Articles

The U.S. dime is a coin that has been in circulation since 1796. It is one of the smallest and most commonly used coins in the United States. The dime is currently made of a copper-nickel blend, but it has been made of other materials in the past, including silver and copper. All dimes were 90% silver prior to 1964 and are a desired commodity for fractional silver.

The first dime was minted in 1796, and it was known as the “Draped Bust” dime because it featured a portrait of Liberty with her hair flowing and a draped bust on the obverse, and an eagle on the reverse.  The dime was originally made of silver and was valued at one-tenth of a dollar. These are very rare and in high demand coins. Most very expensive and in higher grades cost prohibitive to most collectors.

In 1837, the design of the dime was changed to feature the “Seated Liberty” design, which showed Liberty seated on a rock with a shield at her side and a branch in her hand. This design was used until 1891, when it was replaced by the “Barber” design. The Barber dime, designed by Charles E. Barber, featured Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap on the obverse, and an eagle on the reverse.

In 1916, the design of the dime was changed once again, with the introduction of the “Mercury” dime. The coin features the head of Liberty, wearing a winged cap, on the obverse, and fasces (an ancient Roman symbol of authority) on the reverse. Despite being commonly referred to as the “Mercury” dime, the figure on the coin is intended to represent Liberty. This dime is the favorite of many collectors.

The key dates for Mercury dimes include:

1. 1916-D: This is the rarest and most valuable Mercury dime, with a mintage of only 264,000. In good condition, it can fetch many thousands of dollars.
2. 1921: This year saw a low mintage for Mercury dimes due to a shift in production to the new Standing Liberty design. Only about 1.2 million 1921 Mercury dimes were minted.
3. 1921-D: This coin has a mintage of only 1.1 million and is quite rare, making it sought after by collectors.
4. 1926-S: This date has a mintage of only 1.8 million and is considered rare, especially in higher grades.
5. 1931-D: This coin has a mintage of only 1.8 million and is also considered rare, particularly in higher grades.

Other notable dates include the 1916, 1917-D, 1919-D, 1920-D, 1923-S, and 1942/1 overdate. These coins are also considered rare and valuable in high grades.

The current design of the dime, known as the “Roosevelt” dime, was introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had passed away the previous year. The coin features a portrait of Roosevelt on the obverse, and a torch, an olive branch, and an oak branch on the reverse. These are the most common fractional silver dimes collected by many for their 90% silver content and small size great for trading for lower prices items.

As far as bullion the 1964 or earlier 90% silver dime is an important and in demand denomination.  It’s small size makes it a great piece for trading as a fractional silver play.  Premiums are usually high on junk/constitutional silver dimes.