United States 1965 Roosevelt Dime
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco mints
Pattern: Roosevelt Dime Series, introduced in 1946
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco mints
Material
Cupronickel clad (outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core). Unlike pre-1965 dimes which were 90% silver, the 1965 dime contains no silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 17.91 mm (0.705 inches); Thickness: 1.35 mm; Weight: 2.27 grams
Description
A circulated 1965 United States Roosevelt dime featuring the profile portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse with the inscriptions 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST', along with the date '1965'. The reverse typically displays a torch, olive branch, and oak branch. This specific year marks the historic transition when the U.S. Mint removed silver from dimes and quarters due to rising bullion prices.
Key Features
Dated 1965, marking the very first year of the copper-nickel clad composition for U.S. dimes, replacing the traditional 90 percent silver standard
Material & Composition
Cupronickel clad (outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core). Unlike pre-1965 dimes which were 90% silver, the 1965 dime contains no silver.
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with a reeded edge
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark (if any, such as 'D' for Denver) located on the reverse side; designer initials 'JS' for John Sinnock on the truncation of Roosevelt's neck
Construction Details
Coined/struck using high-pressure mechanical coin presses from bonded clad strip metal
Functional Features
Standard circulating monetary currency coin with a face value of ten cents
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable to coins, but features a reeded edge designed to prevent clipping of precious metal in older coin types
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced machine-struck coinage designed for high-speed circulation durability
Authentication Indicators
Genuine U.S. Mint production characteristics including correct weight of 2.27g, copper core visible on the edge (clad sandwich layer), and standard dimensions
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, produced at official U.S. Mint facilities
Era & Period
Modern United States (Post-WWII / Cold War era)
Age Estimate
Dated 1965, struck specifically during the transition year from silver to clad coinage
Cultural Significance
Represents a major shift in United States monetary history, moving away from precious metal coinage toward fiat currency due to commodity market pressures
Condition Notes
Heavy circulation wear, visible surface tarnish/toning, scuffs, and environmental discoloration. Overall condition is heavily circulated/poor.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.10) to minimal collector value, as it contains no silver and is heavily circulated
Care & Maintenance
Standard numismatic storage in a dry environment; cleaning is strictly discouraged as it damages numismatic value
Similar Pieces
Pre-1965 silver Roosevelt dimes (1946-1964) which contain 90% silver and carry significantly higher melt and collector value
Interesting Facts
The Coinage Act of 1965 authorized the removal of silver from dimes and quarters to hoard silver for industrial and monetary reserves, leading to widespread coin hoarding by the public when the new clad coins were introduced