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The 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from $30 in circulated condition to over $2,000 for high-grade specimens. This modern rarity is a favorite among collectors because it represents a unique mistake by the U.S. Mint, making it one of the few “error” coins that can be found in spare change today.
| Condition | Average Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average) | $30 – $50 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $75 – $150 |
| Mint State (MS63-MS65) | $250 – $600 |
| Gem Mint State (MS67+) | $1,000 – $2,000+ |
History of the 1982 Roosevelt Dime Without a Mintmark
The 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime is a fascinating piece of numismatic history that stems from a simple human error. In 1980, the United States Mint changed its policy and mandated that all business-strike coins minted in Philadelphia must bear a “P” mintmark. Before this change, Philadelphia coins typically lacked a mark. However, in 1982, a few dies were sent to the Philadelphia Mint without the proper “P” designation.
If you think you’ve found one of these rare errors, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the details of your find before you take it to a dealer. Experts estimate that approximately 8,000 to 15,000 of these “No P” dimes were released into circulation, specifically in the Sandusky, Ohio, area, though they have since traveled across the entire country.
Because the error was not caught immediately, many of these dimes entered general circulation. This means that everyday Americans have a legitimate chance of finding one in a coin jar or pocket change. Unlike many rare coins that require deep pockets to purchase, the 1982 No Mintmark dime is a “treasure in the wild” that has kept hobbyists searching for decades. If you are unsure about a coin’s authenticity, the CoinKnow app provides high-resolution comparisons to help you spot the difference between a common dime and a valuable error.
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Identifying the Rare 1982 No Mintmark Error
To identify this coin, you must look at the space just above the date on the obverse (front) of the dime. On a standard 1982 dime from Philadelphia, you should see a small “P.” On a dime from Denver, you will see a “D.” If the area above the date is completely blank and smooth, you may have found the 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime.
It is important to distinguish this from the 1982-S Proof dimes. Proof coins are made for collectors and have a mirror-like finish. While there are “No S” proof dimes from other years (like 1968, 1970, and 1975), the 1982 No Mintmark error specifically refers to the business-strike coins intended for everyday use.
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When evaluating your coin, check the strike quality. Because these were business strikes, they won’t have the shiny, reflective surfaces of proof coins. Using the CoinKnow mobile application can assist you in identifying the strike type and determining whether your coin is a genuine Mint error or simply an aged Philadelphia coin with a worn-down mark. Genuine errors are quite distinct once you know what to look for.
Grading and Value Factors for the 1982 “No P” Dime
The value of your 1982 No Mintmark dime is heavily dependent on its condition, also known as its “grade.” These grades range from “Good” (heavily worn) to “Mint State” (looks like it just came from the mint). Because most of these coins were found in circulation, finding one in high-grade Mint State condition is extremely difficult and commands a massive premium.
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Collectors often look for the “Full Bands” (FB) or “Full Torch” designation on the reverse of the dime. This refers to the horizontal bands on the torch being fully separated and visible. You can find detailed 1982 Roosevelt Dime auction results and price trends that show how a higher grade or a Full Bands designation can double or triple the price.
| Numerical Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| VF20 – EF40 | Very Fine / Extremely Fine (Worn) | $35 – $65 |
| AU50 – AU58 | About Uncirculated (Slight wear) | $80 – $175 |
| MS60 – MS64 | Mint State (Uncirculated) | $200 – $450 |
| MS65 – MS66 | Gem Mint State | $500 – $900 |
| MS67 – MS68 | Superb Gem (Flawless) | $1,500+ |
Comparing Regular 1982 Dimes vs. the No Mintmark Error
It is vital to understand that regular 1982 dimes minted in Philadelphia (with the “P”) and Denver (with the “D”) are mostly worth only their face value of ten cents if they are worn. While uncirculated versions of these regular coins might sell for a few dollars to collectors, they do not carry the same prestige as the “No P” error.
For many people, getting the latest appraisals for 1982 Roosevelt Dimes is the best way to keep track of these price fluctuations. The market for error coins can be volatile, but the 1982 No Mintmark has remained a blue-chip error for over forty years.
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If you find a 1982 dime with a “D,” it is a common coin. If you find one with a “P,” it is also common. The value is strictly in the absence of the “P.” Occasionally, people mistake a 1982 dime where the mintmark has been scratched off or filled with grease for the rare error. These are considered “damaged” rather than errors and hold no extra value. Using CoinKnow to zoom in on the mintmark area can help you determine if the surface is naturally smooth from the factory or has been tampered with.
Why Is This Dime So Valuable to Collectors?
Numismatists love “missing” elements. The 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime is the only business-strike U.S. coin in history intended to have a mintmark that was accidentally released without one. While there are proof coins with missing marks, those were struck in much smaller quantities and never intended for pocket change.
The story behind this coin adds to its allure. Most were discovered when a local theater in Ohio gave them out as change for movie tickets. The “Strong” and “Weak” strike varieties further complicate the market. Collectors generally prefer the “Strong” strike, where the details of Roosevelt’s hair and the reverse torch are sharp.
| Variety Type | Description | Premium Value |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Strike | Sharp details, clearly missing ‘P’ | Highest Value |
| Weak Strike | Faint details due to die wear | Lower Premium |
| Full Bands (FB) | Complete separation on torch lines | Significant Bonus |
How to Sell and Protect Your 1982 No Mintmark Dime
If you are lucky enough to find this coin, do not clean it! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a cloth can drastically reduce its value by scratching the surface. Instead, place it in a protective PVC-free plastic flip or a coin capsule.
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Selling a coin of this value should be done through reputable channels. For coins valued over $100, getting them certified by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC is often worth the investment. A certified grade guarantees the coin’s authenticity and grade, making it much easier to sell for a high price on platforms like eBay or at professional auction houses.
Many casual collectors start by listing their finds on community forums or using apps to get a baseline price. However, ensure you have clear, focused photos of both the front and back. Buyers will specifically want to see the area above the date to verify that the “P” was never there to begin with.
FAQ
Q: Is every 1982 dime without an ‘S’ a rare coin?
A: No. The rare error is a “business strike” dime (made for circulation) that is missing the “P” mintmark. “No S” proof dimes are different and extremely rare, usually found in specific proof sets from other years.
Q: How many 1982 No Mintmark dimes were made?
A: There is no official mint record for errors, but experts estimate between 8,000 and 15,000 were released. This is a tiny number compared to the hundreds of millions of regular dimes struck that year.
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Q: Where can I find this coin?
A: While most were found in Ohio in the early 1980s, they have circulated nationwide. You can still find them in rolls of dimes from the bank, in change jars, or even in your own wallet.
Q: How can I tell if a mintmark was removed?
A: Look at the surface under a magnifying glass. If the metal looks scratched, uneven, or discolored where the “P” should be, it was likely removed manually. A genuine error will have a smooth, consistent surface texture identical to the rest of the coin.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1982 No Mintmark dime?
A: In high grades like MS68 with Full Bands, these coins have sold for over $2,000 at major auctions. Most average uncirculated examples sell for around $200 to $300.