The 1982-P Roosevelt Dime is worth anywhere from its $0.10 face value in worn condition to over $350 in high-grade mint state. While most dimes you find in your pocket change today are only worth ten cents, certain 1982-P specimens can be quite valuable to collectors.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS 60-63) | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| Choice Mint State (MS 65) | $15.00 – $30.00 |
| Gem Mint State (MS 67+) | $100.00 – $500.00+ |
Understanding the History of the 1982-P Roosevelt Dime
If you have just discovered a 1982 dime with a small “P” above the date, you might be wondering if you’ve struck gold—or at least silver. To accurately determine if your find is a rarity, many collectors turn to the best coin identifier app to get instant results. The 1982-P Roosevelt Dime was minted during a unique period in American numismatic history.
In the early 1980s, the United States was dealing with high inflation and economic shifts. Consequently, the U.S. Mint did not produce traditional “Uncirculated Mint Sets” for collectors in 1982 and 1983. Because these sets were not sold to the public, finding a 1982-P dime in pristine condition today is surprisingly difficult. Most of the 519 million dimes struck in Philadelphia that year went straight into circulation.
Decades of being passed from hand to hand have left most 1982 dimes scratched, dull, and worn. This “scarcity of quality” is what drives the market for high-grade specimens. When using CoinHix, you can quickly see how the absence of mint sets has affected the current supply of high-grade 1982-P dimes.
Checking the Mint Mark and Metal Composition
Before getting too excited about the price, it is important to understand what you are holding. The “P” mint mark located right above the date indicates that the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Prior to 1980, dimes minted in Philadelphia generally had no mint mark at all, but by 1982, the “P” was standard.
It is also vital to note that 1982 dimes are not made of silver. The U.S. Mint stopped using 90% silver for dimes in 1964. The 1982-P dime is a “clad” coin, composed of an inner core of pure copper and an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This is why you will see a copper-colored stripe on the edge of the coin.
If your coin looks exceptionally shiny or silver, it might just be well-preserved, or it could be a proof coin from a different mint. However, the standard 1982-P is strictly a base-metal issue. To keep track of these metallic specs and historical data, the CoinHix app serves as an excellent digital library for your collection.
How Grading Affects the 1982-P Roosevelt Dime Value
Grade is everything when it comes to modern coinage. A coin that has been in someone’s pocket for weeks is “circulated,” while a coin that looks exactly as it did the day it was minted is “uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS). The scale ranges from 1 to 70. Most 1982-P dimes found in change are graded below EF 40 (Extremely Fine), meaning they have significant wear.
For a 1982-P dime to be worth more than a few dollars, it generally needs to be graded MS 65 or higher. At MS 67, the coin must have nearly perfect luster and almost no visible marks under magnification. Because there were no official Mint Sets in 1982, collectors often have to hunt through original bank-wrapped rolls to find these gems.
Recent market data shows that the 1982-P Roosevelt Dime value in high MS grades can reach surprisingly high levels at auction. A specimen graded MS 68 can sell for nearly $1,000 because they are so few and far between.
| Grade Designation | Description | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS 63 | Typical Mint State, some marks | $2 – $5 |
| MS 65 | Choice Uncirculated, great luster | $25 |
| MS 67 | Superb Gem, virtually flawless | $150 – $400 |
| MS 68 | Museum Quality, extremely rare | $900+ |
Is Your 1982-P Dime a “Full Torch” Variety?
When professional graders at PCGS or NGC look at a Roosevelt Dime, they look at the reverse (the back) of the coin. Specifically, they look at the torch in the center. If the horizontal lines at the top and bottom of the torch are fully separated and distinct, the coin is given a “Full Torch” (FT) or “Full Bands” (FB) designation.
This is a mark of a very strong strike. Most 1982-P dimes suffer from “mushy” details because the dies used to stamp them were worn out. Finding a 1982-P with Full Torch details is like finding a needle in a haystack. This designation can double or triple the value of an already expensive high-grade coin.
Commonly, the 1982 Roosevelt Dime price guide reflects a massive premium for these Full Torch specimens. If you think your dime has these crisp lines, it might be worth paying for professional grading. You can use CoinHix to compare your coin’s torch against high-resolution photos of confirmed Full Torch examples.
The “No P” 1982 Dime: The Real Holy Grail
While we are focusing on the 1982-P, you should be aware of its famous “missing” sibling. In 1982, the Philadelphia Mint accidentally released a small number of dimes that omitted the “P” mint mark. This is known as the “1982 No P Dime Error.”
This was the first time a United States coin was released into circulation without a required mint mark by mistake. These errors are highly sought after and are worth significantly more than a standard 1982-P dime. A “No P” dime in average condition can easily sell for $50 to $100, while high-grade versions can fetch over $1,000.
Always check the space above the date. If it is blank, you have found a major error coin. If it has a “P,” it is the standard version we are discussing today, which still holds value if the condition is exceptional.
| Variety | Circulated Price | Mint State Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1982-P (Standard) | $0.10 | $5 – $350 |
| 1982 “No P” Error | $50 – $150 | $300 – $2,000+ |
| 1982-D (Denver) | $0.10 | $1 – $100 |
How to Sell and Store Your 1982-P Dime
If you believe you have a high-value 1982-P dime, the first step is to protect it. Do not clean the coin! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth can create microscopic scratches that destroy its numismatic value. Instead, place it in a cardboard 2×2 flip or a plastic coin capsule.
For selling, you have several options. For common circulated dimes, you can keep them in a jar or spend them. For dimes that look brand new, you might consider selling on platforms like eBay or bringing them to a local coin shop. However, be aware that shops need to make a profit and may offer you “wholesale” prices.
Using an app like CoinHix can help you estimate a fair asking price before you talk to a dealer. If the coin is truly a top-tier grade, sending it to a service like PCGS for “slabbing” (authentication and grading) is the best way to ensure you get the maximum value during an auction.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1982-P dime made of silver?
A: No, 1982-P Roosevelt dimes are made of a copper-nickel clad composition. The last silver dimes meant for circulation were produced in 1964.
Q: How can I tell if my 1982-P dime is a “Full Torch” variety?
A: Look at the back of the coin. The torch in the center has horizontal bands at the top and bottom. If those lines are clearly separated with no merging, it is considered a Full Torch (FT) or Full Bands (FB) coin.
Q: Why are 1982-P dimes worth more than other modern dimes?
A: Because the U.S. Mint did not produce official Mint Sets in 1982, very few dimes were preserved in perfect condition. Most went into circulation and got worn out, making “Mint State” examples rare and valuable to collectors.
Q: What should I do if my 1982 dime has no mint mark?
A: Check it carefully! If there is no “P” or “D” above the date, you may have the “No P” error dime, which is worth $50 to over $1,000 depending on its condition.
Q: Can I find a valuable 1982-P dime in my pocket change?
A: While it is possible, most dimes in circulation are heavily worn and only worth their face value of 10 cents. To find a valuable one, you are looking for a coin that still has its original “mint luster” or a rare error.