The 1983-P Roosevelt Dime: The 1983-P Roosevelt Dime is an intriguing piece of numismatic history, often overlooked but packed with historical significance. This dime, minted during a transitional period for the United States Mint, tells a story of evolving coinage, limited collector access, and the enduring allure of precision craftsmanship. While millions were minted, certain details and variations make it a prized find for numismatists.
This guide dives deep into the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime, exploring its origins, design, rarity, and market value. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just beginning your numismatic journey, this guide will help you understand why this dime deserves a closer look.
Key Facts About the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime
Below is an at-a-glance overview of the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime:
| Feature | Details |
| Mint Year | 1983 |
| Mintmark | P (Philadelphia) |
| Mintage | 647,025,000 |
| Designer | John R. Sinnock |
| Obverse Design | Left-facing profile of Franklin D. Roosevelt with LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST |
| Reverse Design | Torch, olive branch, and oak branch with E PLURIBUS UNUM |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Weight | 2.27 g |
| Diameter | 17.90 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Key Rarity | Full Torch specimens |
Historical Context: A Coin Born in a Transitional Era
The 1983-P Roosevelt Dime emerged during a unique time for the U.S. Mint. The Mint was focused on producing commemorative coins for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, which consumed significant resources across multiple facilities. In this context, the Mint decided for the second consecutive year to suspend the production of its annual uncirculated coin sets.
Without these sets, collectors faced the challenge of sourcing coins like the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime from general circulation. Circulation strikes were often subpar compared to coins from uncirculated sets, resulting in many examples with weak details and imperfect finishes. Despite its high mintage, finding well-struck examples became difficult, adding to the coin’s intrigue among collectors today.
A Closer Look at the Design
The 1983-P Roosevelt Dime continues the design tradition established in 1946, honoring Franklin D. Roosevelt for his leadership and contributions to public health and welfare.
Obverse Design
The obverse features a left-facing profile of President Roosevelt. Key details include:
- LIBERTY inscribed to the left of the portrait.
- IN GOD WE TRUST below the chin.
- The 1983 date and mintmark “P” positioned near Roosevelt’s neckline.
While minimalist in design, the obverse reflects Roosevelt’s enduring legacy, including his role in founding the March of Dimes campaign.
Reverse Design
The reverse, designed by John R. Sinnock, symbolizes American ideals of strength, peace, and unity. Its key elements include:
- A flaming torch, flanked by an olive branch (peace) and an oak branch (strength).
- The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, which translates to “Out of Many, One.”
- Encircling inscriptions reading UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DIME.
Why Full Torch Dimes Are So Rare
One of the most sought-after features of the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime is the Full Torch (FT) designation. Coins with this designation show fully separated and sharply defined lines on the torch’s vertical and horizontal bands on the reverse. However, such examples are exceedingly rare for this year due to a combination of factors:
- Worn Hub Designs: By 1983, the hubs used to create coin dies were losing detail, leading to a flat appearance on many coins.
- Circulation Wear: Since uncirculated coin sets were not issued, most dimes entered circulation, where they quickly wore down.
- High Mintage with Variability: The sheer volume of dimes struck at the Philadelphia Mint meant inconsistent strike quality.
Only a small fraction of 1983-P Roosevelt Dimes have been certified with the Full Torch designation, making them a prized find for collectors.
Market Value: What Is the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime Worth?
The value of the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime varies widely depending on its condition and designation. Here’s what collectors need to know:
- Circulated Coins: These typically hold a nominal numismatic value of about $1, given their wear and abundance.
- Uncirculated Coins: Raw, Mint State examples generally sell for around $6.
- Graded Specimens: Coins certified by PCGS or NGC can command significantly higher prices, especially with the Full Torch designation:
- NGC MS68FT: One example sold for $2,232.50 in 2015, highlighting its rarity and desirability.
- PCGS MS67FB: These coins can fetch over $500, depending on the collector demand.
The rarity of Full Torch specimens makes them especially valuable, with less than 2% of graded coins achieving this designation.
Tips for Collecting the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime
1. Seek Certified Coins
Certified coins from reputable grading companies like PCGS or NGC offer reliability and often retain higher market value. Look for coins graded Mint State 67 or higher for the best returns on investment.
2. Focus on Full Torch Specimens
Full Torch dimes are rare and significantly increase a coin’s value. If you’re investing, prioritize this designation to ensure long-term desirability.
3. Examine Strike Quality
Even without professional grading, coins with sharper details, especially on the torch and lettering, stand out as higher-quality examples.
FAQs About the 1983-P Roosevelt Dime
1. Why are Full Torch specimens so rare for this coin?
The weak hub designs used during this period, combined with wear from circulation, made it difficult for dimes to retain the sharp details needed for the Full Torch designation.
2. How can I identify a Full Torch dime?
Look closely at the torch on the reverse. Full Torch coins have clearly separated vertical and horizontal lines with no blending or weakness.
3. Are 1983-P Roosevelt Dimes worth collecting?
Yes, especially for those interested in modern U.S. coinage. Full Torch examples and high-grade specimens are particularly valuable.
4. How much is a circulated 1983-P Roosevelt Dime worth?
Circulated examples typically hold a nominal value of around $1 unless they possess rare features or errors.
5. What does the mintmark “P” stand for?
The “P” mintmark indicates that the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
Final Thoughts
The 1983-P Roosevelt Dime may not be the rarest U.S. coin, but its story, design, and the elusive Full Torch designation make it a fascinating piece for collectors. Its historical significance and unique challenges in achieving a high-grade example add to its allure. Whether you’re hunting for a sharp strike in circulation or investing in certified gems, this dime offers plenty of opportunities to enrich your collection.
Have thoughts or questions about this guide? Leave a comment or share your experiences collecting dimes! And don’t forget to explore more about rare coins and their hidden stories in your spare change.
