From 1946 to 1964, the Roosevelt Dime was struck in a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. These coins have a standard weight of 2.50 grams and a diameter of 17.9 mm with a reeded edge. During this time, the mint mark for dimes struck at the Denver and San Francisco mint facilities appears on the reverse of the coin to the left of the base of the torch.
Silver Content
Starting in 1965, the silver content was removed from circulating coins, resulting in a significant composition change. The dime was struck in a new copper-nickel clad composition, consisting of an inner core of pure copper and an outer layer of copper-nickel. This combination yields a net composition of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel with a weight of 2.27 grams.
For the first three years of the clad composition, mint marks were not used to prevent hoarding. Mint mark usage resumed in 1968, but the placement was changed to the obverse, located between the truncation of Roosevelt’s neck and the date. The Philadelphia Mint started using the “P” mint mark on the denomination in 1980.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Roosevelt Dime has been struck by the U.S. Mint from 1946 to the present day.
The metal content of the Roosevelt Dime was 90% silver and 10% copper from 1946 to 1964. From 1965 to the present day, the metal content of the Roosevelt Dime is 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. Silver Proof Roosevelt Dimes had a metal content of 90% silver and 10% copper from 1965 to 2018. The metal content of Silver Proof Roosevelt Dimes from 2019 to the present day is 99.9% silver.
The Roosevelt Dime’s weight was 2.50 g from 1946 to 1964. The weight of the Roosevelt Dime from 1965 to the present day is 2.27 g. Silver Proof Roosevelt Dimes had a weight of 2.50 g from 1965 to 2018. The weight of Silver Proof Roosevelt Dimes from 2019 to the present day is 2.537 g.
The diameter of the Roosevelt Dime is 0.705 inches (17.90 mm).
The Roosevelt Dime was designed by John R. Sinnock in 1946.
