Numismatic Reference · 1946–1964
Silver Roosevelt Dime
Collector value up to $500
Introduced shortly after Franklin D. Roosevelt's death in 1945, the Roosevelt Dime replaced the Mercury Dime. The 1946–1964 issues are 90% silver and are staples of junk-silver bags.
Specs
- Composition
- 90% silver, 10% copper (1946–1964)
- Weight
- 2.50 g
- Pure silver content
- 0.0723 troy oz
- Years struck
- 1946–1964
A short history
Designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, the Roosevelt Dime debuted on FDR's birthday, January 30, 1946. The composition changed to copper-nickel clad in 1965 alongside the other silver denominations.
What it's made of
Same silver content as the Mercury Dime it replaced: 2.5 grams gross, about 0.0723 troy oz of pure silver.
Key dates & varieties to watch
- 1949-S — lowest business-strike mintage of the silver era
- 1955 P, D, and S — low mintages across the board
- Proof-only Full Torch (FT) high-grade examples
Values for key dates depend heavily on grade and authentication. Bring your coins in for an in-person look — we evaluate every piece individually.
How to identify it
- Obverse: Roosevelt facing left
- Reverse: Torch flanked by olive and oak branches
- Diameter 17.9 mm, weight 2.5 g (silver years)
- Mint mark on reverse next to the torch base (silver years); moved to obverse in 1968
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1965 Roosevelt Dime silver?
No. 1965 was the transition year to copper-nickel clad. All Roosevelt Dimes dated 1965 or later are clad, except for special silver-proof sets issued from 1992 onward.
Related coins we buy
Bring your Silver Roosevelt Dimes in for a free evaluation
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