Designed by: John R. Sinnock
Issue Dates: 1965 to date
Composition: Pure copper core to which a copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) is bonded
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.27 grams (35.03 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 98,098,260,940 (Through 2020)
Proof Mintage: 152,687,998 (Through 2020)

A Modern Era Begins: The Introduction of Clad Roosevelt Dimes (1965–Present)

In 1965, the U.S. Mint introduced a major change to American ... Read More

Designed by: John R. Sinnock
Issue Dates: 1965 to date
Composition: Pure copper core to which a copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) is bonded
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.27 grams (35.03 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 98,098,260,940 (Through 2020)
Proof Mintage: 152,687,998 (Through 2020)

A Modern Era Begins: The Introduction of Clad Roosevelt Dimes (1965–Present)

In 1965, the U.S. Mint introduced a major change to American coinage by eliminating silver from circulating dimes. The new Roosevelt dime composition featured a clad structure: a copper-nickel alloy bonded to a pure copper core. Visually similar to the prior 90% silver dimes, these coins display a copper edge when viewed in profile.

Despite the shift in metallic content, the classic Roosevelt design, in use since 1946, was retained. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, while the reverse displays a torch flanked by olive and oak branches, symbolizing liberty, peace, and strength.

Why Collect This Type:

✅ Issued Continuously Since 1965 – A Staple of Modern U.S. Coinage
✅ Affordable Entry Point for Beginners and Type Collectors
✅ Numerous Conditional Rarities in High Grades
✅ Full Bands Varieties Add Challenge and Value
Full Bands (FB / FT) Designation:

In recent decades, collectors have placed significant emphasis on Roosevelt dimes with Full Bands—sharp, uninterrupted horizontal lines across both the upper and lower torch bands on the reverse. Coins meeting this standard are designated as:

FB (Full Bands) by PCGS

FT (Full Torch) by NGC

These distinctions dramatically enhance the value of certain dates in Mint State, particularly earlier clad issues, which are often weakly struck.

Availability & Popular Grades:

Circulated Coins: Readily found in bulk lots or starter collections
Uncirculated (MS60–MS67): Available across most dates; Full Bands examples are scarcer and premium-worthy
Proofs (San Francisco): Struck annually since 1968 for collectors, often found with excellent detail and mirrored surfaces
Shop with Confidence from Paradime Coins

✔️ Certified by PCGS & NGC
✔️ Full Bands and Proof Varieties Available
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Start or Complete Your Modern Roosevelt Dime Collection
Whether you're assembling a complete Roosevelt dime set, hunting for Full Bands conditional rarities, or building a modern U.S. coin type set, the 1965–present copper-nickel Roosevelt dime remains one of the most collected and enduring denominations in circulation.

Browse our inventory now or contact us for high-grade Full Bands Roosevelt dimes or certified Proof issues.