1966 United States Roosevelt Dime
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint; specifically the Philadelphia Mint (indicated by the absence of a mint mark). The U.S. Mint was established in 1792 and is the sole producer of legal tender coinage in the United States.
Pattern: Roosevelt Dime series, designed by John R. Sinnock; introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt following his death in 1945.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint; specifically the Philadelphia Mint (indicated by the absence of a mint mark). The U.S. Mint was established in 1792 and is the sole producer of legal tender coinage in the United States.
Material
Cupro-nickel clad copper. Unlike dimes minted in 1964 and earlier which were 90% silver, this 1966 specimen contains no silver. It is composed of an inner core of pure copper with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Dimensions
Standard diameter of 17.91 mm (0.705 in) and a standard thickness of 1.35 mm. The mass is 2.268 grams (significantly lighter than the 2.50 grams of pre-1965 silver dimes).
Description
A standard United States ten-cent piece featuring the iconic profile of the 32nd President. This item represents the first years of the 'clad' era of American currency. While it bears the high-relief design language of mid-century American numismatics, it lacks the metallic luster and ring of its silver predecessors. It shows signs of moderate circulation including surface tarnish and minor 'bag marks'.
Key Features
The 1966 date is the primary identifier. The 'JS' designer initials. The visible copper stripe on the edge (not seen in photo but present on the physical item) distinguishes it from silver versions.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel clad copper. Unlike dimes minted in 1964 and earlier which were 90% silver, this 1966 specimen contains no silver. It is composed of an inner core of pure copper with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated business strike with a reeded edge. The obverse features a profile of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the word 'LIBERTY', the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date. The reverse (not shown) traditionally features an olive branch, a torch, and an oak branch.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'JS' initials found at the base of Roosevelt's neck are the designer marks for John Sinnock. There is no mint mark, which for the year 1966 signifies it was produced at the Philadelphia Mint.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure coinage presses. The planchet (metal disc) was punched from a clad strip made of bonded layers of copper and nickel-copper alloy.
Functional Features
Reeded (serrated) edge to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the metal and to assist the visually impaired in identifying the denomination.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable/None.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine-struck quality. The strike is well-centered, but the cupro-nickel material is harder than silver, often resulting in slightly less detail in the hair strands compared to earlier silver strikes.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font for the 1966 date; profile depth is consistent with genuine U.S. Mint dies. Lack of silver 'ring' if dropped (the clad coin has a higher-pitched, shorter sound than a silver coin).
Origin & Manufacturing
USA; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Manufactured at the Philadelphia Mint using automated industrial die-striking processes.
Era & Period
Modern Era / Post-Silver Period. This coin was minted during the 'Coinage Act of 1965' era, which transitioned U.S. circulating coinage from silver to clad due to silver shortages.
Age Estimate
Dated 1966; currently 58 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
The Roosevelt dime served as a symbol of the 'March of Dimes' campaign to fight polio. This specific 1966 coin represents the economic shift of the 1960s where the 'intrinsic' value of money (metal content) was separated from its 'face' value.
Condition Notes
Circulated (Very Fine to Extremely Fine range). Darkened 'circulated' patina typical of cupro-nickel after decades of handling. No major damage or 'environmental' corrosion, but significant loss of original mint luster.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.10). In extremely high uncirculated grades (MS67+), it may sell for $10-$50, but circulated examples like this are worth ten cents.
Care & Maintenance
As a common circulation coin, it requires no special storage. Do not clean or polish if numismatic value is desired, though the value of this specific date/composition is strictly liquid face value.
Similar Pieces
1964 Roosevelt Dime (90% Silver), 1966 Special Mint Set (SMS) Dime (higher proof-like finish), or various Mercury Dimes (the predecessor design until 1945).
Interesting Facts
From 1965 to 1967, the U.S. Mint removed mint marks from all coins to discourage hoarding by collectors during the transition away from silver. Therefore, even dimes made in Denver or San Francisco in 1966 lack mint marks.