Where is the mint mark on a 1967 dime? If you have a 1967 dime in your collection, you may be wondering about identifying details like the mint mark placement. Knowing where to look on your coin can provide clues into its origins and help determine any special value.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: There is no mint mark on a 1967 Roosevelt dime coins, since these coins were minted only in Philadelphia Mint facility.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to locate the mint mark on your 1967 Roosevelt dime and understand what that letter signifies about your coin’s history.
Understanding Mint Marks on Coins
A mint mark refers to a small letter or symbol on a coin indicating the mint facility that produced it. This allows collectors to identify where coins were made.
Definition of a Mint Mark
Mint marks are small, raised letters or symbols typically found on the obverse (front) or reverse (back) of a coin. Major mints in the U.S. have specific mint marks like ‘D’ for Denver or ‘S’ for San Francisco to denote origin.
Mint Mark Locations and Styles Over the Years
On earlier U.S. coins until the mid-1800s, mint marks were hand-punched into coin dies and can appear in different positions. Now they are precisely machine-punched but location has varied.
For example, on Mercury dimes (1916–1945) the mint mark is found on the reverse side near the bottom under the fasces symbol. On a 1967 Roosevelt dime it’s on the obverse below the date.
Key U.S. Mint Facilities and Marks
Mint Mark | Facility Location |
None (blank) | Philadelphia, PA |
D | Denver, CO |
S | San Francisco, CA |
W | West Point, NY |
So a 1967 dime with a ‘D’ mint mark means it was struck at the Denver Mint. Knowing the mint is important for collecting and determining value.
Finding the Mint Mark on a 1967 Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt dime is one of the most iconic coin designs in U.S. history. First minted in 1946, the dime features a left-facing profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse and a torch flanked by an olive branch and oak branch on the reverse.
But where is that important mint mark located?
About the Roosevelt Dime Design
The Roosevelt dime replaced the Mercury dime in 1946, shortly after FDR’s death. The design is intended as a memorial tribute to the late president. In addition to FDR’s portrait, the coin also features inscriptions of the date, motto “E Pluribus Unum,” and declaration “Liberty.”
The reverse design depicts a flaming torch representing freedom, democracy, and liberty. The olive branch symbolizes peace while the oak branch symbolizes strength and independence. Together, these symbols encapsulate values that FDR promoted as president.
Locating the 1967 Dime’s Mint Mark
Unlike today’s dimes, the 1967 dimes have their mint mark located on the reverse (tail’s side) of the coin, directly below the torch. You’ll need to flip your 1967 Roosevelt dime over to check for a mint mark.
With a magnifying glass, check the space under the center of the torch. If there is no letter visible, then you have a coin minted in Philadelphia. If you see a letter, that letter indicates which U.S. mint facility struck the coin that year:
- “D” = Struck at the Denver Mint
- “S” = Struck at the San Francisco Mint
About 506 million dimes were minted in 1967 across all three U.S. Mints. So there is a plentiful supply, though finding one in top condition can still carry numismatic value!
Possible 1967 Dime Mint Marks
Here is a quick overview of the possible mint marks to look for on your 1967 dime:
Mint Mark | Mint Location | Mintage |
---|---|---|
No mint mark (Philadelphia) | Philadelphia, PA | 289,320,000 |
D (Denver) | Denver, CO | 217,000,000 |
S (San Francisco) | San Francisco, CA | 55,500,000 |
As you can see, the Philadelphia Mint struck over half of the 506 million dimes in 1967. Denver minted almost as many, while San Francisco trailed behind substantially. Key dates for the series include the lower mintage 1982-D and 1982-S.
So now you know where to look to find that important mint mark on your 1967 Roosevelt dime! Check the reverse under the torch for a D, S, or blank space indicating Philadelphia. Happy coin hunting! 🪙
Deciphering Mint Marks to Determine Origins and Value
Linking Mint Marks to Facilities
Mint marks are small letters stamped on coins to indicate which US mint facility was responsible for producing the coins. For example, a 1967 dime with a “D” mint mark was struck at the Denver mint facility.
Knowing the mint mark provides numismatists and coin collectors with useful information about a coin’s origins and sometimes its potential value.
There were only three active US mint facilities in 1967 that produced dimes for general circulation – Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D) and San Francisco (S). So a 1967 dime will either have no mint mark, indicating it was struck at the Philadelphia mint, or it will bear a D or S.
The condition and scarcity of 1967 dimes varies across the three mints. According to the NGC coin grading service, the Philadelphia mint produced over 588 million dimes in 1967. Denver produced considerably less at 136 million. And San Francisco minted just 8 million dimes that year.
Condition and Scarcity Affect Value Too
While the mint marks provide useful production information, other factors like condition and scarcity determine real collector value. An uncirculated “proof” 1967 dime, specially struck for collectors with a mirror-like surface, can be worth over $10 regardless of its mint mark.
Circulated dimes with heavy wear are worth just the silver melt value, around $1.50 in today’s market.
For collectors seeking better condition common date dimes, a 1967 Philadelphia may only bring $2-3. But a comparable 1967 Denver or San Francisco dime might sell for $5-10. There were fewer coined at those mints.
And Denver and San Francisco dimes tend to circulate less, finding their way into collections earlier, so higher grade surviving examples can be difficult to find.
So a 1967 dime can be worth anywhere from face value to many multiples of its original 10 cent cost, depending largely on condition and mint mark. While all 1967 dimes are common, those bearing a D or S indicate a coin struck at a then smaller capacity mint, making it slightly scarcer and more appealing to collectors.
Authenticating and Grading Your 1967 Dime
Detecting Alterations or Counterfeits
When collecting vintage coins like the 1967 dime, it’s important to authenticate them and check for alterations or counterfeits. Some signs to look out for:
- Compare the weight, color, diameter, and thickness to a known authentic 1967 dime
- Examine the coin under a magnifying glass or microscope to check for signs of tooling, filling, or reshaping
- Verify the mint mark – a 1967 dimes should have a prominent D mint mark for the Denver mint or no mint mark for Philadelphia
According to coin experts, only 1 in 10,000 counterfeit coins can pass these basic authentication tests. Checking for alterations is essential before having your 1967 dime professionally graded.
Professional Coin Grading Services
Once authenticated, consider having your vintage 1967 dime professionally graded and certified to determine its exact condition and value. Top third-party grading services like PCGS and NGC will:
- Classify the coin’s condition on a numeric scale from 1 to 70
- Safeguard it in a tamper-proof sonically-sealed case with the grade listed
- Provide an official certification with details on the coin’s characteristics
For example, a 1967 dime certified MS-65 by PCGS sold for $5,750 in a 2022 auction according to PCGS CoinFacts. Getting a professional grade makes a big difference compared to raw coins selling for bullion value!
Caring for and Displaying Your Vintage Coin
Safe Handling and Storage Tips
Vintage coins like your 1967 Roosevelt dime deserve special care and handling to preserve their condition and value over time. Here are some tips from professional coin collectors and dealers:
- Always hold the coin by its edges to avoid touching the surface. Skin oils and dirt can damage the coin’s finish.
- Store coins in archival quality holders or albums made from inert materials like high-density polyethylene plastics. Avoid materials that contain PVC.
- Keep coins in a cool, dry place away from humidity. A consistent temperature around 70°F is ideal.
- Only use cotton gloves or acid-free tissue when handling uncirculated vintage coins.
- Do not clean vintage coins as this can drastically reduce their value. Instead, have them conserved by a professional numismatist.
Following these best practices will ensure your 1967 Roosevelt dime retains its beauty and value for generations to come. Collectors say that caring for your coins properly is just as important as caring for your other valuables like jewelry or artwork.
Showcasing Your Coin in Style
Once you’ve preserved its condition, you’ll want to showcase your vintage 1967 dime for all to admire. Here are some clever display ideas from fellow coin aficionados:
- Display it in an acrylic coin holder or lucite slab graded and certified by NGC or PCGS. This encapsulates and protects the coin while putting its front and back on view.
- Exhibit it in a vintage frame shadow box along with other keepsakes from 1967 like photos, newspaper clips or stamps.
- Create a rotating display stand so you can show off both sides of the coin along with information about that year’s mintage numbers.
- Have it set as jewelry into a 1967 dime ring or pendant by a jeweler or eBay artisan.
However you choose to show off your coin, be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight which can cause damage over time. Positioning it near a strong light source will make details like the mint mark really stand out.
Coin collecting experts say “coins this special deserve to be seen”! With a little creativity you can honor its history while showing off your stellar find.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you understand where to find the mint mark on your 1967 dime, what the different mint marks signify, and keys to protecting the collectability of your coin. Checking for that small letter is an important first step towards tracing your coin’s backstory.
Learning about mint marks not only tells you how rare your vintage dime is but also links you to the wider legacy of coinage history in the United States. So go ahead and pull out that microscope to spot the tiny detail that makes your 1967 dime special.