United States Roosevelt Dime (Post-1964 Cupro-Nickel Composition)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco). The U.S. Mint is a federal agency established in 1792, known for high-volume precision manufacturing of legal tender.
Pattern: Roosevelt Dime, designed by John R. Sinnock. Introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt; this specific reverse design is the torch, olive branch, and oak branch.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco). The U.S. Mint is a federal agency established in 1792, known for high-volume precision manufacturing of legal tender.
Material
Cupro-Nickel Clad (75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper core). While it has a silver appearance, it contains no actual silver. Pre-1965 dimes contain 90% silver.
Dimensions
Standard Diameter: 17.91 mm (0.705 in). Thickness: 1.35 mm. Standard Weight: 2.268 grams.
Description
A standard unit of United States currency, the Roosevelt Dime features a design steeped in post-WWII symbolism. The reverse displays a torch symbolizing Enlightenment, flanked by branches representing Peace and Strength. This specific piece shows significant circulation wear, softening the details of the flame and the leaves.
Key Features
Clad composition (copper core visible on edge), reeded edge, Sinnock design reverse, and 'ONE DIME' denomination.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel Clad (75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper core). While it has a silver appearance, it contains no actual silver. Pre-1965 dimes contain 90% silver.
Finish & Decoration
Machine-struck circulation finish. The reverse (shown) features a central torch (liberty), an olive branch (peace) to the left, and an oak branch (victory) to the right. Text includes 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE DIME'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not hallmarked in the traditional silver sense. It bears U.S. Mint legal tender inscriptions. A mint mark (P, D, or S) would be located on the obverse side (not visible) for modern issues.
Construction Details
Industrial die-striking. Planchets are punched from clad metal strips and struck between steel dies at high pressure in a coining press.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (118 reeds) to prevent clipping or counterfeiting; legal tender value of ten cents.
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld currency.
Craftsmanship Details
High-speed industrial mass production. While the die work is precise, the striking quality is intended for durability in commerce rather than artistic excellence found in proof strikes.
Authentication Indicators
Correct typography for U.S. coinage, standard reeding pattern, and characteristic wear of cupro-nickel planchets. Weight and diameter appear consistent with standard specifications.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely minted in Philadelphia or Denver. The U.S. Mint uses automated high-speed circulation strikes for this denomination.
Era & Period
Modern Era (1965-Present). Specifically, the Post-Silver Clad period of U.S. coinage following the Coinage Act of 1965.
Age Estimate
Circa 1965 to 2024. The absence of the distinct 'silver ring' sound and the appearance of the clad edge (if viewed from the side) confirms post-1964 origin.
Cultural Significance
A staple of American commerce and the smallest physical diameter of current U.S. circulating coins. It represents the legacy of the New Deal and the mid-20th-century transition of the U.S. monetary system away from precious metals.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good (Circulated). Visible surface wear, flattened high points on the torch and branches, and various small contact marks/scratches consistent with pocket change. Some light oxidation/grime in the recesses.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.10 USD). In this circulated condition, it carries no numismatic premium unless it possesses a rare mint error.
Care & Maintenance
No specialized care required for circulating copper-nickel coins. Avoid acid cleaning which damages the 'luster' or surface of the metal. Store in a dry environment to prevent 'PVC damage' if kept in plastic flips.
Similar Pieces
1946-1964 Silver Roosevelt Dime (90% silver, higher value), Barber Dime, or 'Mercury' Winged Liberty Head Dime.
Interesting Facts
The Roosevelt Dime replaced the Mercury Dime in 1946. It was chosen because Roosevelt founded the March of Dimes to fight polio. It was the last circulating U.S. coin to have its silver content removed entirely in 1965.