The dime, in United States usage, is a ten-cent coin (10¢), one tenth of a United States dollar, labelled formally as "one dime". After the half dime became five cents in 1873, the dime is now the only United States coin in general circulation that is not denominated in terms of dollars or cents.
The denomination exists since the introduction of US currency. It was initially a larger silver coin featuring the draped bust of Liberty (1796 - 1807), then a smaller capped bust of Liberty (1809 - 1837), then with a Seated Liberty obverse (1837 - 1891).
In 1892, this new obverse design was introduced; it is known as Barber coinage (together with the quarter dollar and half dollar which were re-designed at the same time) after U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber who developed it, or Liberty Head after the portrait of Miss Liberty on the obverse which only shows her face, unlike the earlier designs. The Barber Dime was only issued until 1916, when it was replaced by the "Mercury Dime". Its composition, like that of earlier dimes, is 90% silver and 10% copper.
In later years, the composition of the dime was debased to copper-nickel, and silver coinage disappeared from circulation. However, these coins have never been demonetised and are still legal tender. This, of course, is of academic interest only, as their numismatic and bullion value is much higher than their face value. |
