The dime is the 10-cent coin of the United States. The individual depicted on the obverse (figures) of the dime is our 32nd president, Franklin D. Roosevelt. He began working on the dime in 1946.
The reverse design (tails) depicts a flame flanked by an olive branch to the left and an oak branch to the right. These three objects represent concepts symbolically. The torch represents freedom. The olive branch symbolizes harmony. Moreover, the oak branch represents independence and fortitude.
What Do You Know About The Dime Coin?
In the United States, a dime is a ten-cent coin formally designated “one dime.” It is equivalent to one-tenth of a United States dollar. The inception of the denomination was sanctioned through the Coinage Act of 1792.
The diameter and thickness of the dime are the least among all U.S. coins presently in circulation, measuring 0.053 (1.35 mm) in thickness and 0.705 (17.91 millimeters) in diameter, respectively. The current dime features the profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on its obverse, while the reverse features, in that order, an olive branch, a flame, and an oak branch.
Dime is derived from the Old French disme (modern French dime), which means “tenth part” or “tithe” and is derived from the Latin decima [pars]. The dime currently stands as the sole coin in general circulation in the United States that does not bear the denomination of dollars or cents. As of 2011, the production cost of a dime was 5.65 cents.
History Of The Dime Coin
The initial two dime designs in the United States depict Lady Liberty: the Draped Bust and the Capped Bust.
1. Draped Bust Dimes, 1796-1807
Although it is modest in size, the origins of the American dime can be traced back over two centuries, to the nation’s earliest days. Initially produced in 1796, the dime design featured the Draped Bust motif, similar to other silver coins of the time. Liberty is depicted on the obverse as a bust, her hair bound back with a ribbon.
During the initial two years of the series, the reverse featured a poised eagle amidst a wreath. The reverse design underwent a modification in 1798 to incorporate the Heraldic Eagle. This design was struck until 1807; in 1808, no dimes were produced.
2. Capped Bust Dimes, 1809-1837
Following this, the Capped Bust dime was introduced in 1809. At the same time, the obverse remained consistent with the previous design; a cloth cap now adorned Liberty’s cranium. With this redesign, the eagle depicted on the reverse of the dime also underwent a transformation, now perched atop a limb while grasping arrows in its talons. Despite being issued until 1837, this design was not produced annually until 1827.
The reverse designs of the Liberty Seated dime, displayed above, and the Liberty Head dime by Charles Barber are identical.
3. Liberty Seated Dimes, 1837-1891
The Liberty Seated coinage, which debuted the same year as the final Capped Bust dimes, deviated from the traditional close-up portraiture. This new, more contemporary design featured Liberty in its entirety. While seated on a boulder, she grasps a pole with a cap in her left hand. With her right hand, she holds a shield.
The traditional eagle was substituted with an open wreath encircling the denomination on the reverse. From 1837 to early 1838, the obverse design did not incorporate any stars; however, from 1838 to 1860, thirteen stars were appended to the periphery of Liberty. Furthermore, although the design underwent multiple modifications before its eventual discontinuation, the Liberty Seated coinage persisted until 1891.
4. Barber Dimes, 1892-1916
In the final year of the Liberty Seated dime production, the Treasury Department explored alternative coin designs. Consequently, the Liberty Head design by Charles Barber appeared on the dime, quarter, and half dollar in 1892.
Commonly referred to as the Barber dime, the obverse of this coin showcases the profile of Liberty adorned with a crown and laurel wreath. The reverse continued the previous design, featuring a wreath encircling the value statement.
5. Mercury Dimes, 1916-1945
The highly regarded “Mercury” design by Adolph A. Weinman supplanted the Barber dime in the middle of 1916. As a model, Elsie Stevens, the spouse of poet Wallace Stevens, was employed by Weinman. His design featured the head of Liberty once more, encased in a wing-adorned headgear as a representation of intellectual Liberty.
After introducing the coin, however, the general public confused Liberty with the Roman deity Mercury. This is the coin’s most enduring moniker to this day. In addition, the reverse was altered to depict a bundle of fasces (sticks) adorned with an axe blade, set against a backdrop of an olive branch. Mercury dime production persisted until 1945. The departure of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the same year led to an additional alteration to the United States dime.
6. Roosevelt Dimes, 1946-Present
The year following Roosevelt’s death, in 1946, a dime design was introduced in his tribute. This homage, which portrayed the profile of the 32nd president of the United States, was particularly fitting due to his extensive affiliation with the March of Dimes.
The denomination is situated beneath a torch flanked by branches, while the United States of America is depicted above. This dime design has persisted for the most fantastic time in the history of the United States.
Design Of The Dime Coin
The prevailing design of the 10-cent U.S. coin features the “Roosevelt” motif. This design was first issued by the United States Mint in 1946, shortly after President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away. The Mint issued it in commemoration of his birthday on January 30. The obverse (heads) features the profile of Roosevelt. On its reverse (tails), a torch, an olive branch, and an oak branch symbolize strength, Liberty, and harmony, respectively.
In recognition of Roosevelt’s support for the March of Dimes, an initiative that raised funds for polio cure research, the dime was an obvious choice for an emblem. He was 39 years old when he was diagnosed with polio.
In 1796, the Mint produced its first dimes. These were miniature silver tokens. From 1796 to 1837, the designs featured Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. A wreath motif supplanted the eagle in 1837. Until 1946, Liberty, in various incarnations, remained on the dime.
The Mint manufactured the “Mercury” dime, which Adolph A. Weinman conceived between 1916 and 1945. A profile of Liberty donning a cap with wings to symbolize freedom of thought appeared on the obverse. People drew the design’s name because it evoked the Roman deity Mercury.
An olive branch and a fasces, a bundle of rods fastened to an axe, appeared on the reverse. The two emblems symbolized the United States’ readiness for military action and its aspiration for global harmony. Mercury dime coins are regarded as among the most aesthetically pleasing in the annals of the United States.
The Mint eliminated silver from the dime in 1965, resulting in a copper-nickel-clad composition.
What Are The Characteristics That Define A Dime Coin?
Here are the characteristics That Define A dime Coin:
1. Dime Roosevelt Silver Coins
The 50 Dime Roosevelt silver coin issuance commenced in 1796 and continues today. The dime is an alternative designation for the ten-cent coin, and the Winged Liberty Head dime is particularly favored among silver investors.
Every silver coin included in the 50 Dime Roosevelt silver coin sets possesses an individual fineness of 90.00% pure silver, with copper constituting the remaining metal in the alloy in a proportion of 10.00%.
Since we are discussing a set of fifty Roosevelt Dime silver coins, the total weight of the package is 112.50 grams of pure silver, with each coin weighing 2.25 grams. In connection with the attributes of the 50 Dime Roosevelt silver coins, every bullion coin possesses a diameter of 17.91 mm and a thickness of 1.35 mm.
2. Dime Roosevelt Silver Coins Design
The obverse of the 50 Dime Roosevelt silver coins features a portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt oriented to the left. Primarily in recognition of his establishment of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, later known as the March of Dimes, this famous American president was commemorated with a coin.
A heartfelt narrative distinguishes these miniature silver coins to an exceptional degree. John R. Sinnock executed this design for the obverse of the 50 Dime Roosevelt silver coins. Present inscriptions read LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. The fifty-dime Roosevelt silver coins feature an opulent flame representing Liberty, an olive branch symbolic of peace, and an oak branch signifying triumph on their reverses.
3. Dime Roosevelt Silver Coins Low Price High Quantity
Hence, using the 50 Dime Roosevelt silver coins, our website provides a global audience of investors and individuals the chance to acquire a significant quantity of bullion coins. This bundle, available on our website, comprises fifty silver bullion coins with a face value of ten cents, or dime for short.
Regardless of the year of issuance, the value of the 50 Dime Roosevelt silver coins remains unchanged, given that their minting commenced in 1796, quite some time ago: a modest premium is added to the price of silver. It is challenging to assert that the 50 Dime Roosevelt silver coins hold significant appeal for collectors, except for individuals who harbor genuine enthusiasm for the era during which Roosevelt served as President of the United States.
This is because, historically, substantial quantities have been struck into circulation, and collectors are generally more intrigued by coins that possess a limited mintage. Nevertheless, considering the correlation between the considerable amount and the highly affordable cost of these silver bullion coins issued by the United States, it is impossible to dispute that the 50 Dime Roosevelt silver coins are a phenomenal asset.
Why Do Coin Collectors Collect The Dime Coins?
For generations, the Roosevelt dime has been mainly disregarded by coin collectors. Despite their widespread circulation and continued importance in daily commerce, Roosevelt dimes appear to receive less interest from the hobby community than other coins, such as the Lincoln Cent or Washington Quarter. The dime’s poor status among coin collectors is due to many reasons, including the absence of low-mintage issues.
Nevertheless, Roosevelt dime collectors still have much to offer! Indeed, there are numerous admirable justifications for enthusiasts to contemplate the collection of Roosevelt dimes. These include:
1. They’re Affordable Coins
Due to the relatively small number of devoted coin collectors associated with the Roosevelt dime series, several remarkably uncommon dates are priced reasonably due to the general absence of demand.
The 1949-S, 1955, 1955-D, and 1955-S Roosevelt dimes are among the rarest; mintages of less than 20 million can all be purchased for less than $5 in circulated condition.
2. Roosevelt Dimes Are A Long-Running Series
Roosevelt dimes have been manufactured continuously since their initial minting in 1946. In contrast to the Roosevelt dime, Jefferson nickels, Lincoln cents, and Washington quarters, which have all been in circulation for over seven decades, the Roosevelt dime’s obverse and reverse designs have mainly remained unmodified, with rare minute die adjustments.
As every business strike and proof issue contains hundreds of date-and-mintmark combinations, assembling a comprehensive collection of Roosevelt dimes could keep an enthusiast occupied for quite some time.
3. There Really Are Rare Roosevelt Dimes
It is a prevalent misconception that Roosevelt dimes were a series devoid of rare dates, but this assertion is unfounded. The Roosevelt dime series comprises several uncommon issues. Are you familiar with the 1968 no-S Roosevelt dime? How about the Roosevelt no-S proof dimes from 1970, 1975, and 1983?
The 1982 no-P Roosevelt dime, perhaps. Not only are these defect varieties exceedingly rare, but they are also quite valuable, with some fetching six figures or more. Even now, no-P Roosevelt dimes from 1982 are in circulation and are valued at $75 or more.
4. Roosevelt Dimes Are Made From 90% Silver!
Silver insects, exultate! From 1946 to 1964, the Roosevelt dime was crafted using a 90% silver composition. Subsequently, as of 1992, 90% of silver-proof specimens have been produced.
Thus, amassing Roosevelt dimes can serve as a means to safeguard valuable silver bullion for imperative situations and investment intentions. Pragmatic coin accumulating, indeed! Those interested in modern coins as coin collectors should consider the world of Roosevelt dimes.
What Is A Dime Coin Worth?
Contrary to popular belief, the most valuable dimes currently available on the coin market are worth millions of dollars. Several uncommon items were purchased for nearly two million dollars each, while others reached hundreds of thousands.
Variations in quality, condition, scarcity, and errors distinguish items valued at several pennies from those worth millions. For example, the initial dimes manufactured by the United States Mint in the 18th century, before the construction of the Mint edifice, are likely to be costly today. Let us examine the matter.
Most Valuable Dimes
Several varieties of dime have been produced by the U.S. Mint throughout its history, including:
- In 1792, Disme (Bust Half dime) was made.
- Dropped cast dime was built between 1796 and 1807.
- Capped figure dime minted between 1809 and 1837
- Producing Liberty seated dime from 1837 to 1891
- Produced by Barber Dime from 1892 to 1916
- From 1916 to 1945, Mercury (Winged Liberty Head) dime was manufactured.
- Roosevelt’s dime production has lasted since 1946.
Their value is generally indeterminable; some rare coins can be purchased for as little as two dollars, whereas others can garner millions at auction.
Although diminutive in size, the dime possesses considerable historical and practical significance. Its composition and design evolution mirror shifts in American society and the economy. Conspicuous in popular idioms, utilized in everyday transactions, and coveted by collectors, the dime remains an indispensable element of American society, representing more than ten cents.
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