💰 The $200 Dime: How the 1982 No Mint Mark Error Became a Collector’s Jackpot

Most 1982 dimes are worth just 10¢—but a rare minting mistake can make one worth $200 to $500+. Here’s how to spot this modern treasure and avoid costly fakes.


🔍 Why the 1982 “No P” Dime Is Valuable

In 1982, the U.S. Mint struck dimes at three locations:

  • Philadelphia (P) – first year using the “P” mint mark
  • Denver (D) – standard business strikes
  • San Francisco (S) – proof coins only

👉 The Error: A small number of Philadelphia dimes were struck without the “P” mint mark, making them one of the most famous U.S. modern coin errors.


💲 Current Market Value (2024)

ConditionEstimated Value
Circulated$50 – $150
Uncirculated$150 – $300+
Graded MS-65+$200 – $500+

📌 Recent Sales:

  • 💵 $210 – 1982 No Mint Mark Dime, PCGS MS-65 (eBay, 2023)
  • 💵 $450 – NGC MS-67 (Heritage Auctions, 2022)

🛠️ How to Identify a 1982 No Mint Mark Dime

  1. Check Above the Date → A genuine error will have no mint mark at all.
  2. Use a Loupe (10x) → Make sure the mint mark wasn’t worn off.
  3. Side-by-Side Test → Compare with a regular 1982 dime (“D” or “S” should be visible).
  4. Blank Area → A true “No P” error shows a clean blank spot where the mint mark belongs.

⚠️ Watch Out for Fakes

  • Filed-Off Counterfeits → Look for scratches or tooling marks near the date.
  • Get Certified → Only coins graded by PCGS or NGC bring top dollar.
  • Don’t Overpay Raw → Uncertified examples rarely sell above $200.

📈 Selling Your 1982 Error Dime

  • Step 1: Submit for Grading
    • PCGS or NGC ($30–$50 fee)
  • Step 2: Sell Online
    • eBay (use clear macro photos)
    • Forums: r/Coins4Sale, CoinTalk Marketplace
  • Step 3: Local Dealers
    • Faster cash, but expect 30–50% lower offers than auctions.

🏛️ Why This Error Happened

In 1982, the Philadelphia Mint tested leaving off mint marks to streamline production. While most were corrected, a handful of “No P” dimes slipped into circulation—creating today’s valuable error coin.


📚 Learn More on PennyVerse.info

✅ Free Modern Error Coin Checklist
📸 Upload photos for collector feedback
🏛️ Trusted by hobbyists since 2010


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *