How to Identify the 1996-W Roosevelt Dime
An identification guide to the 1996-W Roosevelt dime, a West Point strike issued only in that year's mint sets, covering its design, mint mark, and how it differs from ordinary circulation dimes.
Read the full 1996-W Roosevelt Dime encyclopedia entry →
What It Is
The 1996-W Roosevelt dime was struck at the West Point mint to mark the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime design. It was never released into general circulation; it was included only in that year's uncirculated mint sets as a bonus coin, making it scarcer than a typical modern dime despite its recent date.
Obverse Design
The design matches the standard Roosevelt dime: FDR's profile facing left, "LIBERTY" above, "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the left of the portrait, and the date at the lower right, with designer John Sinnock's initials "JS" at the base of the neck.
Reverse Design
A central torch is flanked by an olive branch and an oak branch, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" above and "ONE DIME" below, matching every other modern Roosevelt dime produced since 1965.
Size, Weight, Metal & Edge
It is a standard clad coin: 17.9mm in diameter, 2.268 grams, made of copper-nickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper core, with a reeded edge.
Mint Mark Location
The "W" mint mark is on the reverse, in the same spot used for all Roosevelt dime mint marks: to the left of the torch base, above "ONE DIME."
Telling It Apart from Similar Coins
Because circulating dimes from this era carry a "P" or "D" mint mark, a genuine "W" immediately sets this coin apart from ordinary pocket change. Since it was distributed only in mint sets, most surviving examples are found still housed in their original cellophane packaging rather than loose in circulation, which is a useful clue when assessing an example's history, though not required for the coin itself to be genuine.
Judging Condition at a Glance
Since these were only issued as uncirculated coins in sealed sets, grading focuses on strike sharpness and original mint luster rather than wear. Look for scratches, fingerprints, or handling marks that may have occurred after the set was opened, rather than actual circulation wear, which this coin was never meant to receive.
Authenticity Red Flags
The main concern with this issue is a "W" mint mark added to an otherwise common Philadelphia or Denver dime. Examine the mint mark closely for correct shape and proportions compared to genuine examples, and check the surrounding surface under magnification for tooling marks, plating, or an inconsistent finish that would indicate the mark was added rather than struck as part of the original die. Because the 1996-W has become a well-documented modern rarity, comparison to reference images is a straightforward way to confirm authenticity.
Frequently asked questions
Was the 1996-W dime ever used in circulation?
No, it was struck only for inclusion in 1996 uncirculated mint sets and was not released for general circulation.
Where is the W mint mark located?
On the reverse, to the left of the torch's base, above the words ONE DIME.
Is the 1996-W dime silver?
No, it is a standard copper-nickel clad coin like other post-1964 dimes.
How can I confirm my 1996-W dime is genuine?
Check that it came from an original 1996 mint set if possible, and inspect the W mint mark closely for correct shape and any signs it was added after striking.
Why was the coin struck at West Point that year?
It was issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime's original 1946 design.