United States Dimes

A Brief History of America's Smallest Silver Coin

From the Coinage Act of 1792 to Today

The United States dime, authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792, has played a steady role in American commerce for more than two centuries. Early designs such as the Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, and Capped Bust dimes reflected the artistic tastes of the young nation. The long-running Seated Liberty series followed from 1837 to 1891, paving the way for the Barber dime, the beloved Mercury dime, and eventually the modern Roosevelt dime introduced in 1946 — now the longest-running design in the denomination's history.

Dime collecting offers opportunities for beginners and seasoned numismatists alike. Values are influenced by rarity, condition, and mint mark. Key dates such as the 1916-D Mercury dime can command enormous premiums, while common-date Roosevelt dimes remain accessible entry points for new collectors. Though small in size, the dime carries a rich legacy of history, design, and numismatic appeal.

Design Evolution of the United States Dime

Two Centuries of Liberty, Portraiture & Symbolism

The dime's story begins with the elegant Draped Bust design (1796–1807), followed by the Capped Bust series (1809–1837), both featuring Liberty paired with variations of the American eagle. The long-running Seated Liberty dime (1837–1891) reimagined Liberty seated on a rock, becoming one of the most iconic 19th-century designs. In 1892 the Barber dime introduced a dignified classical portrait, which remained in circulation until 1916.

It was succeeded by the celebrated Winged Liberty Head — or "Mercury" — dime (1916–1945), admired for its artistic imagery: Liberty wearing a winged cap symbolizing freedom of thought, and a fasces on the reverse representing unity and strength. In 1946, the Roosevelt dime honored President Franklin D. Roosevelt shortly after his passing. Designed by John R. Sinnock, it features Roosevelt's profile and a torch flanked by an olive branch and oak branch — symbolizing liberty, peace, and strength — and remains in production today.

Key Dates & Value Overview

Most Valuable U.S. Dimes by Series

Series Overview

Every U.S. Dime Type at a Glance

Mercury Dimes — 1916 to 1945

Adolph Weinman's Masterpiece in Silver

The Winged Liberty Head dime — universally known as the Mercury dime — is widely regarded as one of the most artistically beautiful coins ever struck by the United States Mint. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, it features Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. The reverse depicts a fasces bound with an olive branch, representing the nation's readiness for war while pursuing peace. Struck in 90% silver from 1916 through 1945, Mercury dimes are a cornerstone of 20th-century U.S. numismatics.

The key date is the 1916-D, struck at the Denver Mint with a mintage of only 264,000 — the lowest of any Mercury dime. Even heavily worn examples sell for over $1,000; gem uncirculated specimens with Full Split Bands (FSB) on the reverse fasces can reach $20,000 or more. Other important dates include 1921, 1921-D, and the 1942/1 overdate, where a 1941 die was re-engraved for 1942 — leaving a visible ghost of the earlier date beneath.

Roosevelt Dimes — 1946 to Present

The Most Common Dime — With Some Surprising Rarities

The Roosevelt dime was introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who died in April 1945. It remained in 90% silver composition through 1964; starting in 1965, the Mint switched to a copper-nickel clad composition as silver prices rose. The transition years 1965–1967 are notable because no mint marks appear on any coin — a deliberate policy to discourage hoarding by date and mint mark.

While most Roosevelt dimes are common, key dates and varieties do exist. The 1949-S and 1950-S are scarcer issues in high grades. The 1968 No-S proof — struck without the required S mint mark — is one of the most valuable modern U.S. rarities, with fewer than 10 known and values exceeding $10,000. The 1982 No-P dime, produced when the Philadelphia Mint accidentally omitted its newly required P mint mark, is far more common but still collectible.