A small mistake by the U.S. Mint in 1982 turned an ordinary Roosevelt Dime into one of the most sought-after coins in circulation. Today, this rare 1982 Roosevelt Dime without a mint mark is estimated to be worth as much as $385,000 — and it could still be hiding in someone’s change jar.
What Makes the 1982 Dime So Valuable?
Most Roosevelt Dimes minted in 1982 were struck at either the Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) Mint. Coins from these mints usually carry a mint mark — a tiny letter near the date on the obverse (heads) side of the coin. But in a rare production error, some Philadelphia-minted dimes were released without a mint mark.
In normal cases, the absence of a mint mark would indicate a coin struck in Philadelphia — but 1982 was different. That year, the Philadelphia Mint was supposed to include the “P” on all dimes. So any 1982 dime without a mint mark is a rare error, not the standard.
How the Error Happened
The U.S. Mint was transitioning in the early 1980s, and one of the changes involved ensuring all dimes from Philadelphia carried a “P” mint mark — a practice that had just begun in 1980.
In 1982, one of the dies used at the Philadelphia Mint was accidentally left without the “P” mint mark, leading to a limited batch of dimes missing this key identifier. Only a few of these error coins were released into circulation before the mistake was caught.
Where to Look on the Coin
If you have a 1982 Roosevelt Dime, flip it over to the heads side (with Roosevelt’s profile). Look just above the date — there should be a small “P” or “D”. If it’s completely blank with no mint mark at all, you might be holding a rare treasure.
But it’s important to note: only 1982-P dimes without the mint mark are valuable. A 1982-D without a mark is not a known error. Be sure to double-check the date and absence of any letter near it.
How Rare Is It?
Fewer than 10 known examples of the 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime have been certified by top grading agencies like PCGS and NGC. Because of their extreme scarcity and the error’s historical context, these coins have become prized assets among collectors.
In fact, one specimen of the 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime in high-grade proof-like condition sold for more than $385,000 in a private auction, according to numismatic records.
Tips for Identifying the Rare Dime
- Check the Date: It must be 1982.
- Look for Mint Mark: There should be no mint mark at all — not even faint traces.
- Condition Matters: Coins in uncirculated or near-mint condition fetch the highest prices.
- Avoid Confusion: Other years like 1965–1967 also had no mint marks, but those are standard for the period.
What To Do If You Find One
If you think you have this rare dime, do not clean or damage the coin in any way. Cleaning can reduce its value. Instead:
- Handle it carefully by the edges.
- Store it in a soft plastic coin flip or protective holder.
- Contact a reputable coin dealer or grading service such as PCGS or NGC for authentication.
Why It Still Might Be in Circulation
Because the error was caught only after a small batch entered public use, and many people don’t look closely at their dimes, there’s still a chance that this ultra-rare coin could be floating around in pocket change, old piggy banks, or coin jars.
Final Thoughts
The 1982 Roosevelt Dime with no mint mark is a reminder that not all treasure is buried underground — sometimes, it’s in your wallet. With just a little attention to detail, you could spot one of the most valuable modern coin errors ever produced in the U.S.
So the next time you receive change at a store or bank, don’t rush to spend it — a single dime could be worth more than a luxury car.