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The Certified 1982 “No P” Roosevelt Dime graded AU58 by NGC is an intriguing and historically significant mint error from the modern era of American coinage. This variety is notable for lacking the “P” mintmark that should appear on dimes struck at the Philadelphia Mint beginning in 1980. The absence of the mintmark was the result of a minting error that led to the accidental omission of the punch on a working die. This oversight resulted in a small but highly collectible population of 1982 dimes with no mintmark. Certified examples in About Uncirculated 58 condition, such as this one, represent coins that saw very light circulation but retain nearly all the visual characteristics of a Mint State specimen. The combination of rarity, public intrigue, and historical context makes this a prized coin among both Roosevelt dime specialists and error variety collectors.
The Roosevelt dime was introduced in 1946 as a tribute to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had passed away the previous year. Roosevelt had been closely associated with the March of Dimes campaign to combat polio, making his placement on the ten-cent coin especially fitting. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the obverse of the Roosevelt dime features a left-facing portrait of the president, with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the year of issue, and the designer’s initials “JS.” The reverse bears a central torch symbolizing liberty, flanked by an olive branch and an oak branch, representing peace and strength. The design has remained virtually unchanged for decades, making error coins and varieties like the 1982 No P all the more noticeable and desirable.
In 1980, the U.S. Mint began adding a “P” mintmark to dimes struck in Philadelphia. Prior to that year, Philadelphia-minted coins carried no mintmark, with the exception of war nickels (1942–1945). Beginning in 1980, all coins struck at Philadelphia were to include the “P” as part of the mint’s new standardized marking protocol. However, in late 1982, one working die intended for use at the Philadelphia Mint was mistakenly not punched with the “P” mintmark. The resulting coins, known as 1982 No P Roosevelt Dimes, were released into circulation primarily in the Sandusky, Ohio region and quickly became the subject of media attention and public fascination. This was the first modern U.S. coin struck at Philadelphia to mistakenly lack its intended mintmark.
The total number of 1982 No P Roosevelt Dimes is not precisely known, but estimates suggest around 150,000 to 200,000 pieces were released before the error was detected and corrected. The variety is known to appear only on dimes with a strong die pairing and a very specific reverse design, making it relatively easy to authenticate. Demand for these coins surged in the years after their discovery, and they remain among the most collectible modern mint error coins in the Roosevelt dime series. Certified examples have been graded across a wide spectrum of conditions, with About Uncirculated (AU) coins offering an affordable alternative to higher Mint State grades while retaining most of the coin’s original appearance.
The AU58 grade from NGC designates a coin that was only briefly circulated and shows very slight traces of wear on the highest points of the design. The difference between AU58 and a lower-end Mint State coin is often negligible to the casual observer, with AU58 coins displaying strong mint luster, sharp detail, and no major flaws. On this 1982 No P dime, the wear would likely appear only on Roosevelt’s cheek, hair, or jawline, and possibly on the torch flame or branches on the reverse. The coin should still present an attractive overall appearance, with minimal contact marks and full detail in most areas.
NGC certification ensures that this coin has been professionally authenticated, attributed, and graded to strict industry standards. The encapsulated holder protects the coin from environmental damage and clearly notes the missing mintmark variety. Coins like the 1982 No P dime are frequently counterfeited by altering regular 1982 Philadelphia dimes, typically by removing the mintmark after striking. As a result, certified examples from a trusted grading service like NGC are especially important for collectors seeking genuine specimens. The NGC holder also includes the unique certification number and variety attribution for provenance and registry purposes.
While the 1982 No P dime is classified as an error, it has achieved recognition as a significant variety within the Roosevelt dime series. It is included in major coin reference books, including the “Red Book” (A Guide Book of United States Coins), and is widely collected in Roosevelt dime date and mintmark sets. For variety specialists, it represents one of the few modern coins with both an identifiable origin and widespread circulation. Despite its limited run, the 1982 No P dime has maintained consistent popularity over the decades due to its historical first and relatively dramatic omission.
The coin’s copper-nickel clad composition is standard for Roosevelt dimes produced since 1965, with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. While not a precious metal issue, its collectible value lies entirely in the variety and preservation. The No P variety cannot be distinguished by weight, composition, or sound—it must be visually identified by the absence of the mintmark above the date and confirmed with reference to known die markers, which are often subtle but discernible under magnification.
The 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime in AU58 condition represents a unique intersection of modern minting processes, public fascination, and collectible scarcity. It is particularly appealing to collectors who focus on modern U.S. coinage, mint errors, or interesting historical narratives within American numismatics. This coin reflects the importance of quality control in the minting process and shows how a simple omission can create a lasting numismatic legacy. For those building a specialized Roosevelt dime collection or assembling a registry of modern error varieties, this certified example offers strong value and enduring appeal.
In conclusion, the Certified 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime graded AU58 by NGC stands as an iconic modern mint variety with both historical relevance and collector demand. Its high-end About Uncirculated grade captures the best of both worlds—near-Mint State eye appeal with the affordability of a lightly circulated piece. Certified by one of the most trusted names in coin grading, it offers guaranteed authenticity, strong collector value, and a compelling story that continues to capture the imagination of numismatists today. As such, it remains a standout piece in the history of U.S. modern coinage.