1946 10C Roosevelt Dime
The 1946 Roosevelt Dime, minted at the Philadelphia Mint, serves as the inaugural year of the Roosevelt Dime series, which replaced the Mercury Dime in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who passed away in 1945. This transition was particularly fitting as Roosevelt had been instrumental in the founding of the March of Dimes, a campaign focused on combating polio.
Mintage and Mint
The 1946 10C holds a mintage of 255,250,000 pieces, though it stands as a common issue in the context of Roosevelt Dimes. This significant mintage reflects the immediate demand for new coins bearing Roosevelt's likeness, making it readily available to collectors even today.
Numismatic Perspective
From a numismatic point of view, the 1946 dime is often prized more for its historical significance than its rarity. The coin plays a crucial role in U.S. numismatics as it marks the beginning of a new era in dime design and honors a beloved U.S. president. Collectors often seek this piece to complete sets, especially focusing on examples with Full Bands—a designation that describes full, uninterrupted lines across the fascia bands on the torch of the reverse, indicating a well-struck coin.
Value and Sales
Due to its commonality, the value of a 1946 Regular Strike Roosevelt Dime varies primarily with regard to its condition. In circulated grades, these dimes are largely worth their silver content, which fluctuates with the current market. However, in MS65 condition, these coins can be valued higher, roughly in the range of $15 to $30. Prices can rise sharply for coins graded MS67 or higher, especially those possessing the scarce Full Bands designation. Sales records from online auctions and shops have shown that an MS68 specimen might fetch several hundred dollars, reflecting the desirability of high-grade examples. Without citing specific auctioneers, it's been noted that such premium offerings often draw heightened competition among collectors.
PCGS Information:
The 1946-P Roosevelt Dime holds a PCGS Number of 5090, an essential identifier for collectors and dealers referencing the Professional Coin Grading Service database. PCGS, regarded as a leader in third-party grading and authentication, provides detailed census data and price guides valuable to numismatists.
Additional Information from Reliable Sources:
Various reliable numismatic resources elaborate on the coin's specifics. For example, CoinFacts.com often highlights the importance of the Roosevelt Dime series in the broader context of American coins, emphasizing its design simplicity and robust symbolism—features that lent themselves well to mass production and widespread circulation. Overall, the 1946 10C, while not scarce, is a cornerstone for contemporary collectors interested in 20th-century U.S. coinage due to its rich historical background, connection to President Roosevelt, and evolving designs over its subsequent decades.
