1962 Roosevelt Dime, United States 90% Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia)
Pattern: Roosevelt Dime series (introduced 1946)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Silver content: 0.07234 troy oz)
Dimensions
Diameter: 17.9 mm; Mass: 2.50 grams (standard for 90% silver dimes).
Description
A classic specimen of late silver coinage from the United States. This 1962 Roosevelt Dime represents one of the final years the U.S. minted circulating currency in high-purity silver before the transition to copper-nickel clad in 1965.
Key Features
90% silver composition; date 1962; lack of mint mark (Philadelphia origin); portrait by John R. Sinnock.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Silver content: 0.07234 troy oz)
Finish & Decoration
Circulated luster, featuring the left-facing profile of Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse and an olive branch, torch, and oak branch on the reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No mint mark (indicating Philadelphia), 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1962'.
Construction Details
Die-struck on a compressed silver planchet with a reeded edge.
Functional Features
Reeded edge design originally intended to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the precious metal.
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard numismatic item).
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial minting strike; high relief on the torch and branches compared to modern clad versions.
Authentication Indicators
Weight, diameter, and edge reeding are consistent with OEM minting; date font and placement of 'LIBERTY' align with 1962 dies.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Era / Mid-Century Americana (Post-WWII metal standards).
Age Estimate
Dated 1962; exactly 62 years old at the time of this analysis.
Cultural Significance
Introduced shortly after FDR's death to honor his leadership and his role in founding the March of Dimes.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Good. Visible surface wear on Roosevelt's hair and cheek; moderate tarnish and 'pocket wear' consistent with a coin that saw public use.
Value Estimate
$2.00 - $3.00 USD (Value is primarily determined by current silver 'melt' spot price).
Care & Maintenance
For silver bullion value, avoid harsh chemical cleaning which ruins numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or tube to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1962-D Roosevelt Dime (Denver Mint, marked with 'D'); Mercury Dimes (pre-1946 silver dimes); 1965 Roosevelt Dimes (look similar but contain no silver).
Interesting Facts
1962 saw a massive mintage of over 400 million dimes, making it a very common date for silver stacking.