NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation with Whitman Brands, based on catalog data organized by the Greysheet Identification System (GSID).
Entry Details
Coin Date: Roosevelt Dime Denomination (Short): 10c Denomination (Long): 10 Cents Variety: Silver Variety 2: 1946-1964 Desg: MS Composition: 90% silver; 10% copper Strike Type: Business Coinage Type: Roosevelt dime Coinage Years: 1946-Present Diameter: 17.9 Fineness: 0.9 Weight (Grams): 2.5 Weight (Ounces): 0.07234 Designer: John R. Sinnock Edge: Reeded Obverse Description: Portrait of Franklin Roosevelt with the word LIBERTY at the left periphery. IN GOD WE TRUST written horizontally at 7 o'clock left of the portrait. The date is positioned to the right of Franklin's neck. Reverse Description: Torch of Liberty is flanked by olive branches in the center with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * ONE DIME around the circumference. General Notes: Roosevelt dimes were first struck in 1946 and designed by John R. Sinnock. Debuting only months after Franklin Delano Roosevelt's passing in 1945, the Roosevelt dime was deemed a fitting tribute to the man who fought a disease diagnosed as polio and helped established the March of Dimes organization. While Roosevelt dimes are generally regarded as a series chock full of common coins, there are several challenging surprises in store for those who focus their attention on this long-running series.<BR><BR>The 1949, 1949-D, 1949-S, and 1950-S are surprisingly tough coins in the mid-range Mint State grades. Meanwhile, the 1963 doubled die reverse and 1964-D doubled die reverse varieties are two of the more difficult pieces to acquire. One of the most popular Roosevelt dime varieties is the 1982 no-P, which can be found in circulation and even with wear is worth a sizeable premium over face value. The 1982 no-mintmark Roosevelt dime is especially valuable in Mint States grades. The 1996-W Roosevelt dime was offered only in 1996 uncirculated sets and is one of the scarcer late-date business strikes of the series.<BR><BR>Regardless of date, Full Bands (or "FB") Roosevelt dimes, which show complete horizontal lines on the bands across the torch on the reverse, are valued by enthusiasts. Both the 90% silver (1946-1964) and copper-nickel (1965-present) FB Roosevelt dimes are scarce and command substantial premiums over similarly graded non-FB specimens.