A 1989-D MS68 Full Bands dime sold for $5,280 at auction in March 2020 — yet most 1989 dimes in your pocket are worth exactly 10 cents. The difference comes down to three things: mint mark, condition, and whether the torch bands on the reverse are fully separated. This free guide tells you which side of that gap your coin lands on.
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The Full Bands (FB) designation is the biggest value driver on a 1989 dime — adding $4,000+ in value at the MS68 level. Use this checker to see if yours might qualify.
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The 1989 Roosevelt dime holds a historically significant place in U.S. error coin collecting. It was among the final years when mint marks were hand-punched individually into working dies — meaning repunched mint mark errors were still possible. Combined with standard planchet and die errors, these five varieties represent the most sought-after anomalies among modern clad dimes from this year.
The 1989 Roosevelt dime is composed of a pure copper core bonded between two outer layers of 75% copper / 25% nickel — a composition used for clad coinage since 1965. A missing clad layer error occurs when one or both of those outer nickel-rich layers fails to bond to the copper core during the rolling and annealing process at the strip mill. The defective planchet then passes through normal striking operations, resulting in a struck coin with an exposed copper surface.
On a coin with a single missing clad layer, one face appears the warm copper-red color of bare copper while the opposite face retains its normal silver-gray nickel appearance. If both layers are absent, both sides show copper. The error is impossible to fake convincingly — genuine examples show normal coin-press edge reeding and proper coin thickness, whereas any artificially stripped coin would show edge damage and altered dimensions.
Collectors prize these errors for their visual drama and production story. Values range from $20 for small partial-layer issues to over $100 for dramatic full-face examples with strong copper color. Missing clad layer dimes are among the most readily identifiable errors visible to the naked eye, making them popular entry-level error coins for new collectors.
An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is not properly centered between the obverse and reverse dies at the moment of striking. The hammer die descends onto the shifted blank, impressing the design only onto the portion of metal that sits within the die collar. The result is a coin that displays the design on one section while the remainder shows a flat, unstruck surface with no reeding on that portion of the edge.
The percentage of misalignment directly determines collector value. Minor off-center strikes of 5–10% produce modest premiums of $15–$30. Strikes in the 30–50% range, where the misalignment is dramatic and unambiguous, command $50–$100. The most spectacular examples — struck off-center by 70% or more — have sold for approximately $150 when the date remains legible despite the extreme displacement. A 1989-P dime struck off-center at roughly 70% sold at Heritage Auctions for approximately $150 in mid-2024.
Date visibility is the critical value driver: an off-center coin without a readable year is significantly less desirable than one where "1989" is fully visible near the edge of the struck portion. The mint mark is secondary but also adds authenticity value to certified examples. At extreme off-center percentages, the coin's shape becomes noticeably irregular, which further authenticates the error versus post-mint damage.
The 1989 Roosevelt dime holds a special, historically singular status in error coinage: it was among the final years when mint marks were hand-punched individually into each working die, rather than incorporated into the master hub. Starting in 1990, the mint mark was hubbed directly into the master die, making separately punched — and therefore repunchable — marks a thing of the past. This makes any confirmed 1989 Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) a last-of-its-kind variety among modern clad Roosevelt dimes.
An RPM error occurs when the mint mark punch was applied twice to the same working die at slightly different angles or positions, leaving two overlapping impressions of the "P" or "D" mint mark. Under 10× magnification, this appears as doubled letter edges, extra or misaligned serifs, or a faint shadow letter partially offset from the main impression. The doubling is present on every coin struck from that working die, making RPM a die variety rather than a unique piece.
Well-documented 1989 RPM varieties in circulated grades command $20–$40; high-grade uncirculated examples with strong separation between the two impressions sell for $50–$100 or more. The historical significance of these being among the last possible RPM errors on U.S. coinage adds narrative value that collectors find compelling at any grade level.
Clipped planchet errors are created during the blanking stage of coin production, before striking occurs. The coin strip is fed through a blanking press that punches out circular planchets (coin blanks). If the strip feeds improperly or hesitates, the punch may overlap a previously punched hole, cutting a curved crescent-shaped section from the edge of the new blank. The resulting planchet is missing material along one curved edge before it ever reaches the coining dies.
On a struck coin, the clip appears as a smooth, curved indentation in the edge, where the metal is simply absent. Three distinct sub-varieties exist: a straight clip (from a defect in the source strip), a curved clip (the most common, from an adjacent punch overlap), and a ragged clip (from irregular metal in the strip). The Blakesley effect — a weak or missing rim directly opposite the clip on the other side of the coin — helps confirm authenticity, as genuine clips show this characteristic whereas post-mint damage does not.
Clipped planchet 1989 dimes are moderately collectible with prices ranging $15–$30 for minor clips and $30–$60 for dramatic clips where 15–25% or more of the coin's edge is missing. The date and mint mark must remain readable to maximize value. These are considered "best kept secret" errors because many pass unnoticed in pocket change due to their subtle appearance.
A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) is a die-manufacturing error, not a striking error. It occurs when the hub — the positive die used to impress the design into working dies — strikes the working die at a slightly different angle or rotation on a second hubbing pass. The result is a working die that carries two overlapping impressions of some or all obverse design elements, shifted relative to each other. Every coin struck from that die carries the doubling, making DDO a die variety.
On the 1989 Roosevelt dime, DDO varieties are relatively uncommon compared to other Roosevelt dates. The doubling most commonly appears as a subtle thickening, shelving, or secondary shadow on the letters of "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the obverse. The effect is rarely dramatic on this date — most confirmed examples show notch-style doubling on specific letters rather than the bold separation seen on famous DDO dates like the 1955 Lincoln cent. A 5–10× loupe is required for reliable detection.
Values for confirmed 1989 DDO varieties range from $20 in lower circulated grades to approximately $100 for well-preserved uncirculated examples with clearly diagnostic doubling. The rarity classification reflects both the difficulty of finding the variety in the first place and the relatively thin market for 1989 clad dime DDOs compared to more famous error dates. Certification by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended before attempting to sell any suspected DDO example.
| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage | Strike Type | Approx. Survival Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | P | 1,298,400,000 | Business Strike | Extremely common; top-grade gems and FB specimens are the only collectibles |
| Denver | D | 896,535,597 | Business Strike | Common in circulation; ~46% of certified examples earn FB/FT — notably higher than Philadelphia |
| San Francisco | S | 3,220,194 | Proof (DCAM) | Estimated 85.5% survival (~2.75M coins); collector-held, most survive in excellent condition |
| Total | — | 2,198,155,791 | — | — |
Note: The 1989-S proof dime was struck exclusively for inclusion in the annual United States Proof Set, sold directly to collectors. None were released into general circulation.
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The table below summarizes value ranges across all mint marks and major condition tiers. For a complete step-by-step 1989 dime identification walkthrough with full grading photos and variety attribution, see this detailed in-depth 1989 Roosevelt dime reference guide. The Full Bands row is highlighted because it represents by far the largest premium driver on this coin — the difference between a $677 sale and a $5,280 sale at the same MS68 grade.
| Variety / Type | Worn (G–F) | About Unc. (AU) | Mint State (MS65–66) | Gem (MS67–68) | Proof (PR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989-P (Regular) | $0.10–$0.30 | $0.75–$1 | $3–$12 | $25–$300 | — |
| 1989-P Full Bands (FB) | $0.30–$1 | $2–$3 | $4–$55 | $150–$2,925+ | — |
| 1989-D (Regular) | $0.10–$0.30 | $0.75–$1 | $3–$10 | $25–$300 | — |
| 1989-D Full Bands (FB) | $0.30–$1 | $2–$3 | $4–$55 | $150–$5,280+ | — |
| 1989-S Proof (DCAM) | — | — | — | — | $6–$50 |
Values based on PCGS/NGC population data and Heritage auction records. Gold row = signature variety (Full Bands P); orange-red row = record-holder variety (Full Bands D, $5,280 auction record).
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Roosevelt's cheek, jaw line, and hair above the ear show flat, smooth wear. The torch on the reverse lacks any vertical line detail. Horizontal bands are partially or completely merged. Rims may be slightly worn into the lettering on heavily circulated examples. These coins are worth face value — $0.10.
Slight trace wear appears only on the highest points: the hair immediately above and behind the ear on the obverse, and the tips of the torch flame on the reverse. Three-quarters or more of original mint luster is still present. The coin looks nearly brilliant from a distance. Worth $0.75–$1.
No wear whatsoever — every part of the surface retains unbroken mint luster. The coin may have bag marks, contact marks, or minor abrasions from storage, but no friction from circulation. The torch bands may be separated (MS65) or not (MS60–63). Worth $3–$55 depending on grade and Full Bands status.
Exceptional surface preservation with minimal contact marks even under magnification. Luster is brilliant and eye-appealing. At MS68, virtually no contact marks are visible to the naked eye. At this level, Full Bands (FB) designation can push value from $300 to $5,280. These coins are rare among the billions struck.
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The right venue depends on your coin's grade and variety. An MS68 Full Bands specimen deserves a major auction house; a circulated example with a minor error sells best through direct online channels.
The best venue for MS67+ Full Bands examples and dramatic error coins. Heritage reaches thousands of specialist bidders, maximizing prices for top-grade 1989 dimes. The $5,280 record sale was achieved through a major auction house. Best for coins with potential value over $200.
Ideal for mid-grade errors (clipped planchets, off-center strikes, missing clad layers) and circulated Full Bands candidates. Check recent sold prices for 1989-D dimes on eBay using completed listing filters to set a realistic starting price before you list.
Good option for quick sales at a modest discount (expect 50–60% of retail value). Bring any significant error or high-grade coin — dealers can often spot Full Bands potential you might have missed. Useful for getting a second opinion before committing to online listing.
Collector-direct sales with no seller fees. Works well for mid-range error coins ($20–$100) where auction and eBay fees eat into profit. Requires clear photos, transparent pricing, and a seller history. Reaching experienced error coin collectors directly can yield strong prices on well-documented varieties.
Most circulated 1989 dimes are worth face value — just $0.10. Uncirculated examples in MS65 grade typically sell for $3–$7. Coins graded MS67 bring around $25–$30, and exceptional MS68 specimens without Full Bands have sold for $150–$300. The record sale of $5,280 was achieved by a 1989-D MS68 with the Full Bands designation in March 2020.
Full Bands (FB) is a special designation awarded by PCGS to Roosevelt dimes showing complete, unbroken separation of the horizontal bands on the reverse torch. NGC uses the equivalent Full Torch (FT) designation, which additionally requires clearly defined vertical lines. The FB/FT designation is the single largest value driver on a 1989 dime — a 1989-D MS68 with Full Bands sold for $5,280, while the same coin without it brought just $677.
Three mint marks were produced in 1989. Philadelphia struck 1,298,400,000 circulation dimes bearing the 'P' mint mark. Denver struck 896,535,597 circulation dimes bearing the 'D' mint mark. San Francisco produced 3,220,194 proof dimes with an 'S' mint mark, sold exclusively in collector proof sets. The mint mark appears on the obverse above the date on all 1989 Roosevelt dimes.
Circulated 1989-D dimes are worth face value. Uncirculated examples in MS65–MS66 sell for $3–$10, and MS67 examples bring around $25–$30. However, 1989-D dimes are notable for their high Full Bands rate — about 46% of certified examples earn the FB or FT designation versus a lower rate for Philadelphia issues. A 1989-D MS68 Full Bands sold for $5,280 at auction in March 2020.
The 1989-S proof dime, struck in Deep Cameo finish at San Francisco, is worth $3–$9 in PR65–PR67 grades. PR68 Deep Cameo examples bring $9–$20, and PR69 DCAM examples sell for $12–$50. Perfect PR70 DCAM specimens currently sell for around $20–$50 due to high certified populations. A PR70 DCAM example sold for $403 at Heritage Auctions in 2005 when few had been certified.
The main error types on 1989 dimes are: Missing Clad Layer (one side appears copper-red, worth $20–$100), Off-Center Strike (coin partially unstruck, worth $15–$150+ depending on percentage and date visibility), Repunched Mint Mark (doubled RPM impression under magnification, worth $20–$100+), Clipped Planchet (crescent-shaped missing edge, worth $15–$60), and Doubled Die Obverse (shelving on 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST', worth $20–$100).
The 1989 dime holds a unique place in U.S. coinage history as one of the final years when mint marks were individually hand-punched into working dies. From 1990 onward, the mint mark was incorporated directly into the master hub, making separately punched — and thus repunchable — mint marks obsolete. This makes any 1989 Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) a last-of-its-kind error variety among modern clad Roosevelt dimes.
A 1989 dime with a missing clad layer error is worth $20–$100 depending on the extent of the missing layer and the overall condition of the coin. These coins appear copper-red on one side (or both if both layers are absent) because the outer nickel layer failed to bond during production. Dramatic, full-side examples with strong color command the highest premiums among collectors.
Examine the reverse of the coin under a 10× loupe, focusing on the torch design. The torch has horizontal bands crossing it near the base. For Full Bands, both the upper and lower sets of bands must show complete, unbroken separation — no merging or bridging between them. Holding the coin under a single point light source and tilting it helps reveal band detail. Only PCGS and NGC can officially certify the FB or FT designation.
Professional grading by PCGS or NGC is worthwhile only for 1989 dimes that appear to be MS67 or higher, especially with strong Full Bands potential. Grading fees typically run $20–$40 per coin. Since MS67 FB examples sell for $35–$55 and MS68 FB examples can reach $475+, the economics only make sense at the top of the grade spectrum. Circulated or mid-Mint-State examples do not justify the grading expense.
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