1982-D Roosevelt Dime: A Conundrum in Modern Numismatics

The 1982-D Roosevelt dime, minted without Uncirculated Coin Sets, carries historical significance as it commemorated the centennial of President Roosevelt's birth. Its circulation strike, commonly found in uncirculated condition, sells for a small premium. Despite limited certified populations, the coin's market value is influenced by its quality. High-grade examples with Full Bands or Full Torch designations command significant premiums, highlighting its potential as a collectible investment.

The 1982-D Roosevelt Dime: A Comprehensive Examination of a Modern Numismatic Enigma

A Tribute to a Revered Leader

In the wake of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's untimely demise during his fourth term in office, a wave of national mourning swept across the United States. As a revered figure who had guided the nation through the tumultuous Great Depression and led it to victory in World War II, Roosevelt's legacy demanded a fitting tribute.

The United States Mint responded to the nation's outpouring of grief by honoring Roosevelt on a circulating coin, the dime. This decision resonated deeply with the public, as the dime was a ubiquitous currency in everyday life, ensuring that Roosevelt's likeness and memory would be widely disseminated.

A Coinage of Controversy and Complexity

The Roosevelt dime was first introduced in 1946, featuring Roosevelt's left-facing profile on the obverse and a symbolic torch flanked by olive and oak branches on the reverse. The choice of Roosevelt for the dime was influenced by the fact that the March of Dimes, an organization dedicated to funding polio care and research, had its inception during his first presidential term.

From 1946 through 1964, Roosevelt dimes were struck in silver. However, the escalating price of silver in the early 1960s prompted the United States Mint to replace the silver content with a copper-nickel clad composition, effective with coins bearing the 1965 date.

Mint Marks and Variations

Business strike clad Roosevelt dimes have been minted in Philadelphia every year since 1965 and in Denver every year since 1968. San Francisco has produced clad Proofs since 1968 and both clad and silver Proofs since 1992. Dimes from 1965 through 1967 display no mint mark; Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mint marks from 1968 forward are placed on the obverse above the final digit of the date. Philadelphia dimes since 1980 have carried a P mint mark, and a W mint mark dime (for the West Point Mint) was issued in 1996. The P and W mint marks also appear above the last date digit.

The 1982-D Dime: A Numismatic Conundrum

Amidst the vast array of Roosevelt dimes, the 1982-D issue stands out as a captivating anomaly. This coin was struck in Denver and was intended to be included in Uncirculated Coin Sets, a popular offering from the United States Mint. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Uncirculated Coin Sets were not produced in 1982 or 1983, leaving a void in the market and setting the stage for a numismatic mystery.

The Non-Mint Set Years: A Catalyst for Collector Interest

The absence of Uncirculated Coin Sets in 1982 and 1983 created a unique opportunity for collectors and investors alike. With no official sets to meet the demand for pristine examples, roll hoarders and coin dealers alike began to stockpile 1982 and 1983 Mint output, recognizing their potential value in the years to come.

Affordable Accessibility

Despite their historical significance, clad Roosevelt dimes, with the exception of a few key issues, are generally affordable. Circulation strikes with Full Bands (FB) designation and Cameo/Deep Cameo Special Mint Set coins from 1965 through 1967 command higher prices, while coins with additional price premiums include the No Mintmark issues: the 1982 circulation strike and the 1968, 1970, and 1983 Proofs. Prooflike circulation strikes are also listed in census/population reports.

Market Dynamics: A Complex Equation

The market for the 1982-D Roosevelt dime is a complex tapestry of factors that have shaped its value and desirability. Factors such as population reports, certification, and the availability of Mint State examples all play a crucial role in determining its worth.

Population Reports: A Glimpse into Supply and Demand

Population reports from reputable grading services such as NGC and PCGS offer valuable insights into the availability of Mint State examples of the 1982-D Roosevelt dime. While population reports can provide a snapshot of the supply, it is important to consider potential caveats.

Firstly, coins may be submitted for grading by multiple companies, creating the possibility of duplicate entries in the census data. Secondly, certified coins can be upgraded, leading to a discrepancy between the original grade and the current grade, which may not always be reflected in the census data.

Despite these potential pitfalls, population reports can still provide a general indication of the rarity and desirability of a particular coin.

The Role of Certification: A Path to Value Enhancement

For many collectors, certification serves as a powerful tool that can significantly enhance the value of a coin. Certification by a reputable grading service provides assurance of authenticity, grade, and condition, making coins more desirable to collectors and investors.

In the case of the 1982-D Roosevelt dime, certified examples generally command higher prices than raw coins, especially those in the MS66 grade and above. This premium reflects the increased assurance of authenticity and quality that comes with certification.

Assessing the Stability of Market Data: A Cautionary Tale

Market data for modern coins can be highly volatile, particularly after significant events that trigger profit-taking. Such events can lead to a sudden surge in submissions for grading, which can artificially inflate population reports.

The sudden influx of certified coins can drive down prices, as supply outpaces demand. This phenomenon was clearly demonstrated in the case of the 1995-W Silver Eagle, which experienced a dramatic decline in value after a record-setting sale in 2013.

In contrast, the 1982-D Roosevelt dime has not exhibited the same level of instability. Its population data has remained relatively stable, indicating limited collector interest in grading these coins.

Investment Potential: A Calculated Gamble

The relatively low cost of the 1982-D Roosevelt dime in Mint State makes it an attractive option for investors seeking potential returns. However, it is crucial to approach any investment in coins with a clear understanding of the risks involved.

The value of coins is influenced by a myriad of factors that can change over time, such as market demand, economic conditions, and the availability of new information. While the 1982-D Roosevelt dime does possess certain numismatic qualities that could enhance its value, it is important to be cognizant of the potential risks involved in any numismatic investment.

Intrinsic Value: A Modest Yet Meaningful Measure

As a circulating coin, the 1982-D Roosevelt dime carries an intrinsic value of 10 cents. While its numismatic value may fluctuate, its intrinsic value remains stable, providing a tangible base value that cannot be diminished by market forces.

Conclusion: A Coin of Historical Significance and Numismatic Intrigue

The 1982-D Roosevelt dime stands as a testament to the legacy of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a revered leader who guided the United States through unprecedented challenges. Its absence from Uncirculated Coin Sets has added an air of mystery to its history, making it a coin of both historical significance and numismatic intrigue.

Whether you are a seasoned collector, an aspiring investor, or simply an admirer of American coinage, the 1982-D Roosevelt dime is a captivating coin that invites exploration and appreciation. Its unique backstory, relatively affordable price, and potential investment opportunities make it an alluring addition to any collection or portfolio.