The U.S. dime has been part of American coinage since 1796, when the first small silver ten-cent coins were issued featuring Liberty and an eagle. Various Liberty designs remained on the dime for over a century. Among the most admired is the Mercury dime (1916–1945), designed by Adolph A. Weinman. It depicts Liberty wearing a winged cap symbolizing freedom of thought, while the reverse shows a fasces and olive branch to represent strength and peace. Many collectors consider it one of the most beautiful U.S. coin designs.
In 1946, the Roosevelt dime was introduced shortly after President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death, honoring his leadership and his connection to the March of Dimes polio charity. His portrait remains on the coin today. In 1965, the dime transitioned from 90% silver to a copper-nickel clad composition for circulation.
The U.S. Mint created a temporary design change in 2026 featuring the Emerging Liberty motif for America’s 250th anniversary, with Roosevelt expected to return in 2027. These evolving designs continue to make the dime a favorite among collectors.
