Introduction to Roosevelt Dimes
The Roosevelt Dime series, first introduced in 1946, honors Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd U.S. President. This enduring ten-cent piece offers a fantastic entry point for new collectors and presents intriguing challenges for seasoned numismatists. Spanning over 75 years, it reflects significant changes in U.S. coinage, from precious silver to modern clad compositions.
A Brief History of the Roosevelt Dime
Following President Roosevelt's death in April 1945, there was a widespread desire to honor his legacy, particularly his efforts in combating polio through the March of Dimes. The dime, being the denomination associated with the March of Dimes campaign, was deemed the most fitting coin for this tribute. The Mercury Dime, which had been in circulation since 1916, was replaced by the Roosevelt Dime beginning in 1946.
The design was created by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock. While initially controversial due to some unfounded claims that the "JS" initials on the obverse stood for Joseph Stalin, Sinnock's design ultimately prevailed and has remained largely unchanged for decades.
Design Elements
The Roosevelt Dime's design is both classic and recognizable:
- Obverse (Front): Features a left-facing bust of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The inscription "LIBERTY" arcs above his head, with "IN GOD WE TRUST" to his left. The date is located to his right. Sinnock's initials "JS" are found at the base of Roosevelt's neck.
- Reverse (Back): Displays a torch (symbolizing liberty), an olive branch (peace), and an oak branch (strength and independence). The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DIME" encircle these elements. The mint mark, if present, is located on the reverse, above the olive branch and to the left of the torch.
Mint Marks and Their Locations
Mint marks indicate where a coin was produced. For Roosevelt Dimes, they can be found on the reverse, above the olive branch and to the left of the torch. Here’s what they mean:
- P: Philadelphia Mint (first appeared on clad dimes in 1980; prior to that, Philadelphia did not use a mint mark for most circulating dimes).
- D: Denver Mint.
- S: San Francisco Mint (used for proof coins since 1968, and some business strikes in earlier years).
- W: West Point Mint (used for special collector issues, notably the 1996-W dime included as a bonus in mint sets).
Key Dates, Varieties, and Errors
While most Roosevelt Dimes are common, certain dates, mint marks, and varieties stand out:
- 1949-S: A lower mintage silver dime, sought after in higher grades.
- 1950-D: Another low mintage silver issue, particularly desirable in uncirculated condition.
- 1955 "Bugs Bunny": An intriguing error where a die clash creates the appearance of "teeth" on Roosevelt's upper lip, resembling the cartoon character.
- 1964-D: The last 90% silver Roosevelt Dime intended for circulation.
- 1965 No S Proof: A rare error where the "S" mint mark was omitted from a proof coin, making it highly valuable.
- 1982 No P: For a short period, the Philadelphia Mint accidentally struck dimes without its "P" mint mark. These are scarce and collectible.
- 1996-W: Struck at the West Point Mint, this special issue was not released for circulation but was included as a bonus in 1996 Uncirculated Mint Sets. It's the first W-minted dime.
- Full Bands (FB) / Full Torch (FT): A designation for coins that exhibit exceptionally sharp details on the horizontal bands of the torch on the reverse. These are premium coins, especially in higher grades.
Collecting Strategies
There are many ways to approach collecting Roosevelt Dimes:
- Date and Mint Mark Set: The most common approach, aiming to acquire one of each date and mint mark combination.
- Silver vs. Clad: Focus on the earlier 90% silver issues (1946-1964) or the later copper-nickel clad issues (1965-present).
- Proof Sets: Collect the beautiful proof issues, typically struck at the San Francisco Mint with an "S" mint mark (except for the 1965 No S error).
- Errors and Varieties: Hunt for specific errors like the 1982 No P or the "Bugs Bunny" variety.
- Graded Sets: For advanced collectors, assembling a set of high-grade, professionally graded coins (e.g., MS-65 or higher, often with FB/FT designation).
Caring for Your Collection
Proper care ensures your Roosevelt Dimes retain their value and beauty:
- Always handle coins by their edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin.
- Store coins in archival-safe holders, such as 2x2 flips (Mylar, not PVC), slabs, or albums designed for coin collecting.
- Avoid cleaning coins unless you are an expert, as improper cleaning can significantly reduce their numismatic value.
Conclusion
The Roosevelt Dime series offers a rich and rewarding collecting experience. Whether you're drawn to the historical significance, the hunt for rare varieties, or simply the joy of assembling a complete set, these coins provide a tangible link to American history. Start your collection today and discover the enduring appeal of the Roosevelt Dime!
