1982-S Proof

The 1982-S proof Roosevelt dime is the standard San Francisco proof issue for the year, struck to 3,857,479 pieces and distributed through Mint-packaged proof sets containing the cent, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, and Susan B. Anthony dollar. The 1982-S was produced under the same established San Francisco proof methodology used throughout the clad era: polished planchets, frosted devices, multiple slow strikes at elevated pressure, and the deeply mirrored fields that define the proof finish. The S mintmark was applied without any varietal complications during 1982, and no Type 1 / Type 2 mintmark transition affected this year's proof production, by 1982 the redesigned Clear-S punch had been established across the proof program for several years.

Authentication on the 1982-S checks the S mintmark for sharpness above the date, the mirror finish across the fields, and the frosted contrast on the portrait and the torch reverse. The 2.27 gram clad weight standard and 17.9 millimeter diameter apply, and the squared rims and acute device-to-field transitions distinguish genuine proof strikes from any prooflike circulation coin. PCGS and NGC designate Deep Cameo (DCAM) when frost contrast is strong across both sides, and Full Bands designation applies on the torch reverse to coins meeting the strike-quality threshold. The standard proof certification grade ladder runs from PR65 up through PR70 DCAM.

Sourcing the 1982-S in PR68 DCAM is straightforward through broken Mint proof sets and dealer inventory at modest premium over set value. PR69 DCAM is the typical specialist baseline and trades at higher but still accessible prices. The meaningful price tier is PR70 DCAM, where the certified population is meaningfully smaller and registry-set competition concentrates demand on the absolute-finest examples. The 1982-S carries no major varieties and represents the standard collector-tier proof entry for the year, providing a counterpart to the lower 1982-P and 1982-D circulating mintages and the famous No Mintmark error of the Philadelphia production. For the broader history of San Francisco proof production in the early-1980s clad era, see the Roosevelt Dime series history.