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The Roosevelt Dime, introduced in 1946, honors President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his leadership and advocacy, particularly his association with the March of Dimes campaign. Designed by John R. Sinnock, this enduring coin remains a staple in U.S. currency, showcasing a timeless design that has seen minimal changes over nearly eight decades.
Key Specifications
Type 1: Silver (1946–1964)
- Designer: John R. Sinnock
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter: 17.9 mm
- Weight: 2.50 grams (38.58 grains)
- Edge: Reeded
- Business Strike Mintage: 6,595,617,673
- Proof Mintage: 19,837,717
Type 2: Clad (1965–Present)
- Designer: John R. Sinnock
- Composition: Pure copper core bonded with 75% copper, 25% nickel outer layers
- Diameter: 17.9 mm
- Weight: 2.27 grams (35.03 grains)
- Edge: Reeded
- Business Strike Mintage: Over 98 billion (as of 2020)
- Proof Mintage: Over 152 million (as of 2020)
Design Highlights
Obverse
The obverse features a portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, facing left, with the inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date. The designer's initials, "JS," appear at the base of the neck.
Reverse
The reverse depicts a torch flanked by olive and oak branches, symbolizing liberty, peace, and strength. Surrounding the central motif are the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DIME, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Historical Overview
Introduction and Significance
In response to President Roosevelt’s untimely passing in April 1945, the Treasury Department chose to honor his legacy by redesigning the dime, a denomination closely associated with his work on the March of Dimes campaign. The design was fast-tracked, and production began in late 1945, with the first coins released in early 1946.
Transition to Clad Coinage (1965)
The rising cost of silver led to a major shift in U.S. coinage. Starting in 1965, Roosevelt Dimes adopted a clad composition, featuring a pure copper core sandwiched between copper-nickel layers. This innovative design reduced production costs while maintaining a silver-like appearance.
Collectibility and Notable Varieties
Key Dates and Varieties
- 1949-S: A lower-mintage silver issue that is highly collectible.
- Proof No-S Dimes (1968, 1970, 1975, 1983): Rare proof issues missing the San Francisco mintmark.
- Full Bands Designation: Coins with fully separated bands on the reverse torch are highly sought after by collectors.
Full Bands (FB or FT)
Collectors prize Roosevelt Dimes with fully struck and separated horizontal bands on the torch. The designation "FB" (Full Bands) by PCGS and "FT" (Full Torch) by NGC signifies this feature. These coins command significant premiums, especially in higher grades like MS67 or MS68.
Collecting Roosevelt Dimes
Type Collectors
A single example of each type—silver and clad—offers an accessible way to include Roosevelt Dimes in a type set.
Date and Mintmark Sets
For those seeking a more comprehensive collection, assembling a set by year and mintmark provides a rewarding challenge.
Registry Set Collecting
The competition among registry collectors has driven demand for high-grade examples with the FB or FT designation, particularly for scarcer dates.
Why Collect Roosevelt Dimes?
The Roosevelt Dime is a cornerstone of modern U.S. numismatics. Its affordability, availability, and historical significance make it an appealing choice for collectors of all levels.
Shop Roosevelt Dimes at ParadimeCoins.com
Explore our extensive collection of Roosevelt Dimes, from early silver issues to high-grade FB/FT examples. Enhance your collection with these iconic coins by visiting ParadimeCoins.com today!
