The History of the Roosevelt Dime
(1946 to 1964)

The first Roosevelt Dime was issued in 1946. The obverse depicted the profile bust of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The reverse design is that of a torch flanked by an olive branch on the left and an oak branch on the right. The Roosevelt Dime marked the first time that a U.S. Dime that depicted a figure other than Lady Liberty!
 
General Rule of Thumb
When buying American Silver Bullion coins, 15% less Spot Price to Spot Price is your Target Purchase Price.
1954 Roosevelt Dime PCGS PR67
1954 Roosevelt Dime PCGS PR67
$37.99
Time Left: 28m
1955-S Roosevelt Dime NGC MS66
1955-S Roosevelt Dime NGC MS66
$34.99
Time Left: 58m
1955-S  BU  Roosevelt  Dime
1955-S BU Roosevelt Dime
$3.45
Time Left: 1h 13m
1950 ROOSEVELT DIME CHOICE PROOF COIN
1950 ROOSEVELT DIME CHOICE PROOF COIN
$29.00
Time Left: 1h 44m
1950-S ROOSEVELT 10c MS67 PCGS FB !!!
1950-S ROOSEVELT 10c MS67 PCGS FB !!!
$650.00
Time Left: 1h 46m
The History of the Roosevelt Dime
(1946 to 1964)
 
The Roosevelt Dime was designed by John R. Sinnock. His initials 'JS' appear on the obverse at the truncation of the neck. When the coin was originally issued, it was rumored, by an ignorant and paranoid post-was public, that the JS was placed on the coin to show allegiance to Joseph Stalin. Although this is completely false, it can be noted that the next coin Sinnock designed bore his full initials JAS. (Stalin's middle name is Vissarionovich!) Sinnock also designed the Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963).
 
The Roosevelt Dime was originally composed of 90% Silver and 10% Copper. Since pure silver is very soft, copper was added to all circulating silver coins to harden them and prevent excessive wear. The silver Roosevelt Dimes were struck from 1946 to 1964. They had a weight of 2.50 grams and a reeded edge. The edges of most silver coins were reeded to make evident any attempt to shave silver off the coin.
 
In 1965 the composition was changed to a 75% Copper and 25% Nickel outer shell bonded to a pure copper middle. The weight of these 'clad' dimes is slightly less at 2.27 grams. This composition is still used today for circulating issues. All Roosevelt Dimes have a diameter of 17.9 mm. The edges of the clad piece are still reeded for traditions' sake.
 
Starting in 1992, the San Francisco Mint resumed production of Silver Roosevelt Dimes. These silver dimes are struck only as Proof Editions, for sale in collector sets, and were not placed into circulation.
 
Roosevelt Dimes are still in current production in both clad and silver versions. These ten cent pieces have been struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point Mints.
 
The origin of the word 'dime' is from the Latin 'decima' meaning tenth part. The first use of the word in the U.S. was actually spelled 'disme'.
 
P (Philadelphia): The 'P' mint mark is located on the obverse, to the right of the truncation of the neck, just above the date.*
 
D (Denver): The 'D' mint mark was originally located on the reverse to the left of the bottom of the torch. In 1968 the mint mark was relocated to the obverse, to the right of the truncation of the neck, just above the date, where it remains to this day.
 
S (San Francisco): The 'S' mint mark was originally located on the reverse to the left of the bottom of the torch. In 1968 the mint mark was relocated to the obverse, to the right of the truncation of the neck, just above the date, where it remains to this day.
 
* Note: Roosevelt Dimes struck in Philadelphia prior to 1980 bear no mint mark.
 
General Rule of Thumb 
When buying American Silver Bullion coins, 15% less Spot Price to Spot Price is your Target Purchase Price.

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