One Dime, Coin Type from United States - detailed information

One Dime, Coin Type from United States (issued 1792 - )
Coin TypeOne Dime

The dime, in United States usage, is a ten-cent coin (10¢), one tenth of a United States dollar, labelled formally as "one dime". The denomination was first authorised by the Coinage Act of 1792. The dime is the smallest in diameter and is the thinnest of all U.S. coins currently minted for circulation, being 0.705 inches (17.91 millimetres) in diameter and 0.053 in (1.35 mm) in thickness. The obverse of the current dime depicts the profile of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the reverse shows an olive branch, a torch, and an oak branch, from left to right respectively.

The word dime comes from the Old French disme (now dîme), meaning "tithe" or "tenth part", from the Latin decima [pars]. In the past prices have occasionally been quoted on signage and other materials in terms of dimes, abbreviated as "d" or a lowercase "d" with a slash through it (đ) as with the cent and mill signs. 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.

Obverse
United States / One Dime - obverse photo

There have been a number of obverse designs during the history of the denomination.

The first design (1796 - 1807) showed the Draped Bust of Miss Liberty within a toothed border. Liberty has flowing hair and is facing right. Around above, the inscription LIBERTY. Around the rim, fifteen stars (eight to the left and seven to the right) representing the 15 states which were then members of the Union. Some time during 1797 this was changed to show 13 stars instead. Below the portrait, the date of issue: [year].

The second design (1809 - 1837) had the Capped Bust of Miss Liberty within a beaded border. She faces left; her hair is covered by a cloth cap secured by a band inscribed LIBERTY, with tresses flowing down to her shoulder. Her neckline is draped with a gown, secured with a brooch at the shoulder. Around the rim, thirteen stars (seven to the left and six to the right) representing the original 13 states. Below the portrait, the date of issue: [year].

The third design (1837 - 1891) showed a Seated Liberty - clad in a flowing dress and seated upon a rock. In her left hand, she holds a Liberty pole surmounted by a Phrygian cap (a type of cap which in Ancient Rome was worn by freed slaves). With her right hand, she supports the Union Shield, which has thirteen vertical stripes, white and red, with a blue horizontal bar on top. The colours are represented by heraldic hatching (thin lines indicating the colour - horizontal stripes for blue, vertical for red, no stripes for white). Across the shield, a diagonal banner inscribed with the word LIBERTY.

During 1840, the design was slightly modified with additional drapery of Liberty's dress, flowing down from her left elbow. Between 1838 and 1859, there were thirteen stars around above representing the 13 original states. In 1860 and later, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA instead.

In the exergue below the figure, the date of issue: [year]. Between 1853 and 1855 and in 1873-1874, arrows on both sides of the date indicate a reduction and later increase in the weight of the denomination.

The Barber Dime (1892 - 1916) shows a portrait of Miss Liberty facing right, her hair in a Phrygian cap and wearing a laurel wreath, with the word LIBERTY in tiny letters in a band above her forehead. The designer's initial B (for [Charles] Barber) is incuse on the next truncation. Around above, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; below the portrait, the date: [year].

The Mercury Dime (1916 - 1945) shows a portrait of Miss Liberty facing left, the tight curls of her hair caught in a Phrygian cap (pileus) which is winged. The coin is known as the Mercury Dime because of the resemblance of this portrait with depictions of Mercury, the Roman god of commerce and communications. Around above in large letters, the word LIBERTY is partly obscured by the top of the cap.

On two lines below left, the national motto IN · GOD WE · TRUST. The designer's monogram AW (for Adolph Weinman) is in the field below right, between the Y of LIBERTY and last digit of the date. Below right, under the neck truncation of the portrait, the date: [year].

The sixth and current design of the dime features a portrait of Franklin Roosevelt since 1946. Initially in silver and since 1965 in copper-nickel, it shows the 32nd president of the Unite States facing left. The designer's initials JS (for John Sinnock) are below the neck truncation of the portrait. To the right of that and much larger, the date of issue: [year]. Around left in large letters, the inscription LIBERTY. On two lines below left, the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST.

Obverse Inscription LIBERTY IN GOD WE TRUST [year]
Reverse
United States / One Dime - reverse photo

There have been a number of reverse designs during the history of the denomination.

The first design, known as the Small Eagle was only issued in 1796 and 1797. The main device on the reverse is an eagle, standing on a rock, with open wings, looking to right. Around the eagle, a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon below. Around, the name of the country: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The rim is denticled (toothed). Value and denomination are not displayed on the coin.

The second design is known as the Heraldic Eagle and was issued from 1798 to 1808. At centre, it shows the main part of the obverse (or front) of the Great Seal of the United States, which displays the full achievement of the national coat of arms. The design has the Union Shield at centre. The supporter of the shield is a bald eagle with its wings outstretched; it holds a bundle of seven arrows in its right talon, and an olive branch in its left talon. In its beak, the eagle clutches a scroll with the motto E pluribus unum ("Out of Many, One"). Over its head there appears a "glory" with of clouds and 13 mullets (stars). Value and denomination are not displayed on the coin.

The recurring number 13 refers to the 13 original states. The arrows and olive branch together symbolise that the United States has "a strong desire for peace, but will always be ready for war". The eagle has its head turned towards the arrows - unlike later versions where it looks towards the olive branch, to symbolise a preference for peace. Around, the name of the country: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The rim is denticled (toothed).

From 1809 to 1837, the reverse showed a different eagle, perched, with open wings, looking to left. On its breast, the Union Shield at centre, with thirteen vertical stripes and a horizontal bar on top. Around above, a scroll inscribed with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM ("Out of Many, One").

Around the outer rim, the name of the country: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Below the eagle, the abbreviated value and denomination 10 C. (Ten Cents).

The fourth design (1837 - 1916) showed a wreath surrounding the value and denomination, this time given as ONE DIME. There was one version of the wreath from 1837 to 1860, then it was redesigned. The Barber Dime also had a wreath on the reverse.

The fifth reverse was used on the Mercury Dime (1916 - 1945). Within a plain rim, it depicts at its centre a bundle of "fasces" (sticks) wrapped around an axe and bound both horizontally and diagonally by a leather strap, with the loose ends at the bottom. The lettering is in Roman style; around above, UNITED · STATES · OF · AMERICA; separated from this by two five-pointed stars, and divided by the bottom part of the fasces, the value and denomination ONE DIME. In the right field, on two lines the motto E · PLURIBUS UNUM.

The sixth and current design of the dime features a torch in the centre, representing liberty, flanked by an olive sprig representing peace, and one of oak symbolising strength and independence; the design as a whole is symbolic of the victorious end of World War II. Around above, in large letters the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; separated from this by two dots, around below are the value and denomination: · ONE DIME ·. Interrupted by the torch and two branches, horizontally in the lower half of the design is the motto E · PLURIBUS · UNUM.

Reverse Inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA · ONE DIME ·
EdgeMilledEdge InscriptionNone
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Royal Mint
Coin Type: One Dime - (217) Coins (Page 1 of 3)
Coin NameMintageSymbol or PortraitLegend
One Dime 1796 Draped Bust 22,135 Liberty, Portrait ******** LIBERTY ******* 1796
One Dime 1797 Draped Bust 25,261 Liberty, Portrait ********* LIBERTY ******* 1797
One Dime 1798 Draped Bust 27,550 Liberty, Portrait ******* LIBERTY ****** 1798
One Dime 1800 Draped Bust 21,760 Liberty, Portrait ******* LIBERTY ****** 1800
One Dime 1801 Draped Bust 34,640 Liberty, Portrait ******* LIBERTY ****** 1801
One Dime 1802 Draped Bust 10,975 Liberty, Portrait ******* LIBERTY ****** 1802
One Dime 1803 Draped Bust 33,040 Liberty, Portrait ******* LIBERTY ****** 1803
One Dime 1804 Draped Bust 8,265 Liberty, Portrait ******* LIBERTY ****** 1804
One Dime 1805 Draped Bust 120,780 Liberty, Portrait ******* LIBERTY ****** 1805
One Dime 1807 Draped Bust 165,000 Liberty, Portrait ******* LIBERTY ****** 1807
One Dime 1809 Capped Bust 51,065 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1809
One Dime 1811 Capped Bust 65,180 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1811
One Dime 1814 Capped Bust 421,500 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1814
One Dime 1820 Capped Bust 942,587 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1820
One Dime 1821 Capped Bust 1,186,512 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1821
One Dime 1822 Capped Bust 100,000 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1822
One Dime 1823 Capped Bust 440,000 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1823
One Dime 1824 Capped Bust 100,000 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1824
One Dime 1825 Capped Bust 510,000 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1825
One Dime 1827 Capped Bust 1,215,000 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1827
One Dime 1828 Capped Bust 125,000 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1828
One Dime 1829 Capped Bust 770,000 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1829
One Dime 1830 Capped Bust 510,000 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1830
One Dime 1831 Capped Bust 771,350 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1831
One Dime 1832 Capped Bust 522,500 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1832
One Dime 1833 Capped Bust 485,000 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1833
One Dime 1834 Capped Bust 635,000 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1834
One Dime 1835 Capped Bust 1,410,000 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1835
One Dime 1836 Capped Bust 1,190,000 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1836
One Dime 1837 Capped Bust 359,500 Liberty, Portrait ************* 1837
One Dime 1837 Seated Liberty 682,500 Seated Liberty 1837
One Dime 1838 Seated Liberty 2,398,534 Seated Liberty ************* 1838
One Dime 1839 Seated Liberty 2,344,715 Seated Liberty ************* 1839
One Dime 1840 Seated Liberty 2,727,500 Seated Liberty ************* 1840
One Dime 1841 Seated Liberty 3,630,000 Seated Liberty ************* 1841
One Dime 1842 Seated Liberty 3,907,500 Seated Liberty ************* 1842
One Dime 1843 Seated Liberty 1,520,000 Seated Liberty ************* 1843
One Dime 1844 Seated Liberty 72,500 Seated Liberty ************* 1844
One Dime 1845 Seated Liberty 1,985,000 Seated Liberty ************* 1845
One Dime 1846 Seated Liberty 31,300 Seated Liberty ************* 1846
One Dime 1847 Seated Liberty 245,000 Seated Liberty ************* 1847
One Dime 1848 Seated Liberty 451,500 Seated Liberty ************* 1848
One Dime 1849 Seated Liberty 1,139,000 Seated Liberty ************* 1849
One Dime 1850 Seated Liberty 2,441,500 Seated Liberty ************* 1850
One Dime 1851 Seated Liberty 1,426,500 Seated Liberty ************* 1851
One Dime 1852 Seated Liberty 1,965,500 Seated Liberty ************* 1852
One Dime 1853 Seated Liberty 13,273,010 Seated Liberty *************←1853 →
One Dime 1854 Seated Liberty 6,240,000 Seated Liberty *************←1854 →
One Dime 1855 Seated Liberty 2,075,000 Seated Liberty *************←1855 →
One Dime 1856 Seated Liberty 7,030,000 Seated Liberty ************* 1856
One Dime 1857 Seated Liberty 7,120,000 Seated Liberty ************* 1857
One Dime 1858 Seated Liberty 1,890,000 Seated Liberty ************* 1858
One Dime 1859 Seated Liberty 970,000 Seated Liberty ************* 1859
One Dime 1860 Seated Liberty, with Stars 140,000 Seated Liberty ************* 1860
One Dime 1860 Seated Liberty, no Stars 647,000 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1860
One Dime 1861 Seated Liberty 2,056,500 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1861
One Dime 1862 Seated Liberty 1,028,300 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1862
One Dime 1863 Seated Liberty 171,960 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1863
One Dime 1864 Seated Liberty 241,470 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1864
One Dime 1865 Seated Liberty 186,000 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1865
One Dime 1866 Seated Liberty 143,725 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1866
One Dime 1867 Seated Liberty 146,625 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1867
One Dime 1868 Seated Liberty 724,600 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1868
One Dime 1869 Seated Liberty 706,600 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1869
One Dime 1870 Seated Liberty 521,500 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1870
One Dime 1871 Seated Liberty 1,247,810 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1871
One Dime 1872 Seated Liberty 2,621,930 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1872
One Dime 1873 Seated Liberty 4,432,691 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ←1873 →
One Dime 1874 Seated Liberty 3,190,817 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ←1874 →
One Dime 1875 Seated Liberty 24,065,700 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1875
One Dime 1876 Seated Liberty 30,141,150 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1876
One Dime 1877 Seated Liberty 17,350,510 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1877
One Dime 1878 Seated Liberty 1,878,000 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1878
One Dime 1879 Seated Liberty 15,100 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1879
One Dime 1880 Seated Liberty 37,335 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1880
One Dime 1881 Seated Liberty 24,975 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1881
One Dime 1882 Seated Liberty 3,911,100 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1882
One Dime 1883 Seated Liberty 7,675,712 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1883
One Dime 1884 Seated Liberty 3,931,349 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1884
One Dime 1885 Seated Liberty 2,577,117 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1885
One Dime 1886 Seated Liberty 6,584,094 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1886
One Dime 1887 Seated Liberty 15,738,389 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1887
One Dime 1888 Seated Liberty 7,216,487 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1888
One Dime 1889 Seated Liberty 8,353,389 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1889
One Dime 1890 Seated Liberty 11,334,617 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1890
One Dime 1891 Seated Liberty 23,046,716 Seated Liberty UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1891
One Dime 1892 Barber 16,953,655 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1892
One Dime 1893 Barber 7,591,732 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1893
One Dime 1894 Barber 2,050,996 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1894
One Dime 1895 Barber 2,250,880 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1895
One Dime 1896 Barber 3,186,580 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1896
One Dime 1897 Barber 12,878,108 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1897
One Dime 1898 Barber 20,153,242 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1898
One Dime 1899 Barber 24,368,339 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1899
One Dime 1900 Barber 24,779,182 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1900
One Dime 1901 Barber 25,073,500 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1901
One Dime 1902 Barber 27,950,777 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1902
One Dime 1903 Barber 28,294,055 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1903
One Dime 1904 Barber 15,401,027 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1904
One Dime 1905 Barber 24,807,549 Liberty, Barber UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1905
Showing 1 to 100 of 217 Coins.
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One Dime: Details
CountryUnited States
CurrencyUS Dollar
Sub-types One Dime, Draped Bust
One Dime, Capped Bust
One Dime, Seated Liberty
Barber Dime
Mercury Dime
Roosevelt Dime, Silver
Roosevelt Dime
From1792
Face Value10 (x Cent)
CurrentYes
MaterialCuproNickel
Designer
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationCoin Alignment (Axis 6)
Size
Mass