1988-P United States Roosevelt Dime (Likely Plated or Novelty)
Coin (Numismatic/Novelty) · None (Base Metal with potential Yellow Gold Plating)
Purity: Non-Solid / Likely 0% Gold Content. Standard Roosevelt Dimes from 1988 are composed of a copper core with a copper-nickel cladding (75% copper, 25% nickel). If gold in appearance, it is likely aftermarket gold plating (0.1 to 0.5 microns thick).
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Novelty)
Purity
Non-Solid / Likely 0% Gold Content. Standard Roosevelt Dimes from 1988 are composed of a copper core with a copper-nickel cladding (75% copper, 25% nickel). If gold in appearance, it is likely aftermarket gold plating (0.1 to 0.5 microns thick).
Gold Type
None (Base Metal with potential Yellow Gold Plating)
Weight
2.268 grams (standard mint weight)
Description
A standard circulating 1988 Roosevelt Dime featuring the left-facing profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This coin is minted in a base metal copper-nickel composition. While the image shows a metallic coin, any yellow-gold appearance would be the result of secondary market gold-plating often sold in novelty sets or as 'gold-layered' collectibles.
Key Features
Portrait of FDR; 1988 date; 'P' mint mark indicating Philadelphia origin; sharp 'LIBERTY' lettering near the left rim.
Color & Finish
Silver-white metallic luster characteristic of cupro-nickel cladding. High-relief areas show standard circulation wear with a satin to semi-reflective field typical of business strikes.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'P' Mint Mark (Philadelphia Mint); 'JS' designer initials (John Sinnock) on the base of the neck; Obverse legends 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST'.
Dimensions Estimate
17.91 mm diameter; 1.35 mm thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge (118 reeds)
Chain & Links
N/A - Solid struck planchet
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck using steel dies; consistent rim height and reeding; standard US Mint business strike quality.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the 'P' mint mark and 1988 date confirms this is a standard US circulation coin. Genuine gold coins are never issued in the 'Dime' denomination with this design; any gold coloration is a thin surface plating that holds negligible gold value.
Origin & Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia Facility)
Era & Period
Modern Era (Roosevelt Dime series produced 1946-Present)
Age Estimate
Dated 1988; approximately 36 years old
Cultural Significance
A symbol of American resilience through the Great Depression and WWII; continues to be the primary 10-cent unit of currency in the United States.
Condition Notes
About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS) - The coin shows minor surface bag marks and light circulation friction on the high points of the hair and cheek.
Value Estimate
Face Value ($0.10 USD). If aftermarket gold-plated, it may retail for $1.00-$5.00 as a novelty, but contains no significant melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish if numismatic value is desired. Store in a PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent environmental toning/oxidation.
Similar Items
1988-S Proof Roosevelt Dime (struck for collectors); 1964 90% Silver Roosevelt Dime (the last year of silver circulation strikes).
Interesting Facts
The Roosevelt Dime was introduced in 1946 shortly after FDR's death to honor his support of the March of Dimes. 1988 was the year the US Mint produced over 1.1 billion dimes at the Philadelphia facility.