The very first year that the Roosevelt Dime was produced with no silver, this 1965 piece is rather historic to the American numismatic field due to it having one of the most unique and valuable mistakes for error coins made during their period of mintage.
Some collectors are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for a specific issue of these error coins. In this article, we’ll look at the top five 1965 dimes with flaws that are now worth a lot of money, explaining why the errors arose and how much these uncommon coins are worth today.
1. 1965 Silver Transitional Error Dime
- Estimated Value: $5,000 to $9,000+
- The 1965 Silver Transitional Error Dime is likely the most valuable of the 1965 dimes. The United States Mint changed the composition of dimes from 90% silver to copper-nickel clad in 1965, however a limited number of 1965 dimes were inadvertently struck using residual silver planchets from 1964.These silver transitional mistake dimes are extremely rare and valuable, often selling for thousands of dollars at auction.
- How to Identify: The secret to finding this error is its weight. A typical 1965 copper-nickel dime weighs approximately 2.27 grams, while a silver dime weighs 2.50 grams. If you suspect you own one of these uncommon mistake coins, have it weighed and certified by an expert.
2. 1965 Clad Layer Missing Error
- Estimated Value: $500 to $1,500+
- Another mistake noticed on 1965 dimes is a missing clad layer. A typical 1965 dime is composed of an exterior layer of copper-nickel and an inner core of pure copper. But in mistake coins, one clad layer is missing, and the inner copper core is exposed. These do look a little like copper on the obverse side, which adds a lot to its value as it is scarce.
- Identification: The two sides of the dime turn copper-colored, and the other side turns silverish. The missing clad layer error in this coin will most likely pump up the value, depending upon the level and quality of the error.
3. 1965 Double Die Obverse Error Dime
- Estimated Value: $300 to $2,000+
- A double die obverse error is when the die is imprinted twice onto the coin, rather than offset, so that the design features appear double. That inaccuracy can manifest on the obverse of the 1965 dime, particularly concerning the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Doubling is impressive, and these coins are a nice addition to any collection.
- How to Identify: Carefully examine the head side of the dime for lettering, especially around the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” If letters appear doubled or fuzzy, you may have valuable 1965 double die dime.
4. 1965 Off-Center Strike Error Dime
- Estimated Value: $200 to $1,500+
- Off-center strike mistakes happen when the blank coin planchet is not properly aligned with the die during the striking procedure. This results in a coin with some of the design missing or off-center. The severity of the off-center striking varies, but the more the inaccuracy, the more valuable the coin. Some 1965 off-center dimes have significant sections of the design missing, making them exceedingly valuable.
- Look for a dime with an off-center design, missing or misaligned images or writing. These off-center strike faults are quite noticeable and may sell for a premium if most of the design is missing.
5. 1965 Broad strike Error Dime
- Estimated Value: $100 to $500+
- Main Characteristic: Wide strikes. When a coin misses the retaining collar, that curved section most likely to show, this results in wide strikes. Instead, the coin tends to expand outward and presents itself with a diameter larger than that of any normal coin that tends to have smooth edges. Broad strike errors are very rare hence quite valuable, especially when appearing on dimes, such as in years like 1965.
- How to Identify: Look for a 1965 dime having a greater diameter and having edges which are smooth and reeded. This means that there will be an error with the diameter that increases the value of this coin, particularly if it’s in pristine mint condition.
Top 1965 Dime Errors and Their Values
| Error Type | Estimated Value | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 Silver Transitional Error | $5,000 – $9,000+ | Struck on a leftover silver planchet |
| 1965 Clad Layer Missing | $500 – $1,500+ | Missing clad layer, exposing copper core |
| 1965 Double Die Obverse | $300 – $2,000+ | Doubling in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” |
| 1965 Off-Center Strike | $200 – $1,500+ | Part of the design is missing due to misalignment |
| 1965 Broadstrike Error | $100 – $500+ | Larger than normal diameter with smooth edges |
Conclusion
The 1965 Roosevelt dime is more than just your run-of-the-mill coin-they’re actually part of numismatic history and full of valuable mistakes. Whether it’s the silver transitional error, double die obverse, or missing clad layer, these error coins are worth keeping an eye out for. And if you do find one, it could be worth several thousand dollars!
FAQs:
What makes the 1965 Roosevelt Dime with errors so valuable?
They are rare due to unique minting errors, making them highly collectible.
How can I identify a 1965 Silver Transitional Error Dime?
Check if the dime weighs 2.50 grams, indicating it was struck on a leftover silver planchet.
What is the missing clad layer error in 1965 dimes?
It’s when one of the coin’s clad layers is missing, revealing the inner copper core.