Isn’t it funny how we have all these nickels, dimes, pennies, and coins in general that we use every day without really knowing how they came to be? One such coin, that people rarely comment or talk about is the very Roosevelt dime, still in circulation to this day. This ten-cent piece has been around ever since 1946, and apart from dedicated coin collectors and numismatists, no one really knows what this piece represents, nor how valuable its vintage counterparts really are.
Therefore, in the following paragraphs, we’ll go over all of the interesting information regarding the Roosevelt Dime; its history, how it came to be, what it represents, and of course, how truly valuable the 1965 edition really is. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Roosevelt Dime Value – Everything You Need To Know
Inception and Dime Design Choices
The history of the dime can be traced back to 1792 when the United States Mint was established in Philadelphia. The dime was first introduced in 1796, and it featured a portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. Over the years, the dime has undergone several design changes, with some of the most famous dimes being the Mercury dime, the Roosevelt dime, and the Barber dime.
The 1965 dime belongs to the Roosevelt dime series, which was introduced in 1946 to honor the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The dime features Roosevelt’s portrait on the obverse and a torch, an olive branch, and an oak branch on the reverse. The Roosevelt dime replaced the Mercury dime, which was in circulation from 1916 to 1945. But, how did this dime even come into existence?
Unfortunately, President Franklin D. Roosevelt has been stricken with polio in 1921. For a long time, he was fighting the disease that made him suffer incredibly, especially during the hard times of World War II. On April 12, 1945, President Roosevelt died, after leading the United Stated through many great events, including the War as well as Great Depression.
The U.S. Treasury as well as the U.S. Mint recommended the Mercury dime would be replaced by a new coin, and this one would depict the very President Roosevelt. To a great surprise, many objected the replacement of the Mercury dime since it was an incredibly beautiful and unique coin. Nevertheless, the agreement was stricken and in 1946, the Roosevelt dime was put in motion. The new dime design was created by John R. Sinnock the Chief engraver of the U.S. Mint.
The 1965 dime was minted at three different locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, which are the usual minting locations for all of the denominations. The coins minted in Philadelphia do not have a mint mark, while the coins minted in Denver and San Francisco have a ‘D’ and ‘S7 mint mark, respectively. The coins minted in San Francisco were produced exclusively for collectors and were sold in special proof sets.
Now, the dime itself features, on the obverse, the portrait of President Roosevelt, as well as the inscriptions LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. The reverse depicts a torch in the very center, representing liberty, as well as an olive spring, representing peace. There is also an oak spring, which represents strength and independence.
Current Value of the 1965 Roosevelt Dime
In terms of its value, the 1965 dime is not considered rare or valuable in comparison to other dimes in American history. In fact, the 1965 dime is made of copper and nickel, rather than the silver content that was used in previous dimes. The switch from silver to copper nickel was made in 1965 due to a shortage of silver caused by the rising demand for silver in various industries. This was all enacted thanks to the Coinage Act of 1965, which stated the elimination of silver from the circulating United States dime and quarter dollars.
Despite not being made of silver, the 1965 dime still holds value for collectors. The value of a 1965 dime depends on several factors, including its condition, mint mark, and rarity. For example, a 1965 dime in pristine condition printend in Philadelphia can be worth around 10 USD, while a regular 1965 dime in average condition is worth around 10 cents.
Another factor that affects the value of the 1965 dime is its rarity. While the coin is not considered rare in general, there are certain variations that are highly sought after by collectors. For example, some 1965 dimes have a double die error, which means that the coin was struck twice by the die. These coins are rare and can fetch thousands of dollars at auction. Moreover, the ‘proof’ variation of the dime is considered highly valuable as well. For example, in mint condition, a Roosevelt dime is sold for around 8,600 USD.
Additionally, some 1965 dimes have a ‘1964-D’ mint mark, which is a result of the mint workers accidentally using the wrong die. These coins are also rare and highly valued by collectors. It is important to note that not all 1965 dimes with a ‘1964-D’ mint mark are genuine, as there are many counterfeits in circulation. Collectors should always purchase coins from reputable dealers and have them authenticated by a professional grading service.
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In Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1965 dime holds a special place in numismatics, especially in the States, despite not being made of silver or being rare like the other coins. Its history is a testament to the evolution of American coinage, and its value is determined by several factors, including its inception, story of making, and the overall effect it had on the U.S. coinage. Of course, the condition of the coin is also rather important as well. While the 1965 dime may not be as valuable as some other dimes in American history, it is still a beloved coin among collectors and serves as a reminder of the past difficult times as well as quick and resilient solutions provided by the best people for the job.
