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The 2015-P Reverse Proof Silver Roosevelt Dime is a highly distinctive and collectible modern U.S. coin, issued to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime’s first release in 1946. This special edition coin was struck in .900 fine silver at the Philadelphia Mint and features a reverse proof finish, setting it apart from traditional proof and uncirculated strikes. The reverse proof surface showcases frosted fields and mirrored devices—the opposite of a standard proof—giving the coin a bold, eye-catching appearance that accentuates its historical design. As part of a special dual-coin set alongside a reverse proof 2015-W March of Dimes dollar, the 2015-P Roosevelt Dime has earned lasting appeal among numismatists and modern coin collectors alike.
The Roosevelt dime was first introduced in 1946, shortly after the death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, the coin paid tribute to FDR’s leadership and his support for the March of Dimes, a campaign to combat polio. Roosevelt’s image replaced the Winged Liberty Head (Mercury) design, and since then, his likeness has remained on the ten-cent piece, making it one of the longest-running coin designs in American history. The 2015-P silver reverse proof edition was a break from tradition, offering collectors a fresh take on the classic design while celebrating the legacy of both Roosevelt and the coin itself.
On the obverse of the 2015-P Reverse Proof Roosevelt Dime is the familiar left-facing portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The mirrored surface of Roosevelt’s profile, set against a frosted background, gives the coin dramatic visual depth. The inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “2015” are crisply defined, with the “P” mintmark clearly positioned at the lower left of the truncation, indicating production at the Philadelphia Mint. Sinnock’s initials “JS” appear subtly at the base of Roosevelt’s neck, as they have since the coin’s original 1946 release.
The reverse features the traditional Roosevelt dime motif: a flaming torch symbolizing liberty flanked by an olive branch for peace and an oak branch for strength. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DIME” encircle the design. On this reverse proof issue, the devices shine with mirrored brilliance while the fields are frosted, providing an inverse to the more familiar proof finish and enhancing the sharpness and beauty of the engraving. The finish allows light to dance off the elements of the coin, making even subtle details stand out clearly.
The 2015-P Reverse Proof Roosevelt Dime was struck in .900 silver (.100 copper), maintaining the traditional 90% silver composition used in dimes before the Coinage Act of 1965 transitioned circulating coinage to clad compositions. The coin weighs 2.5 grams and has a diameter of 17.9 mm. Though it carries a standard face value of ten cents, its collectible value far exceeds its denomination due to its silver content, reverse proof strike, low mintage, and place in the commemorative March of Dimes set.
Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin was part of a limited-edition set released by the U.S. Mint on May 4, 2015, known as the “2015 March of Dimes Special Silver Set.” The set included three coins: the 2015-P Reverse Proof Roosevelt Dime, a 2015-W Silver Proof Roosevelt Dime, and a 2015-W Silver Proof March of Dimes Commemorative Dollar. The total mintage of the set was capped at 75,000 units, and it sold out quickly upon release, making all three coins within it—including the 2015-P Reverse Proof Dime—relatively scarce among modern U.S. Mint products.
The coin was not available individually from the U.S. Mint, which further elevated its demand and collectibility. Its status as the first-ever reverse proof Roosevelt dime—combined with the P mintmark and silver composition—makes it a standout issue in the series. For collectors seeking to assemble a complete set of Roosevelt dimes or those who specialize in modern silver coinage and U.S. Mint anomalies, the 2015-P is an essential acquisition that represents both aesthetic innovation and historic reverence.
Condition is particularly important for this coin due to its unique reverse proof finish, which is susceptible to fingerprints, haze, and hairline scratches. When preserved in original U.S. Mint packaging or encapsulated by third-party grading services, coins are typically graded as Reverse Proof 69 or Reverse Proof 70. Examples certified RP70 are especially coveted for their flawless appearance under magnification and command significant premiums in the collector marketplace. Popular grading services like PCGS and NGC frequently include special labels for this issue, including designations for the March of Dimes 75th Anniversary Set, First Strike, and Early Releases.
Since its release, the 2015-P Reverse Proof Roosevelt Dime has been viewed as a milestone issue within the broader Roosevelt dime series. While previous special finishes, such as matte proofs and standard proofs, had appeared before, this coin’s reverse proof format introduced a striking aesthetic variation that had never been applied to this denomination. As a result, it has become a reference point for collectors of 20th- and 21st-century American dimes, especially those who follow the evolution of Mint technology and design experimentation.
The coin’s historical and symbolic significance also contributes to its importance. Roosevelt’s deep connection with the March of Dimes and the battle against polio adds meaning to the coin’s release alongside the 2015-W commemorative dollar. The 2015-P Reverse Proof Roosevelt Dime not only honors the president who championed public health but also reflects the ongoing influence of numismatic commemoration in shaping public memory and national identity.
In conclusion, the 2015-P Reverse Proof Silver Roosevelt Dime is a highly distinctive and meaningful modern coin issue. With its low mintage, historic design, unique reverse proof finish, and role in the March of Dimes commemorative set, it stands as a prized item for collectors of U.S. silver coinage, proof variants, and presidential-themed issues. Whether graded or housed in its original Mint packaging, the coin is a visually stunning and historically resonant piece that elevates any modern numismatic collection.