Expert: Ronald Fern - 8/8/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have found a 1977 dime without a P or any other stamp above the date. I have seen that the 1955 dime without a P is worth some money and was wondering if this could be worth anything as well.

ANSWER: Hi Rob:

Thanks for the opportunity to answer your question.

Your 1977P dime does not have a "P" mintmark. This is normal for that year. Your coin has no added value.

From wikipedia: "Since 1946 the Roosevelt dime has been minted every year. Through 1955, all three mints, Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco produced circulating coinage; production at San Francisco ended in 1955, resuming in 1968 with proof coinage only. Through 1964 "D" and "S" mintmarks can be found to the left of the torch. From 1968, the mintmarks have appeared above the date. None were used in 1965-67 and Philadelphia did not show a mintmark until 1980 (in 1982, an error left the "P" off a small number of dimes, which are now valuable)."

For more information on the U.S. dime, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dime_(United_States_coin)

You may want to check Ebay listings under US coins in the dime category to see if your coin is listed and what it is going for.

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the information on the Dime. I do have another question that you maybe able to help me with.
At the suggestion of a friend I have bought the 2012 Red Book and I have found that certain years are worth more than others, for instance it states that a 1983D quarter is worth $10 in MS-63 mintage and a P is worth $21. Why are these quarters worth more than say a 1980P that is valued at $1 with the same mintage. I have gone through 5 rolls of Quarters and found several 1983 Quarters and find it odd that so many would be found if they were worth that kind of money.

Answer
Hi Rob:

PAPAJACK gave a very good reply to your question back in 2004. That reason is valid today, and prices have gone up a bit.

Here's part of his reply and the link for you to read it all in detail. He also indicates why they are worth more to serious collectors. He said: "There were no official mint sets issued in 1982 and 1983. The coins were produced in very high quantities and no one thought to put aside some Brilliant Uncirculated Specimens. This has led to a shortage of high grade examples of the coins from these two years." See: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Coin-Collecting-2297/1983-quarters.htm

Hope this gives you the information you were looking for. Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. I hope you feel I should be nominated for top expert of the month.

Only about half of the people asking questions even bother to read my replies. Half of them rate me. I do not get paid for this. It is my attempt to pay back the hobby for the wonderful education I've received through coin collecting. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You Again and Continued Good Luck in your collecting.