The dime, a ten-cent coin, has been a cornerstone of American currency since the Coinage Act of 1792 established the United States Mint. Throughout its history, the dime has undergone several design changes, each reflecting the cultural and historical context of its time. Among these, the Seated Liberty Dime, Barber Dime, and Mercury Dime stand out for their significance and the stories they tell about America's past. Continue reading to learn about dime history.
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Image source: PCGS
Seated Liberty Dime History
The Seated Liberty Dime, minted from 1837 to 1891, features the iconic image of Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield in one hand and a staff topped with a liberty cap in the other. This design, created by Mint Engraver Christian Gobrecht, was part of a series that included half dimes, quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars, all sharing the Seated Liberty motif. The dime saw several variations during its tenure, including the addition of stars around the edge, the incorporation of the word "LIBERTY" on the shield, and changes to the reverse design, which primarily depicted a wreath and the denomination. The Seated Liberty Dime is a product of its era, symbolizing the nation's foundational values of liberty and justice amid a period of rapid growth and significant conflict, including the Civil War.
Barber Dime History
Following the Seated Liberty series, the Barber Dime was introduced in 1892 and produced until 1916. Named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time, this dime features a classical profile of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, a laurel wreath, and a headband inscribed with "LIBERTY." The reverse showcases a wreath encircling the denomination. The Barber Dime is part of a series that also included quarters and half dollars, all bearing similar designs. Its introduction marked a shift towards more uniform and simplistic designs in U.S. coinage, reflecting the pragmatic and industrial spirit of the turn-of-the-century America.
Mercury Dime History
In 1916, the Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime, replaced the Barber Dime. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, this coin is often considered one of the most beautiful pieces of U.S. coinage. Despite its common name, the obverse actually depicts Liberty with a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought, rather than the Roman god Mercury. The reverse features a fasces, representing unity and strength, and an olive branch, symbolizing peace. Minted until 1945, the Mercury Dime was produced during a period of significant change, including both World Wars and the Great Depression, reflecting America's resilience and enduring commitment to liberty and democracy.
Bust Dime History
The Bust Dime, the early incarnation of the dime, was first minted in 1796, showcasing the young nation's neoclassical aesthetic preferences. This series is divided into the Draped Bust (1796-1807) and Capped Bust (1809-1837) designs. The Draped Bust Dime, designed by Robert Scot, features Lady Liberty with flowing hair and a draped bust on the obverse, symbolizing the fledgling nation's ideals of liberty and freedom. The reverse initially displayed an eagle, which was a common emblem of the United States. The Capped Bust Dime, introduced in 1809 and also designed by Scot, presented a more mature representation of Liberty wearing a cap, indicating freedom, with the reverse showcasing a more detailed eagle. These early dimes were minted in a smaller scale and in lesser quantities compared to later versions, making them highly prized among collectors for their rarity and historical significance.
Roosevelt Dime History
Introduced in 1946, the Roosevelt Dime was created to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his death in 1945, recognizing his leadership through the Great Depression and World War II, as well as his efforts in founding the March of Dimes to fight polio. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the dime features Roosevelt's profile on the obverse, a design choice reflecting the nation's gratitude and respect for the 32nd President. The reverse initially featured a torch, olive branch, and oak branch, symbolizing liberty, peace, and strength, respectively. This coin marked a departure from the allegorical Liberty to a more contemporary figure in American history, connecting the nation's coinage more directly with its recent past and present. The Roosevelt Dime was first minted in silver but was changed to a copper-nickel clad composition in 1965 due to rising silver prices. The design has remained largely unchanged, a testament to Roosevelt's enduring legacy.
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Dimes are ten-cent coins that the U.S. Mint has been producing since 1796 when they minted the first dime, the Bust dime. There are five kinds of U.S. dimes. They are all different in their own way, but they all hold the same face value of ten cents. All dimes prior to 1965 had 90% silver in them.
As stated earlier the first dime was the Bust dime, it was first minted in 1796. Then in 1837, the Seated Liberty dime replaced it. The Seated Liberty Dime was loved because of its full-body design. Following the Seated Liberty dime was the Barber dime, that dime was part of the Barber coinage series. Thereafter, the Mercury dime replaced the Barber dime. The final dime that has been released to date is the Roosevelt dime. This dime is our current dime in circulation and the only U.S. dime to minted with and without silver content. After 1964 dimes no longer had any silver.
All the dimes we offer and their dates minted are the following:
Bust dime: 1796-1839
Seated Liberty dime: 1897-1891
Barber dime: 1892-1916
Mercury dime: 1916-1945
Roosevelt dime: 1946-1964
FAQ
What is the origin of the dime?
The dime was authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792, making it one of the first denominations specified for U.S. coinage, although the first dimes were not produced until 1796.
Why is it called a "dime"?
The name "dime" comes from the French word "dîme," meaning "tithe" or "tenth part," reflecting its value of one-tenth of a United States dollar.
What was the design of the first dime?
The first dimes, known as the Draped Bust dimes, featured a portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
Who designed the Mercury Dime?
The Mercury Dime, introduced in 1916, was designed by Adolph A. Weinman. It's officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime.
What does the Mercury Dime represent?
Despite its nickname, the Mercury Dime actually features Lady Liberty with a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought.
How long was the Mercury Dime in production?
The Mercury Dime was minted from 1916 to 1945.
What dime replaced the Mercury Dime?
The Roosevelt Dime replaced the Mercury Dime in 1946, featuring President Franklin D. Roosevelt's portrait to honor his leadership and founding of the March of Dimes.
Has the composition of the dime changed over time?
Yes, early dimes were made of silver, but since 1965, dimes have been minted in a copper-nickel clad composition due to the removal of silver from circulating U.S. coins.
What is the significance of the Seated Liberty Dime?
Minted from 1837 to 1891, the Seated Liberty Dime featured Lady Liberty seated, symbolizing America's growing sense of national identity and independence.
Who was the Barber Dime named after?
The Barber Dime, produced from 1892 to 1916, was named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, the U.S. Mint's Chief Engraver at the time.
Are there any rare dimes that collectors seek?
Yes, collectors seek rare dimes such as the 1894-S Barber Dime, of which only 24 were minted, and high-grade examples of older series like Draped Bust and Capped Bust dimes.
What makes the 1894-S Barber Dime so valuable?
Its extreme rarity, with only 24 minted and a handful known to exist today, combined with its fascinating history, makes the 1894-S Barber Dime one of the most valuable and sought-after U.S. coins.
How can I determine the value of a dime?
The value depends on its series, rarity, mint mark, condition (or grade), and current market demand. Consulting a coin valuation guide or a professional appraiser is recommended.
What is the current design of the dime?
The current design features President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse, introduced in 1946, and a torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the reverse, symbolizing liberty, peace, and victory, respectively.
Why was Franklin D. Roosevelt chosen for the dime?
Roosevelt was chosen for his leadership during a time of significant national challenges and for his role in founding the March of Dimes, which funded polio research and vaccination efforts.