Roosevelt Dime

United States · 1979 (or similar late 1970s date)

A heavily worn, heavily circulated US Roosevelt dime showing smoothing of the profile and reverse torch details, typical of long-term commercial use.

Country: United States
Year: 1979 (or similar late 1970s date)
Denomination: One Dime ($0.10)

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Identified September 15, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A heavily worn, heavily circulated US Roosevelt dime showing smoothing of the profile and reverse torch details, typical of long-term commercial use.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt shortly after his death, symbolizing his association with the March of Dimes and the fight against polio.

Obverse (front)

Features the left-facing portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, with the inscription 'LIBERTY' on the left, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' below the chin, and the date on the right.

Reverse (back)

Features a central torch (symbolizing liberty), an olive branch (symbolizing peace), and an oak branch (symbolizing strength and independence), flanked by the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'ONE DIME' along the rim.

Estimated value

$0.10 to $0.25 (primarily face value or melt value due to heavy wear and lack of precious silver content post-1964)

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade is the primary driver of value for modern clad coins. High-grade uncirculated specimens (MS-65 or higher) or specific mint errors command premiums.

Grade assessment

About Poor (AP-1) to Fair (F-2) due to extreme wear, heavy smoothing, and partial loss of lettering details.

Mintage & rarity

Common, with hundreds of millions minted annually across facilities during this era.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Modern clad dimes from 1979 are rarely counterfeited due to low face value. Check weight (2.27g) and edge for the copper core layer visible along the rim.

Notable varieties & errors

No major key dates exist in the 1979 clad series, though collectors look for missing mint mark errors on proof issues or severe die breaks.

Similar coins

Mercury Dime (1916-1945), which is made of 90% silver and has a winged liberty head on the obverse.

Care & preservation

Store in a dry environment in cardboard flips or plastic coin tubes. Avoid harsh cleaning, rubbing, or chemical dips which will permanently destroy any remaining luster and lower numismatic value.