Imagine finding a 10-cent coin in your pocket that could pay off your mortgage. That’s the reality for a lucky few who’ve stumbled upon the 1982 Roosevelt dime with no mint mark — a small mistake that turned an everyday coin into one of the most sought-after modern U.S. mint errors.
This guide breaks down exactly why this dime is special, how to spot it like an expert, and how much it could really be worth in 2025’s market.
“It’s the perfect combination of rarity, modern accessibility, and dramatic value escalation,” says Michael Sherman, numismatic consultant and former PCGS grader. “You don’t need to dig through ancient coins — this one could literally show up in your change.”
A Quick Look at the Roosevelt Dime
Introduced in 1946, the Roosevelt dime replaced the Mercury dime to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his humanitarian legacy.
Key facts about the coin:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Designer | John R. Sinnock |
| Composition | Copper core with nickel cladding |
| Weight | 2.27 grams |
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
Earlier silver dimes (pre-1965) contained 90% silver, but by 1982, copper-nickel became standard. That year’s minting, however, introduced one of the most famous production blunders in U.S. history.
The Story Behind the 1982 “No Mint Mark” Error
In 1980, the U.S. Mint began adding a small “P” mint mark to all dimes struck in Philadelphia — a first for that branch.
But in 1982, a batch of coins was accidentally struck with an old die from the pre-1980 era that lacked the “P” mark. Around 150,000 coins escaped into circulation before the mistake was caught.
Collectors discovered the error in Sandusky, Ohio, and the story spread nationwide. It was the first modern circulating U.S. coin without a mint mark — instantly making it a numismatic legend.
“It’s a fascinating case of timing,” says Sarah Miller, Heritage Auctions numismatic director. “The mint had just implemented new die tracking. That one oversight created one of the most valuable modern error coins.”
How to Identify a 1982 No Mint Mark Dime?
You don’t need special equipment — just a magnifier, good lighting, and patience.
Step 1: Confirm the Date
Look for 1982 under Roosevelt’s portrait. The date must be clear and fully visible.
Step 2: Inspect the Mint Mark Area
Just to the right of the date, where a tiny “P” should appear on a normal coin, the rare error will show nothing at all — completely blank metal.
- Smooth area = potential rare dime
- Faded or worn “P” = common coin
Step 3: Evaluate the Strike
Check how sharp Roosevelt’s features look. Collectors classify these as:
- Weak strike: softer, less-detailed design
- Strong strike: crisp and fully detailed — the rarer and more valuable kind
Step 4: Compare with a Regular 1982-P Dime
Use a normal 1982 dime to compare side-by-side. The missing mint mark should be unmistakable when viewed under magnification.
Step 5: Check the Weight and Edge
All genuine 1982 dimes should weigh around 2.27 grams with a reeded edge.
Value Breakdown: What’s It Worth in 2025?
Condition and strike strength determine whether your dime is a nice collectible or a jackpot find.
| Condition / Grade | Strike Type | Typical Market Value (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated (used) | Weak | $30 – $70 | Common find; noticeable wear |
| Circulated | Strong | $50 – $100 | More detail; light handling |
| Mint State (MS-63 to MS-65) | Weak | $150 – $300 | Collector-grade; minor flaws |
| Mint State (MS-63 to MS-65) | Strong | $200 – $500 | Popular among advanced collectors |
| High Mint State (MS-66 to MS-67) | Weak | $500 – $1,500 | Near gem condition |
| High Mint State (MS-66 to MS-67) | Strong | $800 – $2,500 | Premium specimens; often auctioned |
| Superb Gem (MS-68+) | Strong | $5,000 – $385,000+ | Auction-record level; ultra-rare |
A flawless MS-68 specimen fetched $385,000 at auction — setting a modern U.S. dime record.
Why It’s Worth So Much?
- Historic first: The only modern dime missing its intended mint mark.
- Limited survivors: Fewer than 100 uncirculated examples remain.
- Collector demand: Modern errors are trending — easily understood, easily hunted.
- Certification rarity: High-grade “Full Torch” strikes (complete flame details) command huge premiums.
How to Protect and Sell Your Find?
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Handle carefully — use gloves or hold by the edges. | Oils and scratches reduce grade. |
| 2 | Don’t clean it. | Cleaning destroys luster and value. |
| 3 | Store safely in a coin flip or capsule. | Prevents oxidation. |
| 4 | Get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC. | Increases sale price and credibility. |
| 5 | Research past sales on Heritage or Stack’s Bowers. | Understand price range before selling. |
| 6 | Choose where to sell: auctions for high-value, coin shops for quick cash. | Match venue to coin’s value. |
“A graded and certified 1982 No-P dime typically sells for two to three times more than a raw one,” notes David Hall, PCGS founder emeritus.
Where to Hunt for One?
- Bank rolls: Request $50 boxes of dimes — each holds 2,500 coins.
- Estate sales & flea markets: Older circulated coins often hide errors.
- Vending and coin-op machines: Some older dimes still circulate quietly.
- Inherited jars or collections: Check grandma’s change jar — several have surfaced this way.
Why the 1982 No Mint Mark Dime Still Captivates Collectors?
The thrill of discovery keeps this error in headlines even 40 years later. It combines accessibility (you could find one tomorrow) with rarity (few exist uncirculated).
It also represents a unique piece of American minting history — a moment when one small oversight became a million-dollar story.
As coins go digital and cash fades, tangible treasures like these grow only more alluring.
FAQs
Because an old die from before 1980 was accidentally used at the Philadelphia Mint.
Get it weighed and certified by PCGS or NGC. Authentic examples show clear die diagnostics under magnification.
No — it ruins the surface and can slash value by 80% or more.
For rare or graded coins, use major auction houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers. For smaller finds, local coin dealers or eBay work well.
No. Only those without the “P” mint mark and in high grade are valuable.
Yes — a few still turn up each year in coin rolls or collections.
