A Modern Specimen with a Distinctive Satin Finish

This listing offers a remarkable and highly collectible piece of modern American numismatics. It is a 2005-D Roosevelt Dime, officially certified by the Independent Coin Graders, or ICG, at the prestigious SP69, or Specimen 69, grade. The coin features a unique satin finish, distinguishing it from both standard business strikes and brilliant proofs. It is part of a complete 22-coin P&D set containing Inaugural Year Satin Finish Specimen coins, with this coin certified as number 012 from that set.

Historical Context: The 2005 Satin Finish Special Mint Sets

In 2005, the United States Mint introduced a new type of collector product: the Special Mint Set, which featured coins with a special Satin Finish. These coins were not intended for circulation and were sold exclusively to collectors by the United States Mint. The satin finish strikes were better struck than regular circulation coins, with most examples ranging from MS67 to SP69 condition.

The 2005 Special Mint Sets were offered in two configurations: an 11-coin set from the Philadelphia Mint and an 11-coin set from the Denver Mint. Together, these formed a complete 22-coin set featuring both P and D mint marks of the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel with both Ocean in View and American Bison designs, Roosevelt Dime, all five Statehood Quarters, Kennedy Half Dollar, and Sacagawea Dollar. This coin comes from that complete collection.

The Roosevelt Dime Series

The Roosevelt Dime was first issued in 1946, the year after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The dime was a natural choice to honor FDR, who had been instrumental in the March of Dimes fundraising campaign to combat polio, the disease that left him paralyzed. The obverse portrait, created by Mint Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, has been described as a precise, detailed portrait which shows full force of character amid a faithful portrayal.

Design and Specifications

The obverse, designed by John R. Sinnock, features a left-facing portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The word LIBERTY appears on the left periphery, IN GOD WE TRUST horizontally at 7 o'clock, and the date 2005 with the D mint mark on the right side. The reverse features a torch of liberty flanked by olive branches, symbolizing freedom and peace. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DIME encircle the periphery.

Product Specifications

Denomination: 10 Cents, Dime
Year: 2005
Mint: Denver, D mint mark
Grade: SP69
Certification: ICG
Strike Type: Specimen, Satin Finish
Designer: John R. Sinnock
Composition: Outer layers of 75 percent Copper and 25 percent Nickel over a pure Copper center
Weight: 2.27 grams
Diameter: 17.90 millimeters
Edge: Reeded
Mintage: 1,160,000 pieces
Set Information: Number 012 of 22-Coin Complete P&D Set

Understanding the SP69 Designation

SP, or Specimen, indicates a specially produced coin with a unique finish, distinct from both business strikes, or MS, and proofs, or PR. The 2005 Satin Finish coins are officially designated as Specimen strikes. The 69 grade indicates a near-perfect coin with exceptional eye appeal and virtually no visible imperfections under magnification. In the PCGS Condition Census for the 2005-D Satin Finish Dime, SP69 is the second-highest grade achievable, with only SP70 specimens ranking higher.

This coin has been authenticated and graded by ICG, or Independent Coin Graders. It is securely encapsulated in a protective slab with certification details, verifying its status as number 012 of a 22-coin Complete P&D Set featuring Inaugural Year Satin Finish Specimen coins.

Why This Coin Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This coin carries certified authenticity and grade, as the ICG slab provides expert verification of the coin's genuineness and near-perfect SP69 grade. It features a unique finish, with the satin finish being a distinctive Special Mint Set issue, different from both regular circulation strikes and brilliant proofs. It is a historic first year issue, as 2005 was the inaugural year for the United States Mint's Satin Finish Special Mint Sets. It features a classic Roosevelt design, with the enduring portrait of FDR by John R. Sinnock, a design that has remained largely unchanged since 1946. Most of all, it carries a complete set pedigree, as this coin comes from a complete 22-coin P&D set, adding collectible pedigree as number 012 of that set.

This coin is more than currency. It is a modern specimen with a distinctive satin finish, offering a near-perfect example from the inaugural year of Special Mint Sets. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

The auction is live. Coins of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.

Dimension

• Low Estimate: 75.00
• High Estimate: 150.00