1999-P Roosevelt Dime
United States Coinage (Dime) · United States Mint; specifically the Philadelphia Mint (indicated by the 'P' mint mark). The US Mint is an agency of the Department of the Treasury founded in 1792.
Pattern: Roosevelt Dime series; Obverse: Franklin D. Roosevelt profil; Reverse: Torch, Olive Branch, and Oak Branch. Design by John R. Sinnock.
Type
United States Coinage (Dime)
Maker
United States Mint; specifically the Philadelphia Mint (indicated by the 'P' mint mark). The US Mint is an agency of the Department of the Treasury founded in 1792.
Material
Cupro-Nickel Clad Copper (Outer layers: 75% copper, 25% nickel; Core: 100% copper). Note: This is NOT a silver coin, as silver was removed from dime circulation in 1965.
Dimensions
Diameter: 17.91 mm; Thickness: 1.35 mm; Standard Weight: 2.268 grams. Compare to pre-1965 silver dimes which weigh 2.50 grams.
Description
A standard business-strike 1999 Roosevelt Dime produced by the Philadelphia Mint. While it appears 'silvery' in color, this is due to the nickel-copper cladding used for all circulating U.S. dimes since the Coinage Act of 1965. The obverse features the left-facing profile of the 32nd President, Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Key Features
'P' Mint mark; date '1999'; copper core visible on the edge (not pictured, but characteristic of this material type); lack of silver content.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel Clad Copper (Outer layers: 75% copper, 25% nickel; Core: 100% copper). Note: This is NOT a silver coin, as silver was removed from dime circulation in 1965.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with a satin-to-matte finish typical of business strikes. Features relief-sculpted portrait of FDR, 'LIBERTY' text, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' motto, year date, and mint mark. The reverse (not shown) features stylized vegetation symbolizing peace and victory.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'P' mint mark (Philadelphia); 'JS' designer initials (John Sinnock) at the base of the neck; Date '1999'; Inscriptions 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST'.
Construction Details
Planchet struck by steel dies in a high-speed coining press with a reeded edge applied by a collar die during striking.
Functional Features
Currency; specifically 1/10 of a United States Dollar. Features a reeded edge to prevent debasement and assist visually impaired users.
Handle & Grip Details
None; coin format intended for manual exchange or mechanical vending.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck industrial production. The die quality for 1999 was standard for the era, showing good detail in the hair but lacking the intricate hand-finishing found on 19th-century coinage.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic strike quality for the 1999 period; correct font for '1999' and 'LIBERTY'; presence of 'P' mint mark; visible wear patterns consistent with circulation. Weight and diameter are the primary metrics for definitive authentication.
Origin & Manufacturing
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Manufactured at the Philadelphia Mint using automated industrial minting processes.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Late 20th Century United States). The Roosevelt Dime has been the standard design since 1946.
Age Estimate
Dated 1999; approximately 25 years old at the time of this assessment.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the Post-WWII American economy and FDR's legacy. Represented the minimum unit for many small transactions like payphones and bus fare for decades.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition (approx. VF-EF grade). Shows visible Bag Marks (scratches), surface wear on high points of the hair and cheek, and typical tarnish/grime from circulation. Not a 'Proof' coin.
Value Estimate
Face Value (0.10 USD). In high-grade uncirculated condition (MS65), it might be worth 1-2 USD. Special error versions (like 'off-center' strikes) can carry higher premiums.
Care & Maintenance
As a common circulation coin, no special care is required. Collectors recommend against polishing or cleaning coins with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value; store in PVC-free flips if preservation is desired.
Similar Pieces
1999-S Silver Proof Dime (contains 90% silver, found only in special sets); 1964 Roosevelt Dime (90% silver, no copper core visible on edge); 1999-D Dime (Denver Mint).
Interesting Facts
Roosevelt was chosen for the dime because of his connection to the March of Dimes. 1999 seen a massive mintage of over 2 billion dimes from Philadelphia, making this a very common coin.