Roosevelt Dime (1946 to Date)
Obverse (Front) Design
Reverse (Back) Design
Coin Specifications
Date Range
Denomination
Designer / Engraver
Mints
Composition
Precious Metal Content
Weight
Diameter
Edge
Mintage
History & Background
President Franklin D. Roosevelt died in April 1945. The Roosevelt dime was released on January 30, 1946, which would have been his birthday. The dime was chosen because Roosevelt had helped start the March of Dimes, an effort to fight polio.
The coin was designed by Mint Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, whose initials JS appear below the neck. The reverse shows a torch with an olive branch and an oak branch, for peace and strength.
Dimes dated 1964 or earlier are 90% silver. From 1965 the coin has been made from copper-nickel clad metal. It is still in production.
Collecting Tips
- Pre-1965 dimes contain silver and are often sold by weight.
- Look for the Full Torch (FT) designation, which means the torch details are complete.
- Check the mint mark location: it is on the reverse before 1965 and on the obverse from 1968.
Photographs by Grade
Roosevelt Dime (1946 to Date) (1946 to date) — Photographs by Grade
MS65
MS66
MS67
MS68
MS69
Frequently Asked Questions about the Roosevelt Dime (1946 to Date)
Are Roosevelt dimes silver?
Those dated 1964 and earlier are 90% silver. Later dimes are copper-nickel clad.
Why is it a dime?
Roosevelt helped found the March of Dimes to fight polio.
How much silver is in a silver Roosevelt dime?
About 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver.
More Half-Dimes and Dimes
Mercury Dime (1916-1945)
The Mercury Dime, officially the Winged Liberty Head dime, was struck from 1916 to 1945 in 90% silver and is a favorite of silver…
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