Who's on the Dime? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the American Dime

The dime is a United States coin worth ten cents, or one-tenth of a dollar. It is the fourth-smallest denomination of U.S. coinage, after the penny, nickel, and quarter. The dime has been in circulation since 1796 and is currently the most common coin in the United States.

History of the Dime

The dime was first authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792. The original dime was made of silver and weighed 2.6 grams. In 1837, the weight of the dime was reduced to 2.2 grams. In 1853, the dime was changed to a copper-nickel alloy and the weight was reduced to 1.9 grams. The dime has remained the same size and composition since then.

Design of the Dime

The obverse (heads) of the dime features a portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. The portrait was designed by John Flanagan and was first used on the dime in 1946. The reverse (tails) of the dime features a depiction of the Liberty Bell. The design was created by Frank Gasparro and was first used on the dime in 1946.

Production of the Dime

Dimes are produced at the United States Mint in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The Mint produces approximately 1.5 billion dimes each year. Dimes are made from a copper-nickel alloy that is 75% copper and 25% nickel. The alloy is rolled into strips and then cut into individual coin blanks. The blanks are then stamped with the obverse and reverse designs.

Value of the Dime

The value of the dime has fluctuated over time. In the early 1800s, the dime was worth about 10 cents in today's money. However, the value of the dime declined steadily throughout the 19th century. By the end of the century, the dime was worth only about 5 cents in today's money.

The value of the dime has been relatively stable in the 20th and 21st centuries. However, the dime has lost some of its purchasing power over time. In the early 1900s, the dime could buy about a loaf of bread. Today, the dime can only buy a few pieces of candy.

Uses of the Dime

Dimes are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Making purchases in vending machines
• Paying for parking meters
• Tipping service workers
• Playing arcade games
• Making donations to charities

Collecting Dimes

Dimes are a popular collectible. There are many different types of dimes, including:

• Proof coins
• Mint errors
• Commemorative coins
• Silver dimes

Dimes can be worth a lot of money, depending on their rarity and condition. Some dimes are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when collecting dimes:

• Don't clean your dimes. Cleaning dimes can damage their surface and reduce their value.
• Don't store your dimes in plastic bags. Plastic bags can trap moisture, which can damage dimes.
• Don't handle your dimes with your bare hands. The oils from your hands can damage dimes.

How to Start Collecting Dimes

If you're interested in starting a dime collection, there are a few things you can do:

1. Do your research. Learn about the different types of dimes and their value.
2. Find a reputable dealer. A reputable dealer will be able to help you find the right dimes for your collection.
3. Start small. Don't try to buy too many dimes at once. Start with a few that you can afford.
4. Have fun! Collecting dimes should be enjoyable. Don't get too caught up in the value of your collection. Just enjoy the process of collecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the most valuable dime? The most valuable dime is the 1943-S Mercury dime. This dime is made of silver and is very rare. It is worth over $100,000 in good condition.
• What is the rarest dime? The rarest dime is the 1894-S Barber dime. This dime is made of silver and is very rare. It is worth over $50,000 in good condition.
• What is a proof dime? A proof dime is a dime that is struck specially for collectors. Proof dimes are made with extra care and have a mirror-like finish.
• What is a mint error? A mint error is a dime that has been struck with an error. Mint errors can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a misaligned die or a broken coin blank.
• What is a commemorative dime? A commemorative dime is a dime that is struck to commemorate a special event or person. Commemorative dimes are often made of silver or gold and have a special design.
• What is a silver dime? A silver dime is a dime that is made of silver. Silver dimes were minted from 1796 to 1964.

Call to Action

If you're interested in learning more about dimes, there are a number of resources available online. You can visit the website of the United States Mint or the American Numismatic Association. You can also find a number of books and articles about dimes at your local library.

Tables

Table 1: Production of Dimes by Year

Table 2: Value of the Dime by Year

Table 3: Most Valuable Dimes