Join on WhatsApp
Get the latest updates directly on WhatsApp – motivation, news & more!
Join On WhatsApp
Every day, millions of people handle coins without giving them much thought. Among these small pieces of change, some carry extraordinary value. One of the most fascinating examples is the 1982 Roosevelt Dime without a mint mark. At first glance, it looks like any other dime, but for collectors it is one of the most intriguing modern error coins.
The Story Behind the 1982 No-P Dime
To understand why this dime is special, it helps to know how U.S. coins are made. Every coin carries a mint mark showing where it was struck. Before 1980, coins from the Philadelphia Mint did not have a mark. In 1980, the Mint began adding a “P” to dimes struck in Philadelphia.
In 1982, a die was mistakenly created without the “P” mint mark. That die was used to produce thousands of coins, which then entered circulation. Experts believe around 75,000 pieces were made, but only a small number remain in high-grade condition today.
Why Collectors Value This Coin
The main reason for the dime’s value is rarity combined with demand. Unlike ancient coins that have been rare for centuries, this dime is modern and still occasionally turns up in circulation. Collectors appreciate it as a symbol of how even small minting mistakes can create lasting interest.
Typical market values include:
- Circulated examples often sell between 30 and 300 dollars depending on condition
- Uncirculated pieces can bring 500 to 1,000 dollars
- Top examples graded at the highest level may exceed 2,000 dollars
While rumors of values in the hundreds of thousands exist, no confirmed sale has reached anywhere near that figure.
How to Identify a 1982 No-P Dime
Spotting one of these rare dimes is straightforward if you know what to check:
- Confirm the date is 1982.
- Look above the date for the mint mark. A normal Philadelphia dime shows a small “P.” If the mark is missing, you may have a rare coin.
- Ensure the coin is not simply worn down. Genuine No-P dimes show no trace of the mint mark at all.
- Consider professional grading, since authenticity and condition greatly affect value.
Comparing the 1982 No-P Dime with Other Rare Errors
The No-P dime is not the only U.S. mint error to capture attention. Several other coins have also become legendary for collectors:
| Coin | Error Type | Estimated Value Range | Reason for Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime | Missing mint mark (Philadelphia) | 30 – 2,000+ | First modern dime struck without a mint mark |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime | Proof missing “S” | 350,000+ | Only two examples confirmed |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | Low mintage at Denver Mint | 1,000 – 20,000+ | Highly desired by Mercury dime collectors |
| 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent | Misaligned die strike | 1,000 – 15,000 | Distinctive doubled lettering |
| 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter | Extra leaf design | 100 – 1,500 | Popular modern state quarter error |
Compared to these rarities, the 1982 No-P dime is far more accessible, which makes it an attractive target for both beginner and experienced collectors.
Collector Discoveries Over the Years
When news of the minting mistake first broke in the 1980s, collectors rushed to banks in hopes of finding the dime. Many were discovered in circulation, and even today, examples occasionally show up in old jars or coin rolls. These discoveries highlight the thrill of coin collecting, where even ordinary change might hold hidden treasure.
The Role of Condition in Determining Value
Condition, or grade, plays the largest role in establishing value. Coins are assessed on a scale:
- Good (G to VG): Worn but readable, worth 30 to 50 dollars
- Fine (F to VF): Light detail visible, worth 75 to 150 dollars
- Very Fine (VF): Clear design, worth 200 to 300 dollars
- Mint State (MS60–MS65): Minimal wear, worth 500 to 1,000 dollars
- Gem Mint (MS66–MS68): Nearly flawless, worth 1,500 to 2,500 dollars or more
The highest sale recorded so far was over 2,000 dollars for an MS68 graded example.
Where to Buy or Sell a 1982 No-P Dime
Collectors and sellers have several avenues:
- Auction houses such as Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers regularly feature high-grade examples
- Online platforms like eBay can be used, though authenticity must be verified
- Coin shows and dealers allow face-to-face transactions and professional advice
For best results, coins should be authenticated and graded by a trusted service such as PCGS or NGC. This not only confirms the coin’s legitimacy but also boosts its resale value.
Why This Dime Matters in Numismatics
The 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime is more than just an error coin. It marks a turning point in U.S. coin production, being the first widely circulated coin without a mint mark after they became standard in 1980. Its discovery reminds collectors that even in an age of modern minting, human oversight can create treasures that capture the imagination for decades.
FAQs
Why is the 1982 No-P dime valuable?
It is valuable because it was struck without the Philadelphia mint mark, making it rare and collectible.
How many exist?
Experts estimate around 75,000 were produced, but far fewer remain in uncirculated condition.
Can I still find one in circulation?
Yes, although rare, some still turn up in coin jars or old rolls of change.
Should I have it graded?
Yes, grading by PCGS or NGC adds credibility and often increases the coin’s market value.