Roosevelt Dimes: 1965-2003, Volume Two

ISBN-13:	9781930848009
Publisher:	Littleton Coin Company, Incorporated
Publication date:	01/28/1999
Pages:	4
Sales rank:	425,826
Product dimensions:	6.26(w) x 8.52(h) x 0.36(d)

The Roosevelt dime, first minted in 1946, was issued to honor the memory of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (known to millions worldwide simply as FDR), who died in 1945. The only American president elected to serve four terms, he led the nation during some of the most trying times in America's history--the Great Depression and World War II.President Roosevelt was a staunch supporter of the March of Dimes program to fight polio, a disease that he himself was afflicted with. When Roosevelt died, it was only fitting that the dime denomination would carry his likeness.Designed by the talented United States Mint Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, the obverse of the coin features a left-facing portrait of Roosevelt. The reverse depicts a lighted torch in the center, flanked by an olive branch on the left and an oak branch on the right.Though originally struck in 90% fine silver, by 1964 the rising price of the precious metal forced the Mint to alter the dime's composition. Starting in 1965, the U.S. Mint began issuing dimes made from a clad material containing only copper and nickel.