A simple dime in your pocket could be worth a fortune—up to $385,000! The 1982 Roosevelt Dime with no mint mark is a rare gem that has coin collectors buzzing. Due to a mistake at the U.S. Mint, a small batch of these dimes was made without the usual “P” mint mark, making them incredibly valuable. This article will guide you on how to spot this rare coin, why it’s so special, and what to do if you think you’ve found one. You might just have a treasure hiding in your change jar!
What Makes This Dime So Special?
The Roosevelt Dime, first made in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, usually has a mint mark showing where it was made. A “P” means Philadelphia, a “D” means Denver, and an “S” means San Francisco. Starting in 1980, Philadelphia began adding a “P” to its coins. But in 1982, some dimes were accidentally made without this mark due to a minting error. This mistake, called the “No-P” error, is what makes these coins so rare. Only a small number slipped into circulation, and finding one in great condition is like hitting the jackpot.
How to Spot the Rare 1982 Dime
Identifying this dime takes a careful eye, but it’s simple if you know what to look for. Start by checking the year on the front of the coin—it must say 1982. Next, look just above the date, to the right of Roosevelt’s neck, where the mint mark should be. If there’s no “P” and the area looks clean, not worn or damaged, you might have the rare No-P dime. Also, check the coin’s condition. Coins in near-perfect shape, with no scratches or wear, are worth the most. Some No-P dimes have a “strong strike,” meaning the details like Roosevelt’s face or the torch on the back are sharp and clear. These are even rarer, with fewer than 75,000 made.
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Year | Must be 1982 |
| Mint Mark | No “P” above the date, near Roosevelt’s neck |
| Condition | Clear, sharp details; no scratches or wear |
| Weight | Around 2.27 grams |
| Strike Type | Strong strike is rarer and more valuable |
Why Is It Worth So Much?
The value of the 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime comes from its rarity and collector demand. Only a few thousand are believed to exist, and even fewer are in top condition. A pristine coin, graded MS-68 (near perfect) by a professional service like PCGS or NGC, sold for $385,000 at auction. Even worn ones can fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars. The coin’s story—a tiny mistake at the Mint—adds to its appeal. Collectors love error coins, and this one’s history makes it a must-have. Social media, like TikTok and YouTube, has also fueled excitement, with videos of people hunting for it in coin rolls.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve found a 1982 No-P dime, don’t clean it! Cleaning can ruin its value. Handle it carefully, ideally with gloves, and store it in a protective sleeve or coin flip. Compare it to pictures online or in coin guides to confirm its features. Then, take it to a trusted coin dealer or a grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication. They’ll check if it’s real and assign a grade, which affects its value. You can sell it through a coin shop, auction house, or online platforms like eBay, but getting it graded first ensures you get the best price.
Start Your Treasure Hunt Today
The 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime shows that big treasures can hide in small places. With millions of dimes still in circulation, one could be in your wallet or piggy bank right now. Check your change, especially 1982 dimes, and look closely for that missing “P.” Even if you don’t find the $385,000 dime, other Roosevelt dimes, like the 1975 No-S, can also be worth thousands. Coin collecting is a fun way to turn pocket change into big rewards. So, next time you get a dime, take a second look—it might just change your life