The 1996 Roosevelt Dime with Missing Mint Mark – A Modern Rarity

Most of us don’t give a second thought to the coins in our wallets. But what if one of those ordinary dimes turned out to be extremely rare and valuable? That’s exactly the case with the 1996 Roosevelt Dime with a missing mint mark. At first glance, it looks just like any other 10-cent coin, but one small detail—or rather, the lack of it—makes it a collector’s dream. In 1996, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt Dime, the U.S. Mint issued special coins. A few of these dimes were accidentally made without a mint mark, and today, they are considered a modern error rarity. Let’s explore why this coin is so unique and what makes it valuable.

Coin Name: 1996-W Roosevelt Dime Without the “W” Mint Mark

In 1996, the United States Mint released a special version of the Roosevelt Dime to honor the coin’s 50th anniversary. These special dimes were struck at the West Point Mint, and for the first time, they featured a “W” mint mark to indicate their origin. These 1996-W dimes were not released into circulation. Instead, they were only included as a bonus coin in special uncirculated Mint Sets sold to collectors. Millions of these special sets were sold, and nearly all of the dimes included had the “W” mint mark clearly visible.

However, a few of these dimes were accidentally struck without the “W” mint mark, even though they came from the West Point Mint. This mistake turned a common collectible into a rare error coin. The exact number of missing-mint-mark dimes is unknown, but experts believe that very few exist, making them highly desirable among coin collectors.

Why the 1996 No-Mint-Mark Dime Is Valuable

The 1996 No-Mint-Mark Roosevelt Dime is considered valuable for several reasons:

• It’s an error coin – The coin was supposed to have a “W” mint mark, but it was left off due to a minting mistake.
• Limited release – These dimes were only available in special mint sets, not in regular circulation.
• Very rare – Only a handful have been discovered without the mint mark, increasing their value.
• Collector interest – Error coins from modern times are very popular with collectors.

While regular 1996-W dimes with the mint mark are worth a small premium, the no-mint-mark version can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on its condition and demand.

How to Spot the 1996 No-Mint-Mark Roosevelt Dime

If you have a 1996 Roosevelt Dime from a mint set, check carefully for the “W” mint mark. Here’s how to know if you’ve found one of the rare no-mint-mark coins:

• Location of Mint Mark: The mint mark is normally located on the front (obverse) of the coin, just above the date. For the 1996-W dime, it should be a small “W.”
• No “W” Present: If your dime from the mint set has no mint mark at all, it could be the rare error version.
• Packaging: Make sure the dime came from a sealed 1996 uncirculated mint set. This confirms it’s from the correct source.
• Authentication: If you suspect you have one of these error coins, have it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC to confirm authenticity and condition.

Table: Key Details – 1996 No-Mint-Mark Roosevelt Dime

Feature	Information
Coin Name	1996-W Roosevelt Dime (missing “W”)
Year	1996
Mint	West Point (W) – Mint mark missing
Type	Uncirculated Proof (not circulation)
Intended Mint Mark	“W”
Value Estimate	$250 to over $2,000 (if verified)
Coin Origin	Special U.S. Mint Set

The 1996 Roosevelt Dime with the missing mint mark is a perfect example of how a small mistake can turn an ordinary coin into a modern treasure. Though produced in recent decades, this dime holds incredible value because of its rarity, limited release, and collector demand. If you or your family owns old mint sets from the 1990s, especially the 1996 uncirculated set, it’s worth taking a second look. That tiny missing “W” could be the key to a valuable discovery. Always check your coins—you never know what modern-day miracle might be hiding in plain sight.

FAQ’s: