1982-S Roosevelt Dime Value: Most Recent Prices and Rarities

The 1982-S Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $3 in average Proof condition to over $1,500 for elite specimens with rare characteristics. While most of these dimes are common in proof sets, a tiny handful of “No S” varieties represent a massive fortune for lucky collectors.

Condition	Estimated Value
PR65 Proof	$3.00 – $5.00
PR69 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $25.00
PR70 Perfect Proof	$150.00 – $500.00
1982 “No S” Variety	$300.00 – $1,500.00+

Understanding the 1982-S Roosevelt Dime Background

If you have found a shiny, mirror-like dime dated 1982 with an “S” mint mark, you are looking at a Proof coin produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the dimes you find in your pocket change used for daily snacks or laundry, these were specially struck for collectors. The San Francisco Mint produced 3,857,479 of these coins in 1982, meaning they aren’t exactly “rare” in the traditional sense. Most were protected in plastic cases and remain in pristine condition today.

If you are unsure whether your coin is a proof or just a very shiny business strike, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the two. Proof coins feature sharp details and a “cameo” effect, where the portrait of FDR appears frosted against a mirror-like background. The CoinKnow app is an excellent tool for beginners to quickly scan their coins and get an immediate identification of the minting process used for their specific find.

Because these were never intended for circulation, finding one in a “junk drawer” or a “coin jar” usually means someone broke open a proof set. While they are beautiful, their high mintage keeps the price relatively low for standard grades. However, as we will explore, the “No S” error from this year is a completely different story and can be a life-changing discovery for an everyday American.

Grading and Value Factors for 1982-S Dimes

The value of the 1982-S Roosevelt Dime is almost entirely dependent on its grade. In the world of numismatics, coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Since all “S” mint dimes from 1982 are proofs, they start at a high baseline. The difference between a PR67 and a PR70 (a perfect coin) can be hundreds of dollars. Most collectors look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation, which indicates a heavy contrast between the fields and the device.

To get an accurate sense of the market, you should check the current market value for 1982 Roosevelt Dimes across various grading tiers. If your coin has even a tiny scratch or a fingerprint, the value drops to the price of a common proof, usually just a few dollars. Serious collectors only pay premiums for coins that have been professionally slabbed and graded by services like PCGS or NGC.

Before spending money on professional grading, use CoinKnow to zoom in on the surfaces of your dime. Look for “milk spots” or hazy clouding on the mirror surface. These are common on 1980s proof coins and significantly lower the value. A clean, crystal-clear background is the key to reaching the higher price brackets listed in collectors’ guides.

Grade Designation	Visual Characteristics	Typical Price
Proof (PR) 65	Attractive with minor marks	$3
Proof (PR) 68	Near perfect, great luster	$12
Proof (PR) 69 DCAM	Nearly flawless contrast	$22
Proof (PR) 70 DCAM	Perfect under 5x magnification	$150+

The Famous 1982 “No S” Roosevelt Dime Error

The most exciting aspect of 1982 dimes is the “No S” error. In 1982, the San Francisco Mint accidentally released a small number of proof dimes without the “S” mint mark. This was a significant blunder, as all proof coins are supposed to carry the mark of the mint that produced them. Because the dies were sent from Philadelphia (which usually handles business strikes without mint marks at the time), someone forgot to punch the “S” onto the proof die.

Estimates suggest that only a few thousand of these “No S” dimes were ever produced. Because they were distributed within standard 1982 Proof Sets, many people owned them for years without realizing they had a rarity. You can learn more about how to spot these and other highly valuable 1982 dime errors and variations by comparing your coin to verified examples online.

If you find a 1982 dime that has the mirror-like proof finish but lacks a mint mark entirely, do not spend it! These coins routinely sell for between $300 and $1,500 depending on how well they have been preserved. Even if the coin has been handled, the rarity of the mistake ensures that it maintains a high floor price among error specialists and Roosevelt Dime enthusiasts.

How to Identify a Proof 1982-S Dime

New collectors often confuse a well-preserved business strike from Philadelphia (which has no mint mark) or Denver (which has a “D”) with a proof coin. A 1982-S dime is distinguished by the “S” located just above the date on the obverse side. But the mint mark is only one part of the equation. You must also look at the “strike” or the physical appearance of the coin’s features.

Proof coins are struck twice with specially polished dies. This results in incredibly high relief and sharp details—you can see every individual strand of Roosevelt’s hair and every leaf on the torch on the back. The background, or “field,” should look like a dark mirror. If you hold the coin up to a light, you should be able to see your reflection clearly.

If you are struggling to see these details, the CoinKnow app can help you by providing high-resolution reference images to compare against your coin. Remember, a 1982 dime without a mint mark is only valuable if it has these proof-like qualities. A regular 1982 dime with no mint mark (struck in Philadelphia for circulation) is only worth its face value of ten cents unless it is in an exceptionally high “Mint State” grade.

Feature	Business Strike (Common)	Proof Strike (Collector)
Luster	Satiny/Shiny	Mirror-like/Reflective
Edges	Slightly rounded	Sharp and “wire-like”
Mint Mark	P, D, or None	S (or rare “No S” Error)

Collecting the 1982-S: Tips for Beginners

If you’re looking to start a collection or just want to sell the 1982-S Roosevelt Dime you found, storage is your first priority. Never clean your coins! Cleaning a proof coin with a cloth—even a soft one—will create “hairlines” (tiny scratches) that significantly reduce the value to a collector. Always handle the coin by its edges to avoid getting oils from your skin on the mirror surfaces, which can cause permanent damage over time.

For those interested in long-term value, consider looking for the “Full Torch” (FT) or “Full Bands” (FB) designation. While more common on business strikes, a proof coin with exceptionally crisp horizontal bands on the torch on the reverse is highly desirable. Collectors often use these small details to distinguish between a standard coin and a top-tier specimen.

Checking your change and inherited collections can be a fun hobby that occasionally pays off. While the 1982-S is common, the thrill of the hunt for the “No S” error keeps thousands of Americans searching through their old proof sets. Keep your eyes peeled, use modern tools like CoinKnow to verify your finds, and you might just discover a small piece of numismatic history.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1982-S dime made of silver?

A: No, by 1982, the US Mint had long stopped using silver for dimes. The 1982-S Roosevelt Dime is composed of a copper-nickel clad composition (75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper core). It does not have any “melt value” beyond its face value; its worth comes purely from its collector demand.

Q: How many 1982 “No S” dimes are there?

A: While the exact number isn’t known, experts estimate that roughly 8,000 to 10,000 “No S” dimes were released before the error was caught. However, only a fraction of these have been certified, making the surviving high-grade examples quite rare and valuable.

Q: Where can I sell my 1982-S Roosevelt Dime?

A: For common 1982-S proofs (worth $3-$10), local coin shops or eBay are your best options. If you believe you have a “No S” variety or a perfect PR70 specimen, it is highly recommended to have it authenticated by a grading service like PCGS and then sold through a major auction house like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections.

Q: Why is my 1982 dime without a mint mark only worth ten cents?

A: This is the most common point of confusion. In 1982, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 500 million dimes for circulation, and none of them had a mint mark. These are “business strikes” intended for spending. Only a dime that has the “mirror finish” of a proof but lacks the “S” mint mark is the valuable error coin.