Commonly asked questions and answers.
What is a dime?
A dime coin is a unit of currency in the United States and Canada that is equal to one-tenth of a dollar. In the United States, the dime is worth 10 cents, while in Canada, it is worth 10 cents in Canadian currency. Dime coins are commonly used for everyday transactions and are part of the circulating currency in both countries.
Who is depicted on the dime in the United States?
In the United States, the dime coin features a depiction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse (front) side. This design has been used since 1946 and replaced the previous design featuring Liberty, known as the Mercury Dime. The reverse (back) side of the U.S. dime displays an image of a torch, an olive branch, and an oak branch.
Are there different types of dime coins?
Yes, there have been different types of dime coins throughout history. In the United States, notable series include the Barber Dime (1892-1916) designed by Charles E. Barber, the Mercury Dime (1916-1945) featuring Liberty with wings on her cap, and the Roosevelt Dime (1946-present) featuring Franklin D. Roosevelt. Each series has its own unique designs and variations, making them sought after by collectors. Similarly, in Canada, dime coins have had different designs and variations over the years, reflecting various symbols and important figures in Canadian history.
Who is depicted on the Roosevelt Dime?
The Roosevelt Dime features a depiction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse (front) side of the coin. The design was introduced in 1946, following the death of President Roosevelt in 1945. The reverse (back) of the dime displays an image of a torch, an olive branch, and an oak branch.
What is the composition of the Roosevelt Dime?
Since 1965, the Roosevelt Dime has been composed of a clad combination of outer layers made of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. Prior to 1965, the dime was made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The change in composition was a result of rising silver prices at the time.
Are there any valuable or rare Roosevelt Dimes?
While most Roosevelt Dimes in circulation are worth their face value, there are a few valuable and rare varieties to watch for. One notable example is the 1950-D over S variety, where the Denver Mint mistakenly used a mintmark punch intended for the San Francisco Mint. This error coin is highly sought after by collectors. Additionally, dimes from certain years with low mintages or in exceptional condition can have higher numismatic value.
