The most notable dime missing a mint mark is the 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime. This particular coin holds significant importance in numismatics due to an accidental omission during its production.
The 1982 No P Dime is recognized as the first U.S. business strike coin that was inadvertently released from the U.S. Mint without its intended mint mark. For dimes produced at the Philadelphia Mint (which normally would bear a "P" mint mark), this error resulted in a unique and highly sought-after collectible.
The Significance of the 1982 No P Dime
The 1982 No P Dime stands out because it represents a rare instance of a major minting error that made it into circulation. Prior to this, missing mint marks were extremely rare for regular issue coins.
Key characteristics that make this coin notable include:
- First of its kind: It was the first U.S. business strike coin to be accidentally released without its designated mint mark.
- Accidental Error: The omission was unintentional, believed to be due to a clogged die or a die that was not properly punched with the "P" mint mark.
- Rarity: While millions of dimes were produced in 1982, only a fraction of them were missing the "P" mint mark, making them scarce.
Why the Mint Mark is Missing
In 1982, the Philadelphia Mint was responsible for striking dimes. Typically, these coins would feature a "P" mint mark, indicating their origin. However, due to an oversight or a malfunction in the production process, a quantity of dies used to strike the 1982 dimes did not have the "P" mint mark applied. Coins struck with these dies consequently entered circulation without any mint mark, leading to the creation of the famous "No P" variety.
Value and Collectibility
Because of its unique error and historical significance, the 1982 No P Dime is highly prized by collectors. This accidental omission has made the coin worth significantly more than its original face value, often commanding prices hundreds of times higher depending on its condition and grade. Its status as a genuine mint error makes it a fascinating piece of U.S. coinage history.
Quick Facts: 1982 No P Dime
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1982 |
| Denomination | Dime (10 cents) |
| Coin Series | Roosevelt Dime |
| Missing Mark | "P" (Philadelphia Mint) |
| Significance | First U.S. business strike coin to accidentally omit its intended mint mark. |
| Value Impact | Worth significantly more than face value; often hundreds of times its original value. |
| Source for more information | For detailed insights into the coin's specifications and current values, you can refer to reputable numismatic sources like the PCGS Coinfacts page for the 1982 10C No Mintmark - Strong (Regular Strike) Roosevelt Dime. |
To identify a 1982 No P Dime, simply examine the obverse (front) of the coin, below the date. If there is no mint mark (neither a "P", "D", nor "S"), and the date is 1982, you may have found this unique error coin.
