A Satin Finish Specimen from the Inaugural Year of Special Mint Sets

This listing offers a remarkable and highly collectible piece of modern American numismatics. It is a 2005-P Roosevelt Dime, officially certified by the Independent Coin Graders, or ICG, at the prestigious SP69, or Specimen 69, grade. This coin features a distinctive satin finish and is part of a complete 22-coin P&D set, certified as number 013 of 999. The coin is encapsulated in a clear protective ICG slab. The reverse of the slab states, "This set contains Inaugural Year Satin Finish Specimen coins. This 22-coin set is certified by ICG."

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 included a total of 22 coins from both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, featuring the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel with both the 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 22-coin collection and is certified as number 013 of a limited 999-piece set.

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 was created by Mint Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock.

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 P 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: Philadelphia, P 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: 17.9 millimeters
Edge: Reeded
Mintage: 1,160,000 pieces
Set Information: Number 013 of 999, Complete 22-Coin P&D Set

Understanding the SP69 Designation

SP, or Specimen, indicates a specially produced coin with a unique satin 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. PCGS population data shows that SP69 is the highest grade with examples available, as no SP70 specimens have been graded.

This coin has been authenticated and graded by ICG, or Independent Coin Graders. It is securely encapsulated in a protective slab and certified as number 013 of a 999-piece Inaugural Year Satin Finish Specimen 22-coin P&D set, making it a low-numbered example from a limited production run. The reverse of the slab confirms, "This set contains Inaugural Year Satin Finish Specimen coins. This 22-coin set is certified by ICG."

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 an inaugural year issue, as 2005 was the first year the United States Mint produced 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 limited edition pedigree, as this is number 013 of only 999 sets, a low-numbered example from a scarce limited edition.

This coin is more than currency. It is a satin finish specimen from the inaugural year of Special Mint Sets, offering a near-perfect Roosevelt Dime in a low-numbered limited edition. 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 h

• Low Estimate: 75.00
• High Estimate: 150.00