United States Franklin D. Roosevelt Silver Dime (1946-1964)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint: Principal coinage manufacturer of the USA. Mints include Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
Pattern: Roosevelt Dime, designed by John R. Sinnock. Successor to the Mercury Dime pattern.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint: Principal coinage manufacturer of the USA. Mints include Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper. Known as 'Junk Silver' or 'Constitutional Silver' in bullion markets.
Dimensions
Diameter: 17.91 mm; Mass: 2.50 grams; Silver Content: 0.07234 troy oz (approximately 2.25 grams of pure silver).
Description
A standard-issue United States ten-cent piece honoring the 32nd President. This silver-composition coin was minted as a tribute to Roosevelt’s leadership and his founding of the March of Dimes. It represents the last era of precious metal circulation in American pocket change.
Key Features
90% silver content; reeded edge; John Sinnock's bust of FDR; 'One Dime' reverse denomination.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper. Known as 'Junk Silver' or 'Constitutional Silver' in bullion markets.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated satin finish. Obverse features the profile of Franklin D. Roosevelt; Reverse features a torch, olive branch, and oak branch representing liberty, peace, and victory.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' on obverse. Designer's initials 'JS' under the bust. Mint mark (if present) located on reverse above the 'E' in 'ONE'.
Construction Details
Die-struck on a silver planchet (blank coin) using high-pressure coin presses at a US Mint facility.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (118 reeds) to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of precious metal; legal tender denomination of 10 cents.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage); however, the reeded edge provides tactile grip and serves as a security feature.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck with high-speed precision. Detailed engraving by Sinnock exhibits standard mid-century American neoclassical minting quality.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic luster of 90% silver (distinct from modern clad coppernickel); specific 'ping' ring tone when tapped; date range (pre-1965).
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Principal mints in Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco.
Era & Period
Post-WWII / Modern Era (1946-Present). This specific silver composition was used from 1946 until the Coinage Act of 1965.
Age Estimate
Produced between 1946 and 1964. Visual wear suggests mid-20th-century circulation.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the 'March of Dimes' and the fight against polio; represents the shift in American monetary policy from bullion-backed to fiat-based coinage in 1965.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Good. Visible surface scratches, minor tarnish, and softening of hair/torch details due to transactional wear. No major rim dings or environmental damage visible.
Value Estimate
$1.80 - $2.50 USD for common circulated dates (based on current silver spot price). Rare dates or 'Full Band' uncirculated examples can exceed $50.00.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish if seeking numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips or tubes. Use cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from causing toning.
Similar Pieces
1965-Present Clad Roosevelt Dime (non-silver); Mercury Dime (pre-1946 silver); Barber Dime (pre-1916 silver).
Interesting Facts
The Roosevelt Dime was released on January 30, 1946, which would have been FDR's 64th birthday. It replaced the 'Winged Liberty Head' or Mercury dime.