At first glance, a 1982 Roosevelt dime might look like any other in your pocket change. But what if one small detail — or rather, the absence of one — made it worth thousands of dollars? That’s exactly the case with the 1982 No Mint Mark Dime, one of the most famous U.S. coin errors of the modern era. While millions of dimes were minted in 1982, a rare few from the Philadelphia Mint left the facility without a mint mark, making them incredibly valuable to collectors. This tiny mistake has turned a regular 10-cent coin into a small fortune for those lucky enough to spot it.
Coin Name Explained: 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
The full name of this coin is the 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime. Here’s what makes it special:
- 1982: The year it was minted.
- Roosevelt Dime: The U.S. dime has featured President Franklin D. Roosevelt since 1946.
- No Mint Mark: Most coins made at the Philadelphia Mint in 1982 had a “P” mint mark. However, due to a mistake, a few were released without any mint mark at all.
This error happened when the minting die meant for the Philadelphia Mint didn’t get the required “P” mint mark and was still used to produce coins. As a result, a small number of dimes were struck and released into circulation with no mint mark, a detail that significantly boosted their value.
Why It’s So Valuable
The value of the 1982 No Mint Mark Dime comes from a combination of factors:
- Mint Error: A missing mint mark on a modern coin is unusual and highly collectible.
- Limited Quantity: Only a small number were ever released.
- Modern Rarity: Unlike many old coins, this is a relatively recent rarity, which appeals to both new and seasoned collectors.
- Circulation Discovery: Many were found in pocket change, making the story of their discovery even more thrilling.
One of these coins in mint condition has sold for over $1,000, and high-grade examples certified by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC have brought as much as $3,000 or more.
The 1982 No Mint Mark Dime is a perfect example of how something small — a missing mint mark — can turn an everyday coin into a valuable collector’s treasure. It’s not just about the money, either. This dime represents the thrill of the hunt for error coins, the excitement of spotting something rare, and the history behind a simple mistake at the mint. So, the next time you get change at the store, check your dimes — one of them might just be worth a small fortune.
FAQ’s:
Q1. Why does the 1982 Roosevelt Dime have no mint mark?
A: A few dies used at the Philadelphia Mint in 1982 were mistakenly left without the “P” mint mark and still used to strike dimes.
Q2. How can I tell if my 1982 dime is the rare no mint mark version?
A: Check the obverse (front) side, just above the date. If there’s no letter next to the date, you might have the rare version — especially if it’s in great condition.
Q3. How many of the 1982 no mint mark dimes exist?
A: The exact number is unknown, but experts estimate only 10,000 to 15,000 may have been released into circulation.
Q4. What is the value of a 1982 No Mint Mark Dime today?
A: In circulated condition, it may be worth $100–$300, while high-grade uncirculated coins can fetch $1,000–$3,000+.
Q5. Where can I sell a 1982 No Mint Mark Dime?
A: You can sell it through coin dealers, auctions, eBay, or certified grading services like PCGS or NGC for proper valuation.