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 treasure hunters because it was the first business-strike United States coin to ever leave the mint missing its required mintmark by mistake.
Why the 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime is a Modern Rarity
For decades, the Philadelphia Mint did not use a “P” mintmark on its coins. However, in 1980, the U.S. Mint changed its policy and began adding the “P” to all denominations except the cent. In 1982, a mistake occurred at the Philadelphia facility where at least two dies were used to strike dimes without the “P” mintmark being added to the die. If you find an old coin in your change and want to see if it is this specific error, using a free coin identifier app can help you confirm the details instantly.
The error resulted in approximately 8,000 to 15,000 coins entering circulation, mostly in the Ohio area. Because most dimes are ignored by the general public, many of these “Strong P” and “Weak P” varieties (referring to the strike quality elsewhere on the coin) went unnoticed for years. Today, many collectors use the CoinHix app to track these rare finds and organize their collections while searching for the next big discovery.
How to Identify a Genuine 1982 No Mintmark Dime
To find this coin, you need to look at the obverse (the side with President Roosevelt’s face). Look at the area just above the date on the bottom right. On a standard 1982 dime, there should be a small “P” or “D” indicating it was minted in Philadelphia or Denver. If that area is completely smooth and blank, you may have hit the jackpot.
It is important to ensure the coin hasn’t been tampered with. Sometimes, dishonest people try to sand off a mintmark, but this usually leaves tell-tale scratches or a dip in the metal. Checking the 1982 no mintmark dime auction records will show you that authentication is key to reaching the highest price points. If the surface looks original and the luster matches the rest of the coin, you should consider professional grading.
Current Market Value and Price Guide for 1982 Dimes
The value of this error coin depends heavily on its condition. Most found in pocket change will be “Circulated,” meaning they show signs of wear. Even in this state, they command a significant premium over their ten-cent face value. The “Strong Strike” variety, where the details of Roosevelt’s hair and the reverse torch are sharp, typically fetches a higher price than the “Weak Strike” variety.
For those curious about the financial potential of their pocket change, viewing the current 1982 Roosevelt Dime market trends is a great way to stay updated. High-grade Mint State (MS65 and above) coins are incredibly rare because most of these coins were spent and worn down before collectors realized they were special. Many enthusiasts use CoinHix to keep a digital record of their inventory values as market prices fluctuate.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (VF/EF) | $30 – $75 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $100 – $180 |
| Mint State 63 (Uncirculated) | $250 – $400 |
| Mint State 65 (Gem BU) | $600 – $950 |
| Mint State 67 (High Grade) | $1,500 – $2,500+ |
Tips for Selling and Preserving Your 1982 Error Dime
If you believe you have found a 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime, handle it with care. Never clean your coins, as cleaning removes the original “skin” of the metal and can reduce the value by 50% or more. Instead, place it in a soft protective flip or a plastic coin holder. The CoinHix app can help you document the coin with high-resolution photos so you can share them with experts for an initial opinion before paying for professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
When selling, remember that auction houses and coin shops will take a commission. Selling on specialized platforms or at major coin shows can often yield better results than a local pawn shop. Because this error is so well-known in the numismatic community, there is always a buyer waiting for a genuine specimen in any condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1982 dimes without a mintmark valuable?
A: No, only the ones minted in Philadelphia that were supposed to have a “P” are valuable. Dimes from 1982 with a “D” (Denver) or a standard 1982-P are worth only face value unless they are in perfect, uncirculated condition.
Q: How can I tell the difference between the “Strong” and “Weak” versions?
A: This refers to the depth of the strike. On the “Strong” variety, the design elements are bold and well-defined. On the “Weak” variety, the features of Roosevelt’s face and the lettering may appear slightly blurry or shallow. Strong strikes usually sell for a premium.
Q: Is every dime before 1982 with no mintmark an error?
A: No. Prior to 1980, the Philadelphia Mint intentionally left mintmarks off all dimes. Only the 1982 Roosevelt Dime is considered a “No Mintmark” error because, by that year, the “P” mintmark was required by law for all dimes produced in Philadelphia.
