1982 Dime – Imagine finding a small silver coin in your pocket that turns out to be worth more than R400,000! That’s not fiction—it’s the story of a rare 1982 Roosevelt Dime without a mint mark, which has recently sold for a whopping $21,500 at auctions. If you’ve ever had loose change lying around, now’s the time to check it carefully. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history behind this valuable coin, what makes it so special, how to identify one, and how to know if yours is the real deal.
What’s So Special About the 1982 Dime Without a Mint Mark?
Normally, all US coins carry a mint mark that shows where the coin was made. For example:
- “D” for Denver
- “S” for San Francisco
- No mark usually means it was minted in Philadelphia
But in 1982, due to a rare manufacturing error, some dimes that should’ve had a mint mark were released without one. These error coins were supposed to carry a “P” mark for Philadelphia, but a small number were mistakenly struck without it.
What makes this 1982 dime especially rare is that it’s not just a regular error—it happened at a time when the US Mint was transitioning to using the “P” mint mark on dimes for the first time. Because of that timing, some 1982 Roosevelt dimes slipped into circulation without a mint mark, making them incredibly valuable to collectors today.
Why Is It Worth $21,500?
Most coins with errors aren’t worth much—but this dime is different. Here’s why:
- Extreme Rarity: Only a very limited number of these no-mint-mark dimes from 1982 exist in good condition.
- Historical Significance: This was a key year in minting history. Collectors value the coin because it marks a minting transition.
- High Demand: Coin collectors across the world are always on the lookout for unusual coins. When demand is high and supply is low, the price goes up.
In high-grade condition, such as MS-65 or better, this coin can fetch up to $21,500 or more at auction. Even a circulated one could bring in hundreds or thousands of dollars.
How to Identify the 1982 No Mint Mark Dime
To know if you’ve got the right dime, you’ll need to look closely:
Features of the Rare 1982 No-Mint-Mark Dime:
- Year: 1982
- Mint Mark: Completely missing from the obverse (front) of the coin
- Design: Roosevelt’s profile on the front, a torch with olive and oak branches on the back
- Condition: Mint condition increases value dramatically
Where to look: On a regular Roosevelt dime, the mint mark is located to the right of the neck, near the bottom of Roosevelt’s profile. If there’s no letter at all, you might have something rare!
How to Confirm If It’s Genuine
If you think you’ve found one of these rare coins, here’s what to do:
- Use a Magnifying Glass: Check very carefully around the date for a missing mint mark.
- Compare with Other Dimes: Find other 1982 dimes to see what the mint mark normally looks like.
- Weigh It: The correct weight should be 2.27 grams. Anything drastically different might be a fake or altered.
- Consult an Expert: Show your coin to a professional coin dealer or send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Get It Graded: Professionally graded coins fetch the highest value at auction.
Record Sales and Auction Values
Here are some real-life examples of how valuable this coin can be:
| Coin Condition | Grading Level | Sale Price | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncirculated | MS-65 | $21,500 | Heritage Auctions |
| Lightly Circulated | AU-58 | $3,000 | Stack’s Bowers |
| Circulated | VF-30 | $500 | eBay / Private Seller |
Even a worn coin can be worth hundreds. The better the condition, the higher the return!
Where to Look for These Coins
If you’re wondering where you might stumble upon one of these valuable dimes, try these places:
- Old coin jars or piggy banks
- Family heirlooms or collections
- Flea markets or garage sales
- Loose change from stores or vending machines
You’d be surprised how often these coins hide in plain sight!
Tips to Avoid Counterfeits
Unfortunately, with high value comes high risk of fakes. Keep these in mind:
- Don’t rely only on photos—have your coin verified by a professional.
- If the mint mark looks like it was scratched off, it’s not genuine.
- Use services like PCGS.com to check verified listings and values.
What to Do If You Find One?
If you’ve got the real deal:
- Don’t Clean the Coin – Cleaning can decrease its value.
- Store It Safely – Use a soft pouch or plastic capsule.
- Get It Graded – Send it to a professional service.
- List at Auction – Consider auction houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers for maximum exposure.
The 1982 no-mint-mark Roosevelt dime is one of the most exciting modern coin errors ever released into circulation. With values soaring up to $21,500, this tiny coin could be your ticket to a small fortune—without even leaving your house.
So go ahead, dump out that change jar and look closely. Your next big discovery might already be sitting in your pocket.
FAQs About the 1982 No-Mint-Mark Dime
Q1: Why is the 1982 dime without a mint mark valuable?
A: It’s a rare minting error from a transitional year, and very few were released without a mint mark.
Q2: Where should the mint mark be on a regular 1982 dime?
A: On the front of the coin, near Roosevelt’s neck.
Q3: Can I find this coin in circulation today?
A: Yes, although rare, some have been found in pocket change or old jars.
Q4: What should I do if I think I have one?
A: Get it professionally graded and appraised to determine its value.
Q5: Can a fake dime be passed off as this rare coin?
A: It’s possible—always have the coin authenticated to avoid counterfeits.
