1967 D Roosevelt Error Dime/unique. Shipped with USPS Ground Advantage.
The Enigmatic 1967-D Roosevelt Error Dime: A Numismatic Anomaly
The world of numismatics is filled with treasures, not all of which are pristine examples of perfection. In fact, some of the most sought-after coins are those that bear the marks of an error, a rare mistake from the minting process that makes a common coin a one-of-a-kind artifact. The coin depicted in the image is a prime example of such a rarity—a 1967-D Roosevelt dime, uniquely marred by a significant error that sets it apart from the billions of other dimes produced that year. This coin is not just a piece of currency; it’s a testament to a fleeting moment in time, a numismatic anomaly that tells a story of an imperfect system. This “1967 D Roosevelt Error Dime” is truly “unique” and would be an exceptional addition to any collection.
The year 1967 was a pivotal and tumultuous time for American coinage. Due to a nationwide shortage of coins, the U.S. Mint suspended the use of mint marks on all coins produced between 1965 and 1967. This was done to prevent hoarding by collectors who sought to acquire coins from specific mints. Consequently, dimes struck at the Denver Mint in 1967—which would normally bear a “D” mint mark—were produced without it. This makes the coin’s description as a “1967 D Roosevelt Error Dime” both accurate in its origin (struck at the Denver Mint) and unique in its nature, as no standard 1967 dime should have a mint mark. However, the error on this particular coin is not the presence of a mint mark, but something far more unusual and visually striking.
The most noticeable feature of this dime is its distorted and ghostly appearance. The coin’s surface is not clean and sharp like a typical coin. Instead, the design elements—the torch, the olive branch, and the oak branch—appear blurry, almost as if they were struck through a liquid or a porous material. The lettering “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME” are also indistinct. This is a classic example of a “struck through grease” or “struck through debris” error. During the high-speed minting process, a foreign substance such as grease, oil, or a small piece of cloth or debris can accumulate on the surface of the die. When the die strikes a blank coin, the substance acts as a cushion, preventing the full force of the strike from reaching the coin’s surface. The result is a coin with weakened, blurry, or missing details, as seen here. The specific, almost “washed out” look of this dime suggests a significant amount of debris was present on the die, making the error particularly dramatic and visually compelling.
Furthermore, this coin’s error is compounded by what appears to be a double-strike or a slightly off-center strike, contributing to the overall hazy and distorted look. The central part of the design, particularly the torch, seems to have a faint ghosting effect, a telltale sign of a double strike where the die struck the coin more than once, but slightly out of alignment. The combination of these multiple errors—the struck-through debris and the possible double strike—makes this coin a truly “unique” specimen.
For collectors, a coin with such a combination of errors is a rare find. It’s a testament to the imperfections of the manufacturing process and an example of how a simple mistake can turn a common object into a valuable and fascinating rarity. Unlike a more common coin, which is valued for its condition and history, this error dime is valued for its very imperfection. Its value lies not in its beauty or perfection, but in its uniqueness and the story it tells. For the discerning numismatist, a coin like this is a prized possession, a perfect example of how the “unique” and the “imperfect” can become the most valuable treasures in a collection. This coin, shipped with USPS Ground Advantage, represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of numismatic history—a ghostly relic of an imperfect but captivating past.
