1946-1964 Silver Roosevelt Dime

The silver Roosevelt dime was first issued in 1946, immediately following the end of WWII. These US Mint silver dimes were highly valued at the time. The dime features Franklin D Roosevelt, but interestingly it is not because he was the president of the nation. This familiar face remains on the US dimes of today, even though these coins are no longer made with silver.

The Roosevelt Dime, as the name indicates, features Franklin Delano Roosevelt. His portrait appears, looking to the left side of the coin, with a soft smile. He is surrounded by inscriptions featuring “Liberty”, the US motto, and the year of mintage. The reverse displays an olive branch, torch, and an oak branch from left to right. Combined, these are all symbols of peace, hope, and strength.

Roosevelt Silver Dime Design History

The portrait of Franklin D Roosevelt appeared on the dime in 1946 and continues to be struck on this denomination today. John R Sinnock was the designer behind the coin, and his initials can be found just beneath the tip of Roosevelt’s bust. These coins, from 1946-1964 were struck in .900 silver and weighed 2.5 grams. After 1964, dime blanks were made from copper and nickel, also known as clad coins.

The silver Roosevelt dime replaced the Mercury Head Dime to honor the late president. Some believe he was honored on this coin for his deeds as president. Actually, he is honored on this coin for his mission to end polio.

Because of his advocacy, plus a joke by celebrity singer Eddie Cantor to send the president dimes, the White House received more than 2.68 million dimes. They received this great support despite the Great Depression. All these coins were donated to the fight against polio, coining the name March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization that still exists today.

Roosevelt passed away in 1945 as an adult victim of polio, just missing the end of WWII but after ushering America out of the Great Depression. Because memorials took time to erect, the Treasury Department stepped in with the Roosevelt silver dime, releasing it on his birthday in 1946: January 30.

1946-1964 Roosevelt Dime Silver

The first design of the Roosevelt dime was minted from 1946-1964. Because memorials take time to set up, the US Mint rose to the challenge. Thanks to his creation of the March of Dimes, it was already decided that he would be featured on the silver dime. This portrait was illustrated by John R Sinnock, the eighth chief engraver of the US Mint. Honoring the deceased president on a coin became the first major dedication to FDR.

The design of this coin has remained largely unchanged since 1965 after it started to be struck as clad coins only. The Roosevelt silver dime was extremely popular upon its initial release, and it set a record in its first year for having the highest mintage of this denomination. The silver coins were minted in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco. After it became a clad coin, it has been struck in Philadelphia (with the mintmark since 1980), Denver, and West Point (no mintmark).

Today, you may find commemorative releases struck in .999 fine silver, like the 2019-S Proof Silver Roosevelt Dime.  

Value of Roosevelt Dime Silver

The Roosevelt silver dimes are fairly common in both Mint State and Proof conditions. This program is among the most popular US coins ever made. Those looking to grab 90% silver won’t want to miss out on the Roosevelt dimes. There are a few varieties that are rarer than others, which include a 1960 Doubled Die Obverse, 1963 Doubled Die Reverse, and 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse. Please note, that the value of Roosevelt Dimes varies based on condition, mintmark, year of mintage, and whether or not it has a mint error.

Roosevelt Dime Silver (1946-1964)

Value of Roosevelt Dime: Around $1 to $4 USD, excluding rarities

Designer - Engraver: John R Sinnock    Metal Composition: .900 Silver and .100 Copper

Diameter: 17.9 mm Mass / Weight: 2.50 grams

Images from PCGS.com

Although the Roosevelt silver dimes are common coins, there are some rarities to look out for. As time progresses, these coins’ values may increase. Due to their common status, these coins are great for new collectors. You might get a rough estimate of the value of your dime by examining the details and how they have aged over the years, especially if it is an older issue. Other factors to consider include the coin’s mintage, year, and design, particularly if it has a mint error. The Mint Error Roosevelt silver dimes are often worth much more since they are less common.