Imagine paying for a coffee and getting a dime back that’s worth $855,000. Sounds like a dream, right? But a rare 1982 Roosevelt dime with no mint mark could make that dream real. This tiny coin, first made in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is a collector’s treasure because of a rare mistake during its production. With millions of dimes floating around in wallets and change jars, you might have one without even knowing it. Here’s how to spot this valuable dime and what makes it so special.
What’s a Mint Mark, and Why Does It Matter?
A mint mark is a small letter on a coin that shows where it was made. For Roosevelt dimes, you’ll usually see a “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco, right next to the date on the front of the coin. In 1980, the Philadelphia Mint started adding a “P” to its coins. But in 1982, a few dimes were accidentally made without this mark, creating a rare error known as the “1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime.” This mistake makes the coin super valuable, with some selling for as much as $855,000 at auctions in top condition.
How to Spot the $855,000 Dime
Finding this rare dime is easier than you think, but you need to know what to look for. Start by checking the date on your Roosevelt dimes—focus on those from 1982. Next, look at the front of the coin, just to the right of Roosevelt’s neck, where the mint mark should be. If there’s no “P,” you might have a winner. But don’t get too excited yet—condition matters a lot. Coins in “mint state” (no scratches or wear) are worth the most. Use a magnifying glass to check for sharp details in Roosevelt’s face and the word “LIBERTY.” If it looks worn, it’s still valuable, but not as much.
| Step | What to Check |
|---|---|
| 1 | Date: Must be 1982 |
| 2 | Mint Mark: No “P” next to the date |
| 3 | Condition: Look for no scratches or wear |
Why Is This Dime Worth So Much?
The 1982 No-P dime is a big deal because so few were made by mistake. Experts think only about 75,000 of these “strong strike” dimes exist, and even fewer are in perfect shape. The error happened when a minting die (the tool that stamps coins) was used without the “P” mark, and it went unnoticed for years. Many of these dimes ended up in circulation, meaning they could be in your pocket right now. Collectors go crazy for these coins because they’re rare, and a near-perfect one sold for $385,000 recently, with some experts predicting even higher prices, like $855,000, for top-grade ones.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve got a 1982 No-P dime, don’t clean it! Cleaning can ruin its value. Put it in a protective sleeve or coin flip to keep it safe. Then, take it to a trusted coin dealer or a grading service like PCGS or NGC to get it checked. These experts will confirm if it’s the real deal and grade its condition. A coin in top shape (graded MS-68 or higher) could fetch hundreds of thousands at auction. Even a worn one might bring in a few thousand bucks. Check coin rolls from banks, old piggy banks, or flea markets to increase your chances of finding one.
Join the Treasure Hunt
The 1982 No-P Roosevelt dime has sparked a nationwide craze, with people digging through spare change hoping for a life-changing find. Coin collecting, or numismatics, is like a treasure hunt that mixes history, luck, and a sharp eye. You don’t need to be an expert to join in—just start looking at your dimes. Stories of people finding these coins in everyday places, like grocery store change, keep the excitement alive. So next time you get a dime, take a second to check it. That 10-cent coin might just turn into $855,000.