The specific coin known for having no mint mark is the 1982 Roosevelt dime. This particular coin gained significant attention among collectors due to a unique production error.
Understanding the 1982 No-Mint-Mark Dime
The absence of a mint mark on the 1982 Roosevelt dime was a rare manufacturing oversight during its production. Typically, dimes minted in Philadelphia bear a "P" mint mark, while those from Denver have a "D," and San Francisco coins (especially proofs) display an "S." However, a small quantity of 1982 dimes, particularly those struck in Philadelphia, were released into circulation without the expected "P" mint mark.
These "No-P" dimes were first discovered and recognized by collectors shortly after their production. Because only a limited number entered circulation, they quickly became a notable rarity in the numismatic community. The scarcity contributed to their perceived value, with some rumors suggesting they could be worth a significant amount to collectors seeking these unique error coins.
Key Characteristics
- Year of Issue: 1982
- Coin Type: Roosevelt Dime
- Error: Absence of the "P" mint mark (which should have been present for coins struck in Philadelphia).
- Origin of Error: Production mistake during the minting process.
- Rarity: Considered rare due to the limited number produced with this error.
- Collector Interest: Highly sought after by error coin collectors.
Identifying No-Mint-Mark Dimes
Most U.S. dimes feature a mint mark, typically located on the obverse (front) of the coin, above the date. The mark indicates which U.S. Mint facility produced the coin.
- P: Philadelphia Mint
- D: Denver Mint
- S: San Francisco Mint
For the 1982 Roosevelt dime, the absence of any mint mark where the "P" should be is the distinguishing feature.
Here's a quick overview of mint marks on Roosevelt dimes:
| Mint Mark | Issuing Mint | Location on Dime (Obverse) |
|---|---|---|
| P | Philadelphia | Above the date |
| D | Denver | Above the date |
| S | San Francisco | Above the date |
| None | Philadelphia | (Specific to 1982 error) |
It's important for collectors to carefully examine 1982 dimes to confirm the absence of the mint mark, as not all dimes from that year are error coins. Only those missing the "P" are considered the rare "No-P" variety. Further information on these rare dimes can be found from reliable numismatic sources.
