2021-P United States Roosevelt Dime
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, Philadelphia Branch (indicated by 'P' mint mark). The US Mint is the primary manufacturer of legal tender for the United States government, operating since 1792.
Pattern: Roosevelt Dime series, originally designed by John R. Sinnock. This is a business-strike circulation coin.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, Philadelphia Branch (indicated by 'P' mint mark). The US Mint is the primary manufacturer of legal tender for the United States government, operating since 1792.
Material
Cupro-nickel clad: 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel (outer layers of 75/25 cupronickel over a core of pure copper). This item contains 0% silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 17.91 mm (0.705 inches); Thickness: 1.35 mm; Weight: 2.268 grams. Large standard size for small-denomination US currency.
Description
A standard circulation-strike United States ten-cent piece. The obverse showcases the left-facing profile of Franklin D. Roosevelt, while the reverse (hidden from view) features a torch symbolizing liberty, flanked by olive and oak branches representing peace and victory. The coin sits on a varnished wood-grain surface.
Key Features
2021 date, 'P' mint mark for Philadelphia, reeded edge, and lack of silver 'clad' sandwich visible on the edge (copper core usually visible but covered by nickel layers).
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel clad: 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel (outer layers of 75/25 cupronickel over a core of pure copper). This item contains 0% silver.
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation finish. Features the profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse and an olive branch, torch, and oak branch on the reverse. Style is Neoclassical-modern commercial.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', date '2021', and mint mark 'P'. Tiny 'JS' initials for designer John Sinnock are located at the truncation of the neck. Reverse: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE DIME'.
Construction Details
Modern high-speed minting process: die-struck on a planar planchet using industrial machinery with hundreds of tons of pressure. It features a reeded edge (118 reeds).
Functional Features
Reeded edge as a tactile indicator for the visually impaired and a legacy anti-counterfeiting measure; legal tender status for payment of debts.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage lacks handles). The reeded edge provides a physical grip for manual handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-perfected industrial production. High-relief die-striking ensures crisp lettering and uniform thickness across millions of units.
Authentication Indicators
Weight and diameter appear consistent with US Mint specifications. Strike depth and typography are consistent with official dies. No evidence of casting seams or counterfeit 'P' application.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia Mint).
Era & Period
Modern Era (2021). Historical context is post-WWII American numismatic tradition, maintaining the Roosevelt design adopted in 1946.
Age Estimate
Dated 2021; approximately 3 years old at the time of this assessment.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the 'March of Dimes' campaign to fight polio. Roosevelts image was chosen for the dime because of his connection to the Foundation for Infantile Paralysis.
Condition Notes
Circulated/About Uncirculated. Visible surface contact marks (bag marks) on the cheek and field. Moderate luster. Grade: AU-55 to MS-62 based on visual inspection.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.10 USD). In uncirculated condition, it may retail for $0.25 to $1.00 to collectors, but it has no silver melt value.
Care & Maintenance
No special conservation needed for modern clad coinage. Avoid cleaning with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place if kept for a collection.
Similar Pieces
1964 Roosevelt Dime (90% silver), 2021-D (Denver) Dime, 2021-S Proof Dime (mirror finish). The silver version is distinguishable by its pure white edge and heavier weight (2.50g).
Interesting Facts
The Roosevelt dime was released on January 30, 1946, which would have been the President's 64th birthday. Dimes minted prior to 1965 were 90% silver, unlike this base-metal specimen.