Coins

  2. Brief History of the U.S. Roosevelt Dime

Brief History of the U.S. Roosevelt Dime

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Roosevelt Silver Dime  Price: $13.75

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1945 Tribute to President Franklin D. Roosevelt

The Roosevelt dime was introduced in 1946, one year after President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death. It replaced the Winged Liberty Head (“Mercury”) dime. Roosevelt was chosen to honor his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II — and his connection to the March of Dimes foundation, which fought polio.

Design and Symbolism
  • Designer: John R. Sinnock, Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint
  • Obverse: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s portrait facing left
  • Reverse: Torch (liberty), olive branch (peace), and oak branch (strength)
  • Inscriptions: “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”

1946–1964 — Silver Composition

These dimes weighed 2.5 grams and measured 17.9 mm in diameter. Silver dimes from this era remain popular among collectors for their intrinsic and historical value.

Composition: 90% silver until 1964; copper-nickel clad after 1965

1965 End of circulating silver

Due to rising silver prices, the Coinage Act of 1965 removed silver from dimes (90% silver ended).

Effect: The new coins featured a copper core clad with copper-nickel, maintaining the same size and design for vending compatibility.

1975–1976 Bicentennial Exception

Unlike the quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins, the dime did not receive a special Bicentennial redesign. Its appearance remained unchanged.


1980s–Present Small Refinements

  • 1980: “P” mint mark added for Philadelphia issues
  • Special silver and proof sets released for collectors
  • 2015: March of Dimes 75th Anniversary Set featured a commemorative silver dime

Today

The Roosevelt dime has been in continuous production for nearly 80 years. It remains a symbol of Roosevelt’s legacy and the enduring American ideals of liberty, peace, and strength.


Notes: This timeline highlights major design & composition changes. For full details and mint-by-mint variations (errors, proof sets, and special editions), consult U.S. Mint archives or numismatic guides.

Sources: U.S. Mint historical pages, numismatic references.