A 1978 Roosevelt dime sold for $4,025 at Heritage Auctions in MS66 — yet most circulate for just 10 cents. With fewer than 100 examples certified MS66 or higher, this common date hides a striking conditional rarity. Learn what separates the valuable coins from pocket change.
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The Full Bands (FB) designation is the single biggest value-multiplier for 1978 Roosevelt dimes. Use this checker to assess whether your coin could qualify.
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The 1978 Roosevelt dime may be a common circulation coin, but specific minting errors and strike designations transform ordinary examples into genuine collectibles worth multiples of face value. Below are the five most important varieties to know — use the sidebar to jump directly to any error, or scroll through all five cards for the full picture.
The Full Bands designation is awarded by PCGS and NGC when both horizontal twin bands on the reverse torch show complete, unbroken separation across the full width of the coin. On Roosevelt dimes produced from 1965 onward, worn dies and insufficient striking pressure left most issues with incomplete or merged bands — making FB coins dramatically scarcer than their mintage totals suggest.
The 1978-P (Philadelphia, no mint mark) is one of the most notorious challenges in the clad Roosevelt dime series. PCGS notes that as of their records, no 1978-P dime has ever been confirmed with Full Bands. The heavily worn production dies used throughout this issue's enormous 663-million-coin run left virtually every example with soft, merged bands on the torch. Only one or two 1978-D Full Bands examples have been graded across both major services combined.
Collectors who locate a 1978-D with full, separated bands on the torch are holding one of the genuine conditional rarities of the modern Roosevelt dime series. The Greysheet CPG values 1978 MS FB specimens between $525 and $3,150, while 1978-D FB pieces range from $70 to $650 depending on grade. The dramatic premium over non-FB examples reflects both extreme scarcity and strong demand from registry-set collectors.
An off-center strike occurs when the planchet fails to seat properly between the upper and lower dies during the striking process, producing a coin where the design is shifted away from center. The resulting blank crescent on one side of the coin is the most visually dramatic evidence of this mechanical failure. Both the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced off-center 1978 dimes, as all mints were subject to occasional feeder-mechanism failures.
Values scale directly with the degree of misalignment and whether the date remains visible. Minor examples at 10–25% off-center typically bring $30–$60 in collector markets. Coins struck 50% or more off-center — where half the design is simply missing — command $100–$200 when the date is still readable. The most desirable examples show 60–80% misalignment with a full, visible date, as these prove the coin's identity while showing the most dramatic blank area.
Because the 1978 date is positioned low on the obverse, significantly off-center strikes can preserve the date even when the upper portion of Roosevelt's portrait is completely missing. Collectors pay a substantial premium for any off-center example that retains a legible, full date, as these are both attributable and visually spectacular. Graded and attributed examples by PCGS or NGC command the best prices at major auction venues.
A Doubled Die Obverse error results from a misalignment between hub and working die during the die-manufacturing process at the mint — not during the coin-striking itself. When the master hub stamps the working die multiple times and each impression is slightly misregistered, the die permanently records two overlapping versions of the design. Every coin struck from that die carries the same doubled image, making DDO errors true die varieties recognized by CONECA and other variety organizations.
On 1978 Roosevelt dimes, DDO varieties most commonly display doubling on the word LIBERTY, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date numerals 1978. Under a 10× loupe, genuine hub doubling shows two fully raised images with clear separation — both images stand up from the coin surface at equal height. This distinguishes true DDO varieties from mechanical doubling (also called machine doubling or shelf doubling), which produces a flat, shelf-like secondary image at field level that is not a collectible variety.
The premium for a confirmed 1978 DDO depends heavily on the degree of separation and the affected design element. Dramatic, easily visible doubling on LIBERTY or the date generates the most collector interest. Well-documented examples with clear hub-doubling characteristics — confirmed by reference to CONECA files or PCGS attribution — can reach $100–$150 in grades of MS63 or better, while lightly doubled examples in circulated condition bring more modest $25–$50 premiums over face value.
A clipped planchet error is produced when the coining press punches a blank from metal strip that has already been partially used, causing the die to overlap a previously punched hole. The result is a coin missing a section of its planchet, leaving a curved (curved clip) or straight (straight clip) indentation in the coin's edge. Double clips — where two separate sections are missing — are rarer and command higher premiums. The 1978 dimes from both Philadelphia and Denver were subject to this error during normal production-line operations.
Identifying a genuine clipped planchet involves looking for the Blakesley effect — a corresponding area of weak strike directly opposite the clip on the coin, caused by insufficient metal flow during striking. This diagnostic feature separates genuine clips from post-mint damage such as filed or cut edges. Curved clips are far more common than straight clips; double clips with two distinct missing sections are the most desirable and valuable variant.
Collector premiums for 1978 dime clipped planchet errors scale with the severity of the clip. A small 5–10% curved clip adds $15–$25 over face value, while a large 15–25% clip in an uncirculated coin can reach $50–$75. Double clips or off-metal clips (where the wrong planchet type was used) are significantly rarer and attract serious variety collectors, particularly when accompanied by PCGS or NGC certification confirming the genuine nature of the error.
The missing clad layer error is one of the most visually unmistakable and valuable errors possible on a post-1965 Roosevelt dime. It occurs when a planchet is fed into the press that was manufactured with one of its copper-nickel outer cladding layers absent or separated from the copper core. When struck, the affected face of the coin shows the orange-red copper core rather than the expected silver-colored nickel surface. This is a pre-strike manufacturing defect, entirely distinct from any post-mint alteration or chemical stripping.
On a 1978 dime missing clad layer error, the affected side shows the coin's design struck into pure copper rather than the clad alloy. The copper face appears reddish-orange and may show a slightly different surface texture than normal clad issues. On the unaffected side, the coin looks completely normal. Both one-sided (single missing layer) examples and coins where both faces show the copper core exist, though double missing-layer examples are dramatically rarer and command further premium.
The missing clad layer commands some of the highest error premiums in the 1978 Roosevelt dime series. Single-sided examples typically trade between $200 and $400 when certified by PCGS or NGC, which confirms the error as genuine rather than acid-stripped post-mint damage — a crucial distinction buyers always verify. Double missing-layer examples in any grade are genuinely rare and can exceed $600 in collector markets. Strong demand from both Roosevelt dime specialists and general error collectors supports these prices at major auction venues.
| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage | Strike Type | High Grade Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | 663,980,000 | Business Strike | Scarce MS66+; <100 known by PCGS; no FB known |
| Denver | D | 282,847,540 | Business Strike | Scarce MS67+; FB extremely rare; 1–2 known |
| San Francisco | S | 3,127,781 | Proof Only | Common in PR65–68; DCAM examples more scarce |
| Total | ~950,000,000 | All three mints combined | ||
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Use this chart to quickly gauge where your coin falls. For a full step-by-step 1978 dime identification walkthrough with photos, see the complete in-depth 1978 Roosevelt dime guide and reference. Signature variety row (Full Bands) is highlighted in gold; the highest-value error row is highlighted in red.
| Variety | Worn / Good | Circulated (VF–AU) | Uncirculated (MS60–65) | Gem (MS66+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978-P (No Mark) | $0.10 | $0.15 – $1 | $3 – $25 | $40 – $4,025 |
| 1978-P Full Bands (FB) ⭐ | None known | None known | $525+ | $1,000 – $3,150 |
| 1978-D | $0.10 | $0.15 – $1 | $3 – $25 | $43 – $1,380 |
| 1978-D Full Bands (FB) | N/A | $6 – $11 | $12 – $430 | $70 – $650 |
| 1978-S Proof (DCAM) | N/A | N/A | $3 – $15 | $15 – $604 |
| Error — Missing Clad Layer 🔴 | $200+ | $200 – $400 | $300 – $600+ | $600+ |
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Roosevelt's portrait is visible but flat. Hair detail above the ear is nearly gone. The torch on the reverse shows no vertical lines — it's smooth and featureless. Date and legends are legible but weak. The coin trades at or near face value.
Moderate to light wear on Roosevelt's cheek and the hair above the ear. The torch flame shows some detail loss at the tip, but vertical lines on the torch body remain partially visible. At AU58, only a trace of wear appears on the cheek and highest hair points — most mint luster survives.
No wear anywhere. Full, flowing mint luster when tilted under a single light. Contact marks from bag storage are expected but not excessive. The cheek, jaw line, and torch flames all show intact mint surface. Strike quality varies — many 1978-P dimes show weak torch bands.
Exceptional preservation with minimal contact marks, full blazing luster, and a sharply defined strike. At MS66+, the 1978-P becomes genuinely scarce — PCGS records fewer than 100 examples. MS67 coins are rare; only two MS68 examples are known. The auction record for this date stands at $4,025.
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Most 1978 dimes aren't worth selling individually — but if you have an MS66+ example, a Full Bands coin, or a confirmed error, these are your best venues.
Heritage is where the $4,025 record was set for a 1978-P in MS66. For any top-grade or FB-designated 1978 dime, Heritage's dedicated numismatic auctions put your coin in front of serious registry-set collectors and institutional buyers. Best for certified coins in MS66+ or any confirmed Full Bands example. Expect a seller's commission of around 5–10%.
For mid-grade uncirculated examples (MS63–MS65), error coins, and proof sets, eBay offers the widest buyer pool. Check recently sold prices for 1978 Roosevelt dimes on eBay to set realistic expectations before listing. Use "sold listings" filters and match your coin's grade and certification status to comparable sales. Certified PCGS/NGC coins consistently outperform raw coins on the platform.
A reputable local dealer can give you an immediate cash offer without shipping risk. Dealers typically pay 60–80% of retail for common uncirculated pieces but may offer closer to 90% for certified rarities they need for inventory. Call ahead to confirm they deal in modern Roosevelt dimes — smaller shops sometimes skip this area. Bring any PCGS or NGC slabs with you for immediate credibility.
The numismatic communities on Reddit are active and knowledgeable. Post high-resolution photos on r/coins for free attribution help and community valuation before you sell. r/CoinSales allows direct peer-to-peer sales with no platform fees. Best for uncertified error coins where you want community verification before sending to a grading service. Responsive community with 1978 Roosevelt dime specialists who know the Full Bands rarity.
Most circulated 1978 dimes are worth only face value — 10 cents. In uncirculated condition (MS60–MS65), expect $3 to $25. High-grade gems in MS66 or better are genuinely scarce; PCGS records fewer than 100 examples at MS66 and fewer than 50 at MS67. The all-time auction record stands at $4,025 for an MS66 example sold at Heritage Auctions in August 2006.
The Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark) produced 663,980,000 dimes in 1978, making it the more common variety. Denver (D mint mark) struck 282,847,540. Despite the lower mintage, Denver dimes often display better strike quality. The 1978-D has produced Full Bands-designated examples, while the 1978-P is considered among the toughest clad Roosevelt dimes to find with Full Bands — possibly none exist.
Full Bands (FB) refers to the complete separation of all horizontal bands on the torch of the reverse. On well-struck examples, these twin bands run fully from edge to edge with clear, unbroken separation. The 1978-P is legendary for having zero confirmed Full Bands examples due to worn dies throughout its production run. Only one or two 1978-D FB examples have been graded by major services, making FB coins extremely rare for this date.
The most valuable 1978 dime errors include significant off-center strikes (50%+ off-center with date visible can reach $100–$200+), doubled die obverse errors showing clear separation on LIBERTY or the date, and missing clad layer errors worth $200–$600. Filled mint mark varieties on the 1978-D, clipped planchet errors, and struck-through-grease pieces also carry premiums from $10 to several hundred dollars depending on severity.
The San Francisco Mint struck approximately 3,127,781 proof dimes in 1978 for collector sets only — they were never released into circulation. In standard Proof condition, these trade for $3–$10. Deep Cameo (DCAM) examples with mirror fields and frosted devices command $10–$23. A PR70 DCAM example sold at Heritage Auctions for $604. Proofs always carry a premium over face value.
Look on the obverse (front) of the coin, just above the date. A 'D' indicates Denver. No mint mark means Philadelphia. An 'S' indicates San Francisco — these 1978-S pieces are proofs only and will have mirror-like fields. Use a 5× or 10× loupe for a clear view. The mint mark is small but distinct on most examples, though Filled Mint Mark errors can make the 'D' look like a blob.
Despite a mintage of nearly 664 million, the 1978-P is one of the toughest modern Roosevelt dimes in top grades. PCGS reports fewer than 100 MS66 examples and under 50 in MS67. The dies used were heavily worn by late in the production run, reducing strike sharpness. Additionally, coins were handled roughly in bags and rolls, leaving contact marks that prevent high grades. Only two MS68 specimens are known.
The 1978 Roosevelt dime is composed of a pure copper core clad on both sides with 75% copper / 25% nickel outer layers, giving an overall composition of approximately 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. It weighs 2.27 grams, measures 17.9 mm in diameter, and has a reeded edge. The coin was designed by John R. Sinnock and has been struck on clad planchets since 1965.
Never clean a coin you intend to sell or have graded. Cleaning — even light polishing or wiping — removes original mint luster and leaves hairlines visible under magnification. Grading services like PCGS and NGC will label cleaned coins as 'Details' grades, dramatically reducing their value. A naturally toned, uncirculated 1978 dime in original condition is always worth more than one that has been cleaned.
Genuine doubled die errors show two raised images with clear separation between them — both impressions stand fully up from the coin surface. Mechanical doubling (the most common fake-out) produces a shelf-like, flat secondary image that looks smeared or washed. On a real DDO, check LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date under a 10× loupe. If the secondary image is flat and the same height as the field, it's likely mechanical doubling.
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