Before diving into specialist error varieties and market values, collect high-grade 2006 Roosevelt dimes to anchor your set. Identify the designer, mints, production figures and core features, then explore proof issues, notable rarities and error strikes. This guide delivers a complete, collector-focused overview of the 2006 dime series.
Key Takeaways
- Designer: John R. Sinnock’s portrait of FDR on the obverse, and his torch–olive–oak reverse – in use since 1946.
- Issued at Philadelphia (P), Denver (D) and Proof at San Francisco (S); total mintage exceeds 2.8 billion coins.
- Not a “key date” issue – all mintmarks are common in circulated grades; high-grade examples command modest premiums.
- Proof 2006-S PF-69 Ultra Cameo and PF-70 Ultra Cameo examples are the most sought-after, commanding $75–150+ at auction.
- Principal error types: off-center strikes, collar clashes, die chips and strike-throughs; dramatic errors can reach $200–800.
- Table of values by mint and grade shows raw dimes in MS-63 start around $3–5, rising to $20–40 in MS-68; proofs at $25–125.
- Intrinsic (“melt”) value is only a few cents, but numismatic grades and errors drive collector demand.
1. Designer and Historical Context
Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock designed both faces of the Roosevelt dime. His initials “JRS” appear beneath FDR’s neck on the obverse. Struck first in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s legacy—particularly his work on polio research—the design remains largely unchanged. Sinnock also created the reverse’s torch (liberty), olive branch (peace) and oak branch (strength).
2. Obverse & Reverse Designs
- Obverse: Left-facing bust of FDR, legend “LIBERTY,” motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” date at right.
- Reverse: Central torch flanked by olive branch (left) and oak branch (right), “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ONE DIME.”
3. Mints & Mintage Figures
Produced at three facilities in 2006:
| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | P (no mark) | 1,817,620,000 |
| Denver | D | 1,030,750,000 |
| San Francisco (Proof) | S | 9,409,816 |
This issue is not considered a key date; common in circulation and roll-hunt lots. Collectors focus on high-grade and error varieties for value.
4. Special Proof Issue – 2006-S Silver Proof
2006-S Proof dimes are struck on a special, cameo-finished planchet. Graded PF-69 Ultra Cameo or PF-70 Ultra Cameo, they command the highest premiums in the series.
- PF-69 UCAM: $75–100
- PF-70 UCAM: $100–150+
Notable auction result: Heritage Auction sale of PF-69 UCAM at $145.
5. Notable Regular-Issue Rarities
While standard business strikes are plentiful, exceptionally high grades are scarce:
| Mint | Raw MS-63 | Raw MS-65 | Raw MS-68 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $3–5 | $5–10 | $20–30 |
| Denver | $5–7 | $7–12 | $25–40 |
| San Francisco (Proof) | — | $25–40 (PF-65) | $75–125 (PF-69 UCAM) |
Certified examples in grades MS-67+ or PF-70 are prized by registry competitors.
6. Notable Error Varieties
2006 Roosevelt dimes exhibit a variety of mint-state errors. Dramatic examples can exceed $200–800 at auction.
| Error Type | Description | Mint Mark(s) | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Center Strike | Design misaligned 5–30%; dramatic40%+ strikes most desirable. | P, D | $50–300 |
| Collar Clash | Die contacts collar; reeds impressed into rim. | D | $75–200 |
| Die Chip | Small broken die piece leaves raised blob. | P, D | $50–225 |
| Strike-Through | Foreign debris (grease, fiber) blurs design. | P | $75–300 |
Top error sale: 2006-P MS64 off-center (approx. 30%) at Heritage, $730; strike-through MS64 at $810.
7. Most Valuable Auction Record
The highest reported sale for a 2006 dime is a 2006-P MS64 strike-through error realized at $810 (Heritage Auctions, 2022).
8. Intrinsic (“Melt”) Value
Composed of outer layers 75% copper/25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core, a 2006 dime’s melt value is ≈$0.07 (face value × metal price factor). Numismatic condition and errors drive true value.