The 1983-P Roosevelt Dime is an important coin for collectors, not because it is exceptionally uncommon or desirable, but because of its significance in the history of the United States minting process and the minor details that make it unique.
Here’s a full guide to the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime and its popularity among collectors.
Background: The Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt Dime was first presented in 1946 to commemorate President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who died in 1945.
The currency, designed by John R. Sinnock, displays a portrait of Roosevelt on the front and a torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the reverse, representing liberty, peace, and strength, respectively.
Though the design has stayed mostly unaltered over the decades, tiny variations in the minting process and production faults make particular years more noteworthy to collectors.
Why the 1983-P Dime Matters
The 1983-P Roosevelt Dime is often a subject of interest among collectors for several reasons, but it is not rare in the traditional sense. Instead, collectors focus on certain factors that can influence its value.
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1. Mintmark:
The “P” mintmark was used on 1983 Roosevelt Dimes because it was the first year the Philadelphia Mint began adding mintmarks to coins produced there, in an effort to distinguish them from those minted at other locations. Prior to this, coins minted in Philadelphia didn’t carry a mintmark. The 1983-P Dime stands out for being part of this historical shift.
2. Striking and Design:
Though the design of the Roosevelt Dime remains consistent, changes in the minting process over the years, including the quality of strikes and planchet preparation, make certain years and mints more attractive to collectors.
While the 1983-P dime is not rare, well-struck examples with minimal flaws or wear are sought after by those looking for coins in higher grades.
3. Mintage Numbers:
In 1983, the U.S. Mint produced over 2 billion dimes at the Philadelphia Mint (with the “P” mintmark). The sheer volume of coins means that most 1983-P dimes are not valuable in and of themselves, though they remain important in terms of their role in the broader history of U.S. coinage.
However, finding a dime in high-grade condition (MS-65 or higher) or with an interesting error could significantly increase its value.
Value and Rarity of the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime
As mentioned, the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime is not particularly rare. In general, most are valued at or near their face value of 10 cents in circulated condition. However, higher-quality examples and rare error varieties can command premiums.
Typical Values for 1983-P Dimes:
- Circulated Condition (Good to Fine): These coins are typically worth only face value or slightly more, usually 10 to 15 cents, depending on demand.
- Uncirculated Condition (MS-60 to MS-63): Dimes that are well-preserved and have minimal wear can sell for about 50 cents to $1.
- High-Grade Coins (MS-65 or higher): Coins that have been well-preserved, with sharp details, minimal bag marks, and attractive luster, can fetch around $3 to $5, sometimes a little more if the coin has an exceptional appearance.
