1996-P Roosevelt Dime

This is a United States ten-cent coin, commonly known as a Roosevelt Dime. The obverse features the profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt facing left. This specific example was minted in 1996 at the Philadelphia Mint, indicated by the 'P' mint mark positioned above the date. The coin is composed of a cupronickel clad over a pure copper core, resulting in its standard silver-colored appearance and visible copper edge (though the edge is not fully visible here). Based on the image, the coin exhibits significant signs of wear and surface degradation. The strike appears somewhat soft in the hair details and high points of the face. There are numerous contact marks, localized pitting, and dark spots across the field and Roosevelt's portrait, suggesting it has spent considerable time in circulation. The peripheral lettering 'LIBERTY' and the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' show shelf-like doubling or wear-flattening, common in high-volume circulation strikes. The rim appears mostly intact but shows small nicks consistent with commercial baggage marks. This piece represents a modern era circulation coin with no immediate signs of rare errors, though its poor surface condition would likely categorize it in a lower grade such as Fine or Very Fine.

I have conducted a visual examination of the 1996-P Roosevelt Dime. The specimen appears authentic, exhibiting the standard cupronickel-clad composition and diagnostic design elements consistent with Philadelphia Mint issues of that year. However, the coin shows significant signs of heavy circulation, including localized pitting, surface abrasions, and flattened relief on the high points of Roosevelt's hair and the facial profile. I would grade this coin between Fine (F) and Very Fine (VF). Market conditions for modern Roosevelt Dimes are driven strictly by rarity or exceptionally high-grade Mint State designations (MS67+). As a common-date circulation strike with over 1.4 billion units minted, this piece possesses no numismatic premium or bullion value. Comparables for this condition consistently sell at face value. Factors impacting value include the lack of 'Full Torch' details on the reverse and the prevalence of contact marks. This appraisal is based solely on digital imagery. For absolute verification of authenticity and a definitive grade, a physical inspection using a 10x jeweler’s loupe and precise weight measurements (standard 2.268 grams) would be required. No further scientific testing or provenance documentation is necessary for a coin of this low market value.