First struck in 1946, the Roosevelt dime replaced the Mercury dime. Coin collectors love this most valuable Roosevelt Dime series, but it's not always recognized for having a ton of rare, important dates.
Almost all of the series' circulating dates are rather common, including the 90% silver issues from before 1965 that bullion seekers long ago hoarded.
Only a small percentage of the millions and millions of Roosevelt Dimes that have been collected and preserved have remained in superb condition, and collectors seek out these few.
Let's examine the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States , before delving into the Treasured Roosevelt Dime value.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's Life Journey towards Honoring on Silver Dime
Early Life
Image Credit: National Park Service (U.S. Department)Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born in Hyde Park, New York, in 1882. At the age of 14, he entered Groton Preparatory School and matriculated at Harvard College in 1900. However, on December 8 of that year, his father, James Roosevelt, died.
In 1903, Franklin Roosevelt received his A.B. from Harvard College, and in 1904, he entered Columbia Law School.
In 1907, he was admitted to the New York bar and became a clerk in the law firm of Carter, Ledyard, and Milburn. In 1909, he became a member of the Hudson-Fulton Celebration Commission.
Early Political Career
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin D.Roosevelt Image Credit: Library of CongressIn 1910, Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to the New York State Senate and joined the law firm of Marvin, Hooker, and Roosevelt. Over the next decade, he engaged in various roles, including serving as Assistant Secretary of the Navy during World War I in 1914 and being elected Overseer of Harvard University in 1917.
He also promoted the deployment of a 230-mile-long minefield between Orkney Island and Norway. Roosevelt's contributions extended to naval strategy and international affairs, culminating in his nomination for Vice President in 1920.
Governor of New York
Governorship of Franklin D. Roosevelt Image Credit: Wikipedia CommonsIn 1929, Franklin D. Roosevelt made significant strides in advocating for state control of water power development and addressing rural issues. He delivered his first radio address, criticized the Republican Party's platform, and signed legislation aiding farmers.
Roosevelt also addressed prison conditions, recommending improvements and investigating unrest at Clinton Prison. His efforts extended to proposing changes in pension and unemployment compensation systems.
Elected governor of New York again in 1930, Roosevelt continued to champion progressive policies, leading to his nomination for president by the Democratic Party in 1932 and his subsequent election as president later that year.
Presidency 1933–1940
Image Credit: history.comIn the early 1930s, Franklin D. Roosevelt launched the New Deal to counter the Great Depression, introducing programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps and ending the gold standard . He also delivered the first Radio broadcast, Fire Side Chat, to bond and reassure listeners.
He championed labor rights through the Wagner Act and navigated international relations, including recognizing the Soviet Union and enacting neutrality policies.
Re-elected in 1936, his second term from 1937 saw economic challenges, Supreme Court setbacks, and global tensions addressed through initiatives like the Neutrality Act and "lend-lease" support for allies during World War II in 1940.
In a fireside chat, he pledges that the United States will become the "arsenal of democracy."
1941–1945:
Image Credit: history.comIn 1941, Franklin D. Roosevelt ushered in the Lend-Lease aid program for Great Britain and articulated the Four Freedoms. The U.S. prepared for war by holding secret strategy talks and freezing Axis assets.
Pearl Harbor's attack led to a declaration of war, and Roosevelt initiated the "Germany first" strategy. In 1942, significant military operations were launched, including the invasion of North Africa and Guadalcanal's offensive.
The Casablanca Conference set global strategies, and the War Refugee Board was established.
Four Phrases:
Image Credit: history.comRoosevelt's leadership continued until his passing in April 1945, leaving a legacy of wartime mobilization and international collaboration. Only President elected four times, indicating strong public support.
During his presidency, the government increased its involvement in social and economic welfare, which changed American culture. In 1945, however, an era came to an end when he passed away in office.
1946:
Image Credit: PCGSFranklin D. Roosevelt was honored on the dime coin for his fight against polio and his great leadership. With the passing of Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 12, 1945, there was good reason to mint a coin in his honor. He had steered the ship of state through twelve of the most turbulent years in history, leading the country out of the Great Depression and to the verge of ultimate victory in World War II.
When one considers Roosevelt's extensive accomplishments both inside and outside the White House, it is easy to see why the president, who passed away in office in 1945, should be honored on a coinage of the United States.
History and Background of Roosevelt Dime
The current design of the US 10-cent coin features the "Roosevelt" theme. This design was first released by the US Mint in 1946, not long after President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away. In observance of his birthday, the Mint published it on January 30 of that year.
This plaque, made by artist Selma Burke in 1945, is believed by some to have influenced John Sinnock's design for the dime. The photo is in the public domain and available on Wikimedia Commons.Roosevelt's profile is depicted on the obverse (heads). On the reverse (tails), the torch, olive branch, and oak branch stand for freedom, harmony, and power.
It is an interesting story of how, ultimately, Roosevelt made it onto the dime. The process began shortly after the start of his fourth administration as president, and it only soon began after FDR's death in 1945.
It came out on a CoinValueChecker website that he was really fond of the March of Dimes charity, which, on top, is involved in fighting polio. FDR's own personal polio history had rendered him wheelchair-bound and caused his death at the age of sixty-three in the end.
The Mint first created dimes in 1796, when they were small silver coins. The designs featured an eagle on the back and Liberty on the front between 1796 and 1837. The wreath design took the place of the eagle in 1837. Up until 1946, Liberty was available on the dime in various forms.
Roosevelt Dimes Value
Most Roosevelt dimes are valued at 10 cents, their face value. Nevertheless, certain uncommon types with mistakes and distinctive characteristics can be traded for thousands of dollars. A dime with a superior mint grade was once purchased for $4,56,000.
| Product Name | Mint | Sold Price | Sale of Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1946 Type-1 Silver Roosevelt Dime Regular Strike | Philadelphia | 12,650 | 11-18-2004 |
| 1948-D Roosevelt Dimes FB (Regular Strike) | Denver | 4,313 | 11-02-2005 |
| 1949-S Roosevelt Dimes FB (Regular Strike) | San Francisco | 6,000 | 12-23-2022 |
| 1950 Roosevelt Dimes CAM (Proof) | Philadelphia | 4,348 | 06-04-2014 |
| 1951 Roosevelt Dimes DCAM (Proof) | Philadelphia | 23,500 | 01-08-2014 |
| 1954 Roosevelt Dimes DCAM (Proof) | Philadelphia | 9,400 | 04-23-2014 |
| 1955 Roosevelt Dimes (Regular Strike) | Philadelphia | 9,300 | 09-20-2020 |
| 1956 Proof Deep Cameo Type 1 Silver Roosevelt Dime | Philadelphia | 19,975 | 10-03-2016 |
| 1965 Roosevelt Dimes SMS (Special Strike) | Philadelphia | 2,000 | 05-26-2022 |
| 1966 Roosevelt Dimes SMS (Special Strike) | Philadelphia | 12,500 | 02-08-2021 |
| 1968 No S Proof Deep Cameo Type 2 Clad Roosevelt Dime | Philadelphia | 40,250 | 07-01-2008 |
| 1975 Roosevelt Dimes No S (Proof) | Philadelphia | 456,000 | 09-08-2019 |
| 1999-D Roosevelt Dime Type 2 Clad Regular Strike | Denver | 14,375 | 01-01-2009 |
Final thoughts on Roosevelt Dimes
In the history of coin collecting, the Roosevelt Dimes are particularly significant. Due to its distinctive design, small mintage, and historical significance, this coin is highly prized and sought after by enthusiasts and collectors.
This coin honors the significant legacy of a president who guided the country through difficult times in addition to representing a portion of American numismatic history.
Roosevelt Dimes have the potential to hold significant worth, particularly if they are in a mint state. Certain rare variations of these dimes can even command high prices, as we have seen above. Thus, the answer is yes, they are worth the money!
Check out our full blog on Silver Dime Value.Information and image sources: PCGS, NGC, and Heritage Auctions.Find more insights on precious metals and rare coins in our BOLD Precious Metals Blog section.
