What if a dime in your wallet could make you rich? The 1982 Roosevelt Dime with no mint mark, a rare error coin, has sold for up to $506,250 at auction, turning spare change into a life-changing fortune. With millions of dimes still in circulation, this hidden treasure could be waiting for you. Let’s dive into the story, value, and how to spot this numismatic gem!
The Fascinating Story of the 1982 No-Mint Dime
A Minting Mistake That Made History
Introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Roosevelt Dime is a common coin. In 1982, a rare error occurred at the Philadelphia Mint: some dimes were struck without the “P” mint mark. This mistake created one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins.
Why It’s So Rare
Only a small number of these error dimes escaped into circulation, with estimates suggesting 75,000 to 150,000 exist. Many were found in Sandusky, Ohio, sparking a collecting frenzy in 1982. Their scarcity and high demand drive their value to astonishing heights.
A Cultural Phenomenon
The 1982 No-Mint Dime gained fame after collectors noticed them in change near Cedar Point amusement park. National media coverage fueled a coin-hunting craze, turning ordinary people into numismatists overnight.
Why Is the 1982 No-Mint Dime So Valuable?
Rarity and Condition
The coin’s value comes from its scarcity and condition. A pristine, Mint State (MS-68) example sold for $506,250 in October 2024 at GreatCollections. Even circulated coins can fetch hundreds or thousands, depending on their grade.
Auction Highlights
| Sale Date | Grade | Auction House | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2024 | MS-68 | GreatCollections | $506,250 |
| May 2004 | MS-68 | Heritage Auctions | $2,185 |
| 2018 | MS-67 | Heritage Auctions | $385,000 |
| Jun 2014 | MS-67 | Heritage Auctions | $470 |
| Aug 2007 | MS-67 | David Lawrence | $1,380 |
Strong vs. Weak Strike
Two varieties exist: strong and weak strikes. Strong-strike coins, with sharper details, are more valuable, fetching up to $2,185 in MS-65 condition, while weak strikes may sell for $60 in the same grade.
How to Identify a 1982 No-Mint Roosevelt Dime
Key Features to Look For
- Date: Must read “1982” on the obverse (front) side.
- No Mint Mark: Check above the date, near Roosevelt’s neck, for a missing “P.” Regular 1982 dimes from Philadelphia have a “P” mint mark.
- Design: Features Roosevelt’s portrait on the front and a torch with olive and oak branches on the back, designed by John R. Sinnock.
Condition Is Key
High-grade coins (MS-65 or above) command the highest prices. Look for crisp details, especially on the torch’s bands (Full Bands designation adds value). Use a magnifying glass to spot wear or damage.
Authentication Tips
Counterfeits exist, so verify finds with professional grading services like PCGS or NGC. These services confirm authenticity and assign a grade, significantly impacting value.
Where to Find Your Million-Dollar Dime
Everyday Places to Search
- Pocket Change: Check dimes from daily transactions at stores or vending machines.
- Bank Rolls: Request rolls of dimes from your bank and inspect each coin carefully.
- Inherited Collections: Look through family coin jars, old wallets, or heirloom boxes.
- Coin Shows: Visit local or online coin shows for unsearched dime lots.
Hunting Tips
- Use a Magnifier: A 5x or 10x magnifying glass helps spot the missing mint mark or other errors like double strikes.
- Check Condition: Avoid cleaning coins, as it reduces value. Handle by the edges to prevent damage.
- Join Collector Groups: Connect with numismatic communities online or locally to learn more and trade tips.
Selling Your Find
If you find a potential 1982 No-Mint Dime, take it to a reputable coin dealer or auction house like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers. Grading by PCGS or NGC can maximize your sale price. h-5-2-million/
The Legacy of the Roosevelt Dime
A Tribute to FDR
Minted since 1946, the Roosevelt Dime honors the president who led America through the Great Depression and World War II. Its enduring design, with a torch symbolizing liberty, makes it iconic.
A Collector’s Dream
The 1982 No-Mint error is unique as the first U.S. business strike coin to leave the mint without its intended mint mark. This rarity, combined with the coin’s history, makes it a top prize for collectors.
Inspiring Modern Treasure Hunts
Stories of finds, like the dime that soared from $125,000 to $475,000 at auction in early 2025, keep collectors excited. Social media buzz and coin forums continue to spread the word, encouraging new hunters.
FAQs About the 1982 No-Mint Roosevelt Dime
1. What makes the 1982 No-Mint Roosevelt Dime so valuable?
Its value comes from a rare minting error where the “P” mint mark was omitted at the Philadelphia Mint. With only a few thousand in existence, high-grade examples can sell for up to $506,250.
2. How do I spot a 1982 No-Mint Dime?
Check the obverse for the date “1982” and look above the date near Roosevelt’s neck. If there’s no “P” mint mark, it could be the rare error coin. Verify with a grading service.
3. Are all 1982 dimes without a mint mark valuable?
No, only those struck in Philadelphia without the “P” are valuable. Dimes from other mints or proof sets may lack a mint mark but aren’t rare. Professional grading confirms value.
4. Where can I sell a 1982 No-Mint Dime?
Take it to a trusted coin dealer, auction house like Heritage Auctions, or online platforms like GreatCollections after grading by PCGS or NGC.
5. Could more 1982 No-Mint Dimes still be in circulation?
Yes, with an estimated 75,000 to 150,000 produced, some may still be in pocket change, bank rolls, or old collections, waiting to be discovered.
Conclusion: Start Your Treasure Hunt Now!
The 1982 No-Mint Roosevelt Dime is proof that a small coin can hold enormous value. With prices reaching $506,250, this error coin is a collector’s dream and a reminder that treasures hide in everyday places. Grab a magnifying glass, check your change, or visit your bank for dime rolls. Your next dime could be worth a fortune! Head to pcgs.com or ngccoin.com to learn more about grading, or contact a local coin dealer to kickstart your hunt today.