1983-P Roosevelt Dime : A Collector’s Guide:- The 1983-P Roosevelt Dime is an often overlooked yet fascinating coin for collectors and numismatists. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this dime is part of the Roosevelt Dime series, which has been in circulation since 1946.
Though it may not stand out like some other rarities or error coins, the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime holds its place in the annals of U.S. coinage history. Understanding its significance, value, and the factors that contribute to its appeal will help both novice and seasoned collectors appreciate its worth.
In this guide, we will delve into the key aspects of the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime, from its minting history and design to its value and collectability. Additionally, we will discuss the types of errors that can increase its value and provide answers to common questions about this coin.
A Brief History of the Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt Dime was introduced in 1946, replacing the Mercury Dime, which had been in circulation since 1916. The coin was designed by John R. Sinnock, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, and it features a profile of President Franklin D.
Roosevelt, who passed away in 1945. The Roosevelt Dime was introduced as a tribute to the late president, whose leadership during the Great Depression and World War II left an indelible mark on American history.
The 1983-P Roosevelt Dime, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, was part of the series minted during the early 1980s.
Dimes minted at the Philadelphia Mint in this era are notable for being produced without a mintmark, meaning the “P” mintmark that is typically seen on coins from Philadelphia was absent from most coins struck in this period.
Design of the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime
Like all Roosevelt Dimes, the 1983-P coin features two primary design elements:
Obverse (Front): The obverse (front) of the coin displays the profile of Franklin D. Roosevelt, designed by John R. Sinnock. Surrounding Roosevelt’s image are the words “Liberty” (at the top), “In God We Trust” (on the left), and the year of issue (1983).
The coin’s design is simple and elegant, capturing the dignified nature of Roosevelt himself.
Reverse (Back): The reverse of the coin features a torch, olive branch, and oak branch, symbolizing freedom, peace, and strength, respectively.
The words “E Pluribus Unum” (meaning “Out of many, one”) and “United States of America” are inscribed along with the denomination “One Dime.”
While the design of the Roosevelt Dime has remained largely the same since its introduction, the 1983-P version continues the tradition of producing a clean and recognizable look that remains popular with both collectors and the general public.
1983-P Roosevelt Dime Minting and Circulation
In 1983, the United States Mint produced a large quantity of dimes. The total mintage of 1983-P Roosevelt Dimes was approximately 518,912,000 coins, making it a common coin in terms of production.
These dimes were circulated widely and saw significant use as everyday currency during the 1980s. Given the high mintage, the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime is not considered rare or scarce in itself.
However, just because a coin is common does not necessarily mean it has no value beyond its face value of 10 cents. Like any coin, its value is influenced by factors such as condition, errors, and demand in the numismatic market.
The 1983-P Roosevelt Dime is still of interest to collectors, especially those who focus on complete Roosevelt Dime sets, as the coin is part of the ongoing series.
Factors Influencing the Value of the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime
1. Condition (Grade)
The condition of a coin is one of the most important factors affecting its value. Coins are graded based on their overall appearance and level of wear, with higher grades commanding more value. For the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime, the following grading scale is typically used:
- Good (G-4): The coin is heavily worn, with many of the details on Roosevelt’s image and the reverse design worn away. The value of a Good grade 1983-P Roosevelt Dime is close to face value.
- Fine (F-12): The coin shows some wear, but Roosevelt’s portrait and the reverse design are still clearly visible. A Fine grade coin could be worth around 25 to 50 cents.
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): The coin shows light wear, and most of the finer details are visible. The value of an Extremely Fine 1983-P Roosevelt Dime may range from $1 to $2.
- Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-70): Coins in Uncirculated condition show no signs of wear, with all the original details intact. A highly graded 1983-P Roosevelt Dime could be worth between $5 and $10, though most coins in uncirculated condition will be closer to $3 to $5.
2. Mint Errors
One of the most exciting aspects of collecting coins is the potential for discovering mint errors. Minting errors occur during the production process and can create unique, valuable coins. Common errors found in Roosevelt Dimes include:
- Off-center strikes: These occur when the coin is not properly aligned with the die during minting. Off-center coins can be worth a premium, depending on the extent of the misalignment.
- Double dies: A double die error occurs when the design is struck twice, causing certain elements of the coin (like the date or the lettering) to appear doubled. These coins can be worth more to collectors.
- Clipped planchets: A clipped planchet occurs when the metal disc that is punched out to make the coin is not fully circular, leading to a missing piece at the edge of the coin.
- Die cracks and die breaks: These errors occur when the mint dies (used to strike the coin) crack or break, creating raised lines or unusual features on the coin. While not always highly valuable, die cracks on a Roosevelt Dime can still increase its value slightly.
If you come across a 1983-P Roosevelt Dime with any of these errors, it may be worth significantly more than its face value.
Where to Buy and Sell the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime
Collectors looking to purchase or sell the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime can typically find the coin in several places:
- Coin Shops: Local coin dealers often carry a selection of Roosevelt Dimes, including the 1983-P variety. If you’re lucky, you might even find one in excellent condition or with an interesting mint error.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Amazon, and GreatCollections are popular platforms for buying and selling coins. Be sure to check the seller’s reviews and reputation before making a purchase.
- Coin Shows and Conventions: Coin shows are a great place to find a wide variety of coins, including Roosevelt Dimes. Many collectors also attend shows to buy, sell, or trade coins with others.
- Auction Houses: For higher-value coins or rare errors, auction houses specializing in numismatics may be a good place to find or sell the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime.
Is the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime rare?
No, the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime is not considered rare. With a mintage of over 518 million coins, it is quite common in circulation. However, high-quality or error coins can still be valuable.
How much is a 1983-P Roosevelt Dime worth?
A typical 1983-P Roosevelt Dime is worth its face value of 10 cents if it is in circulated condition. However, coins in Uncirculated or Mint State condition can be worth $3 to $10. Error coins or rare specimens could be worth more.
What should I look for when collecting 1983-P Roosevelt Dimes?
Focus on finding coins in good condition, preferably Uncirculated or Mint State coins. Also, watch for mint errors, like off-center strikes or double dies, as these can increase the coin’s value.
ALSO SEE : The 1976 Bicentennial Quarters: Are They Worth More Than Face Value?
Can a 1983-P Roosevelt Dime have a mint error?
Yes, mint errors such as double dies, off-center strikes, and clipped planchets can occur and make a 1983-P Roosevelt Dime more valuable. If you find one with these errors, it could be worth more than a standard dime.
