2014-S 10c Roosevelt Dime, Birth Set PCGS PR70DCAM

The 2014-S Roosevelt Dime with the PCGS “Birth Set” label is a fascinating piece of modern numismatics, and understanding its history and context adds to its appeal. This is not just a perfect coin; it’s a coin with a story about its origin.

A Brief History of U.S. Proof Coinage

The tradition of producing special, high-quality proof coins for collectors dates back to the early days of the U.S. Mint. Proof coins are struck using specially prepared planchets and dies to create a sharp, detailed image with mirrored fields and frosted devices. In 1968, the San Francisco Mint (“S” mint mark) became the primary facility for proof coin production. Over the years, the U.S. Mint has packaged these coins in various sets, from the standard annual Proof Set to specialized commemorative sets.

The 2014 United States Mint Birth Set

In 2012, the U.S. Mint introduced a product aimed at a new market: “birth year” gifts. The United States Mint Birth Set, offered for a given year, contained a specific selection of proof coins from that year’s production. For 2014, the set included five proof coins, all bearing the “S” mint mark: the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, a quarter from the “America the Beautiful” series, and the Kennedy Half-Dollar. The coins were packaged in a special folder with spaces to record the child’s birth date, time, weight, and to hold a photograph. This made the set a perfect gift to commemorate a newborn’s arrival.

The Significance of the PCGS “Birth Set” Designation

When a collector submits a coin from one of these sets to a grading service, PCGS may recognize the packaging and provenance. The “Birth Set” label on the PCGS slab is a direct indication that the coin originated from one of these commemorative sets. This is important for collectors who are interested in the specific history of a coin, not just its grade. It provides a definitive link to a U.S. Mint product that was created for a specific purpose.

The 2014-S Roosevelt Dime PCGS PR70DCAM

Let’s break down the grade of this specific coin:

• 2014-S Roosevelt Dime: This is a clad proof dime, struck at the San Francisco Mint. The clad composition is a mix of copper and nickel, a standard for U.S. circulating and most proof coinage since 1965.
• PCGS PR70DCAM: This is a very difficult grade to achieve.
  • PCGS: The Professional Coin Grading Service’s certification is a guarantee of authenticity and an independent assessment of its condition.
  • PR70: This is a perfect grade. The coin has no imperfections visible under 5x magnification. It is flawless in every way, from its strike to its surfaces.
  • DCAM (Deep Cameo): This designation is reserved for proof coins with a dramatic and visually striking contrast between the frosty devices and the deeply mirrored fields. It’s a testament to the quality of the strike and the condition of the dies used.

Value and Rarity

The value of the 2014-S Roosevelt Dime with the “Birth Set” designation is a combination of its grade, rarity, and the added appeal of its provenance.

• Mintage and Population: The total mintage for the 2014-S clad proof dime was 760,876. While this is a high number, the PCGS population of coins certified as PR70DCAM is a small fraction of that, making the coin a conditional rarity. The number of coins with the specific “Birth Set” designation on the label is even smaller, adding a layer of niche collectibility.
• Market Value: The value of a 2014-S Roosevelt Dime PCGS PR70DCAM, with or without the “Birth Set” label, typically ranges from $13 to $40. The auction record for a standard 2014-S clad dime PR70DCAM is $51, set in 2019. The “Birth Set” label may slightly enhance its appeal to some collectors, but it does not generally add a substantial premium on its own. The primary driver of value remains the perfect PR70DCAM grade.

In summary, the 2014-S Roosevelt Dime with the “Birth Set” PCGS PR70DCAM label is more than just a coin; it’s a perfect example of a proof coin from a specific, family-oriented U.S. Mint product. Its flawless condition and unique provenance make it a special and desirable item for any collector.