1979 United States Roosevelt Dime
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia Workshop)
Pattern: Roosevelt Dime series, originally designed by John R. Sinnock in 1946
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia Workshop)
Material
Cupro-nickel clad (75% copper, 25% nickel coating over a pure copper core); contains no actual silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 17.91 mm; Thickness: 1.35 mm; Weight: 2.27 grams.
Description
A standard circulation-strike ten-cent piece of the United States. While often mistaken for silver by novice collectors due to its metallic luster, this specific 1979 specimen is a cupro-nickel clad coin produced after the U.S. Mint ceased using 90% silver for dimes in 1964.
Key Features
Obverse profile of FDR, 'JS' designer initials on truncation, no mint mark (Philadelphia).
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel clad (75% copper, 25% nickel coating over a pure copper core); contains no actual silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a circulating finish. Features the profile of Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse and an olive branch, torch, and oak branch on the reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1979'. Lack of a mint mark indicates it was struck in Philadelphia.
Construction Details
Machine-struck, die-pressed planchet with a reed edge containing 118 reeds.
Functional Features
Reeded edge to prevent clipping/counterfeiting; legal tender currency.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded (serrated) perimeter for tactile grip and security.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial coinage quality; high-speed automated striking typically producing millions of identical units.
Authentication Indicators
Weight (2.27g) and the visible copper layer on the edge are definitive indicators that this is a clad coin and not a silver striking.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Era (post-silver transition of 1965).
Age Estimate
Struck in 1979 (45 years old).
Cultural Significance
A fundamental unit of American commerce and a symbol of the fight against polio.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; exhibits surface abrasions (bag marks), handling wear, and minor oxidation/toning on the high points of Roosevelt's face.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.10). In high uncirculated grades (MS67+), it may carry a small premium to collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry; do not clean with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip if keeping for a collection.
Similar Pieces
1964 Roosevelt Dime (90% silver); 1979-S Proof Dime (mirror finish from San Francisco).
Interesting Facts
The Roosevelt Dime replaced the Mercury Dime in 1946 to honor the late president's involvement with the March of Dimes.