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
Proof Mintage: 19,837,717
When the striking of Proof coins for collectors resumed in 1950 after an eight-year hiatus due to the war, the Roosevelt dime had been out for four years. From 1950 through 1964, Proof Roosevelt dimes were struck in 90% silver, and were naturally included in the sets. Mintages during this period increased steadily from just over 51,000 in 1950 up to just shy of 4 million pieces in 1964. As one might expect, values are roughly proportional to the original mintages, with the first four years generally valued the highest.
Like many modern Proofs, the average grades are high, with most certified pieces from the 90% silver (1950-64) period grading either PR-66 or 67. Even PR-68s and 69s are not difficult and there are currently in excess of 1,000 PR-70s shown on the PCGS Population Report. Doubled die varieties are found in 1960 and 1963 and of course carry a significant premium.
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.
Further Reading
Roosevelt dimes have been coined regularly since 1946. There are few issues which can be considered "scarce" in the relative sense of the term, as applied to modern issues, with 1949-S being paramount in this regard.
When the Roosevelt dime first appeared the 'JS" initials of the engraver, John R. Sinnock, were believed by some to represent Joseph Stalin (for some stupid reason!). The use of the dime denomination to perpetuate the memory of President Roosevelt was particularly significant as Roosevelt was active in the March of Dimes campaign against polio, an illness with which the late president was afflicted.
