A 90% silver dime contains 0.0715 troy ounces of silver. Any US dime dated 1964 or earlier is 90% silver — including Roosevelt dimes and Mercury dimes. Its melt value updates in real time based on the current silver spot price — use the calculator below.
Melt value only. Collector premiums and dealer spreads not included. Based on 0.0715 troy oz silver per coin (standard circulated weight).
Coin Specifications
90% Silver Dime Value Specs
Composition
90% silver, 10% copper
Gross Weight
2.50g
Silver Content
0.0715 troy oz
Face Value
$0.10
Mint Years
1892-1964
Mint Marks
Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S)
Diameter
17.9mm
Designer
Various (Barber 1892, Weinman Mercury 1916, Sinnock Roosevelt 1946)
Background
Why Stackers Track This Coin
US dimes were struck in 90% silver from 1892 through 1964. Three designs cover this era: the Barber Dime (1892-1916), the Mercury Dime (1916-1945), and the Roosevelt Dime (1946-1964). All contain identical silver content at 0.0715 oz per coin. The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from dimes entirely — a 1965 Roosevelt Dime contains no silver. For stackers, silver dimes are the smallest practical unit of constitutional silver. Ten dimes equal $1 face value containing 0.715 oz of silver. They are ideal for fractional stacking, small transactions, and barter scenarios where half dollars or quarters are too large. Roosevelt Dimes and Mercury Dimes are the most common and widely traded, with Mercury Dimes carrying a slight collector premium due to their iconic winged Liberty design.
Compare
90% Silver Dime Value vs Similar Coins
All 90% silver dimes contain 0.0715 oz of silver regardless of design. Ten dimes equal $1 face value — the smallest practical unit of the constitutional silver system.
Coin
Composition
Silver (oz)
Melt Value
Notes
90% Silver Dime Valuethis coin
90% silver, 10% copper
0.0715 oz
—
—
90% Silver Quarter (pre-1965)
90%
0.17875 oz
—
2.5x the silver of a dime
90% Silver Half Dollar (pre-1965)
90%
0.3575 oz
—
5x the silver of a dime
War Nickel (1942-1945)
35%
0.05626 oz
—
Less silver, different alloy
Clad Dime (1965+)
0%
0 oz
—
No silver — worth face value only
Common Questions
90% Silver Dime Value FAQ
How much silver is in a 90% silver dime?
A 90% silver dime contains 0.0715 troy ounces of silver. It is struck in 90% silver and 10% copper with a gross weight of 2.50 grams. Ten dimes equal $1 face value, containing 0.715 troy ounces of silver — the standard constitutional silver multiplier. This applies equally to Roosevelt Dimes, Mercury Dimes, and Barber Dimes.
What years are US dimes silver?
US dimes dated 1964 and earlier are 90% silver. This includes Roosevelt Dimes (1946-1964), Mercury Dimes (1916-1945), and Barber Dimes (1892-1916). Dimes dated 1965 and later contain no silver. The easiest check: look at the edge. A silver dime has a solid silver edge. A clad dime shows a visible copper stripe on the edge.
What is the difference between a Mercury Dime and a Roosevelt Dime?
Both contain identical silver content at 0.0715 troy ounces. The Mercury Dime (1916-1945) features a winged Liberty Head design often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, hence the name. The Roosevelt Dime (1946-1964) features President Franklin D. Roosevelt, introduced the year after his death. For stacking purposes they are interchangeable — same silver, same melt value. Mercury Dimes typically carry a small collector premium.
Are silver dimes a good stacking coin?
Yes, especially for fractional stacking. Silver dimes are the smallest standard unit of constitutional silver, making them ideal for small transactions and barter scenarios. They typically carry the lowest premiums of any 90% silver coin — Roosevelt Dimes in particular are among the cheapest ways to buy constitutional silver per ounce.
How much is a 90% silver dime worth today?
The melt value of a 90% silver dime changes with the silver spot price. At $30 silver a dime is worth approximately $2.15. At $40 silver approximately $2.86. At $80 silver approximately $5.72. Use the live calculator above for the current melt value based on today's spot price.
If you're tracking multiple coins, MyOunces automatically calculates your total melt value across gold, silver, platinum, and palladium with live spot prices.