1996w by henrysmedford, on Flickr
The 1996-W Roosevelt Dime was released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the series. This issue is notable because of its relatively low mintage and the use of the “W” mint mark. Typically, this mint mark has only been used for bullion or commemorative coin issues, struck in gold, silver, or platinum.
The coin was only released as part of the 1996 Mint Set. This annual uncirculated coin set was available for purchase from the United States Mint at an original cost of $8.00. Examples of each of the circulating coins from the Philadelphia and Denver Mints were included, along with the specially produced 1996-W dime, which came in a small individual cellophane pack.
Sales of the 1996 Mint Set reached 1,457,000, which was slightly higher than typical at the time. This figure also became the mintage of the 1996-W Roosevelt Dime, which made it the lowest mintage regular issue of the series. Individually, the coins sell at a premium, which also carries over to complete versions of the mint set, which contain the coin.
Higher grade examples of the 1996-W Roosevelt Dime are abundant since the coins were specially handled and issued within US Mint packaged Mint Sets. Some examples have been graded as high as MS69 by PCGS or NGC. The coins are also sometimes found with proof like qualities.
