Roosevelt Silver Dimes

The Roosevelt silver dime was minted from 1946 – 1964. Then beginning in 1965 they began using a copper-nickel combination. The coin was minted in three different government mints: San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia. Those minted in Denver will show a “d”; on the San Francisco, an “s” will be seen. Philadelphia did not have a letter marked on their coins. Another very presidential and well known coin is the Kennedy Silver Half Dollar coin minted since 1964.

The coin has a wonderful history. The Roosevelt silver dime was issued in 1946 in tribute to Franklin D. Roosevelt. He had died in office the year before at age 63. Of course, Roosevelt was a beloved president by many – he served four terms he was so well-liked, and the coin was popular. It was natural that the coin honoring him should be a dime, since he had started the Charity The March of Dimes. Originally, he named the charity the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. Later he called it the March of Dimes. Roosevelt had polio himself, with the result of little or no use of his legs. One striking anecdote is that at a fundraiser Eddie Cantor asked the public to send dimes to the president – some believe he was joking. Of course, the public sent over two million dimes to the White House, along with thousands of dollars in donations.

The Roosevelt silver dime was designed by John Ray Sinnock. Look for the “JS” on the dime – that is his “signature”. He was the chief engraver of the U.S. John Sinnock worked right up until the last week perfecting the design which had to be approved by the Commission of Fine Arts. The coin was released on Jan. 30, 1946. President Roosevelt would have turned 64 on that day had he lived.

The design on the front (the Obverse side) is a portrait of Pres. Roosevelt facing left. The other side of the coin depicts a torch, an olive branch, and an oak branch. These are to symbolize liberty, peace, and strength. What is the Roosevelt silver dime worth? Like everything else, that depends on what the buyer and seller agree on. There are some general trends that can apply. This coin in bad shape has still consistently been worth $1.66. If in average condition, the Roosevelt silver dime has steadily been valued at $2.00. If the Roosevelt silver dime is certified in mint state (MS+) by a top coin grading company, what is it worth? Let’s take for example the 1960 “d“ version (Denver Mint). That coin can bring as much as $12 at auction.

So, whether you search out this coin for its colorful history, or to turn it in for more cash, The Roosevelt silver dime is certainly worth the hunt. The US mint is providing great Dime coin knowledge for interested kids and teens.