 0.0723 oz, worth $3.60 in melt at the Nov 3, 2026 close.
What's it worth? Live melt calculator
Melt = pure metal content × recent spot (silver $49.78/oz). This is the bullion floor; collectible coins can be worth far more. Federal rules restrict melting only 1¢ and 5¢ coins (31 CFR Part 82; 1942–1945 silver war nickels are exempt). This estimates intrinsic value.
Melt value by series
Specs, key dates, a melt calculator and the melt history since 1968 for each series. Melt at the Nov 3, 2026 close.
What a dime’s silver has been worth since 1968
A dime held about $0.14 of silver in 1968, peaked near $7.46 in 2026, and its metal is worth $3.60 today. That is melt only; a scarce date or high grade can carry a collector premium on top.
Is your dime silver?
Silver years: 1796–1964 (Roosevelt, Mercury, Barber).
Dimes dated 1964 and earlier are 90% silver; 1965 and later are copper-nickel clad. Silver dimes have a plain silver edge with no copper stripe.
Dime composition by year
| Years | Composition | Silver content |
|---|---|---|
| 1796–1964 | 90% silver, 10% copper | 0.0723 oz |
| 1965–present | Copper-nickel clad (no silver) | — |
Which dimes are worth money
- Silver dimes (1964 & earlier): worth their melt in silver.
- Key date: the 1916-D Mercury dime is one of the most famous keys in US coinage.
- The 1942/1 Mercury dime overdate is a sought-after error.
- Barber dimes (1892–1916), especially the 1894-S, are major rarities.
Popular dimes by year
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Store prices as of 2026-11-03. Today's price is on each product page.
