The 2016-S Roosevelt Dime with the PCGS “Birth Set” label is a prime example of how provenance and perfect condition can make a modern coin special. Here’s a detailed look at this specific piece.
The History of the 2016 United States Mint Birth Set
The U.S. Mint began offering “Birth Sets” in 2012 as a unique and memorable way to celebrate a child’s birth year. The 2016 set was no exception, containing five proof coins from that year: the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, a quarter from the “America the Beautiful” series, and the Kennedy Half-Dollar. All coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint, as indicated by the “S” mint mark. These sets were packaged in a commemorative folder with spaces for a baby photo and personalized information, making them a thoughtful and lasting gift. The “Birth Set” label on the PCGS slab is a direct result of the coin being identified as having originated from this specific U.S. Mint product.
The 2016-S Roosevelt Dime PCGS PR70DCAM
The specific grade on this coin is a combination of certifications that define its ultimate quality:
- 2016-S Roosevelt Dime: This coin is a clad proof dime, struck at the San Francisco Mint. The mintage for the 2016-S clad proof dime (including those in various sets) was 655,171.
- PCGS: The Professional Coin Grading Service is a leading third-party service that guarantees the coin’s authenticity and provides an unbiased assessment of its condition.
- PR70: This is the highest possible grade on the 70-point Sheldon Scale. It means the coin is flawless, with no imperfections visible under 5x magnification. The PR stands for “Proof,” confirming that it was struck using the special collector’s process.
- DCAM (Deep Cameo): This is a key designation for a proof coin. It indicates a powerful, “black and white” contrast between the deeply mirrored fields (the flat surfaces) and the heavily frosted devices (the raised design elements). This effect is the result of exceptional care during the striking process.
Rarity and PCGS Population Data
The PCGS population data is the key to understanding the true rarity of this coin in a perfect state. While the mintage of over half a million coins is significant, the number certified as perfect is a very small fraction.
- Conditional Rarity: A coin like this is a “conditional rarity”—its value is not just in how many were made, but in how few survived in a perfect state. Finding a coin with a perfect grade and the “Deep Cameo” designation is a challenge, as most have minor imperfections from handling or storage over the years.
- Birth Set Label: The “Birth Set” label is a niche designation. While the overall population of 2016-S PR70DCAM dimes exists, the number with this specific provenance-based label is a smaller subset, appealing to a dedicated group of collectors.
Value and Market Summary
The value of a 2016-S Roosevelt Dime PCGS PR70DCAM with the “Birth Set” label is driven by its exceptional condition and unique origin.
- Current Market Value: Recent sales and price guides for a 2016-S Roosevelt Dime in this condition, with or without the “Birth Set” label, typically fall in the range of $13 to $40. The specific “Birth Set” designation may add a slight premium for collectors who specialize in these types of commemorative sets.
- Auction Records: A standard 2016-S clad PR70DCAM dime has an auction record of $128 (from 2023), showing the potential for higher prices under certain market conditions. It’s important to remember that prices can fluctuate based on the market and the specific eye appeal of the coin.
