Designed by: John R. Sinnock
Issue Dates: 1946-1964
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.50 grams (38.58 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 6,595,617,673

The untimely and unexpected death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in April, 1945 prompted an almost immediate response from Treasury officials who proposed honoring him on one of the nation’s circulating coins. The 25-year minimum design requirement meant that only three denominations were eligible without special legislation – the cent, the dime and the half dollar. The dime was chosen, and by the Fall of 1945, the mint’s Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock had prepared models. After some modifications were made, the new dime was released to coincide with the March of Dimes campaign for 1946.

In recent years, the attention of some collectors has turned to the detail present on the torch on the reverse, and full straps or bands on the torch as well as full detail in the flame is now recognized by the major grading services. Certain dates with the “FB” (PCGS) or “FT” (NGC) designation now bring well into four-figure prices in very high grade (MS67 or higher) due largely to competition among set registry collectors.

Full Bands

About 20 years or so ago, some collectors began searching for, and paying a premium price for Roosevelt times with full separation on the bands seen on the torch.  In response to this interest, the grading services added the FB (PCGS) or FT (NGC) designation to Roosevelt dimes.  Note that both the upper and lower set of bands must show full separation to qualify for the designation.