Roosevelt Dime

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1952

Denomination: One Dime (10 Cents)

Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

Roosevelt Dime

Brief Description

A silver United States dime featuring the portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse and a torch flanked by branches on the reverse.

Historical Significance

Introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his death, chosen because of his association with the March of Dimes. This 1952 issue is from the era when U.S. circulating coinage contained silver.

Estimated Value

$2.00-$3.00 (primarily based on silver melt value in current condition); $15-$40+ for high-grade uncirculated specimens.

Care Instructions

Do not clean or polish, as this reduces numismatic value. Handle by the edges and store in a PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent further tarnishing.

Mint Mark

None visible (Philadelphia Mint); Philadelphia coins of this era did not carry a mint mark.

Mintage & Rarity

Common; 99,020,000 minted in Philadelphia for 1952.

Weight & Diameter

2.5 grams / 17.9 mm

Edge

Reeded

Apparent Grade

Very Good to Fine (VG-F); Shows significant wear on Roosevelt's hair and the leaves on the reverse, with a generally dull patina.

Obverse (Front)

Portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt facing left. Legends: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1952. Designer: John R. Sinnock.

Reverse (Back)

A torch representing liberty, flanked by an olive branch (peace) and an oak branch (victory). Legends: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and ONE DIME.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Current silver spot price is the primary driver for circulated examples. Condition (especially 'Full Bands' on the torch) and mint marks drive higher collector value.

Similar Coins

1946-1964 Silver Roosevelt Dimes (look the same but different dates); Post-1964 Dimes (look similar but have a copper-colored 'sandwich' edge and no silver content).

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Check the edge for a solid silver color (no copper stripe). Verify weight (2.5g) and diameter. Counterfeits for common dates are rare, but 'S' or 'D' mint marks are sometimes added to coins.

Notable Varieties & Errors

No major doubled dies or varieties are widely recognized for the 1952 Philadelphia issue, though collectors look for 'Full Torch' details.

Created At: 2026-06-16T17:29:03.075197