Who Is on the American Dime? And How to Tell If Yours Is Worth More Than 10 Cents

Who is on the American dime? The answer might seem obvious if you’ve held one in your hand, but understanding the story behind this tiny coin can be surprisingly interesting. The person shown on the dime is Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. He has been on this coin since 1946, one year after his death, in tribute to his leadership during the Great Depression, World War II, and his well-known fight against poliomyelitis through the March of Dimes program.

But the dime is not just a small piece of metal. Some of them are collectible, with values far higher than ten cents. So, right now we are going to explore the American dime, spotting rare and valuable versions, and getting the most out of your everyday coins.

The Story Behind the Dime and Roosevelt

The dime, officially a ten-cent coin, has had various designs throughout U.S. history, but since 1946, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s portrait has adorned it. The choice wasn’t random. Roosevelt was deeply involved in the fight against polio -  a disease that affected thousands (including himself). 

He founded the March of Dimes, originally called the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to fund research and treatments. His image on the 10-cent coin became a tribute to both his presidential achievements, as well as to his charitable work.

Interesting facts:

• The dime is the smallest coin in size and value, yet it has a surprisingly rich history.

• Roosevelt’s image was chosen just one year after his death — making the 1946 release a tribute to his leadership and advocacy.

• The March of Dimes organization still exists today, funded partly through awareness campaigns connected to the dime’s history.

• Some dimes with very small minting errors have sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auctions.

Fun fact: the coin’s connection to the March of Dimes wasn’t just symbolic. In the years after its release, the coin helped promote the organization, raising awareness about polio and medical research. 

Key Factors That Make a Dime Valuable

You know that not all dimes are created equal. While most you find in change are worth just ten cents, several factors can make certain dimes collectible and even valuable. Here’s what to look for:

1. Year of Issue

• Pre-1965 coins: These are made of 90% silver. Even common years in good condition can be worth a few dollars.

• Post-1965 coins: Mostly copper-nickel, less valuable, though exceptions exist.

2. Mint Marks

A small letter on the coin indicates which U.S. Mint produced it:

• D = Denver

• S = San Francisco

• P = Philadelphia (often omitted)

Some mint marks are rare for specific years, making those coins more valuable.

3. Condition

Coins in excellent condition, showing minimal wear and clear details, are usually worth more. Collectors grade coins using terms like “Fine”, “Very Fine”, and “Mint State”, but even a casual observer can notice if the coin looks crisp or worn.

4. Errors and Variations

Even small mistakes during production can increase a coin’s value. Examples include:

• Misaligned designs

• Double strikes

• Off-center prints

A dime with a small, unusual error can sometimes sell for hundreds of dollars among collectors.

Quick tip: compare coins side by side to notice minor differences. Tiny variations can make a big difference in value.

How to Spot Rare Dimes in Everyday Life

You don’t need a specialized store or an expensive collection to find interesting dimes. Here’s how to spot them in your daily life:

1. Check your change

It sounds simple, but looking through coins you already have can be surprisingly rewarding. Even in today’s digital age, pockets, drawers, and old jars often contain older dimes that have been sitting around for decades.

2. Visit flea markets and auctions

Secondhand shops, flea markets, and online auctions can be goldmines for older or rare coins. The key is knowing what to look for: certain years, mint marks, and condition will help you focus your search.

3. Proper storage and care

If you find coins worth keeping, proper storage is crucial:

• Use coin albums or folders to keep them organized.

• For valuable coins, consider clear plastic capsules to prevent scratches.

• Avoid cleaning coins with chemicals or abrasives — it can drastically reduce their value.

4. Keep a reference list

A small notebook or digital spreadsheet with “interesting years and mint marks” can save you time and help you spot potential treasures quickly.

Practical tip: a dime from 1949-S in good condition or a 1955-D can be more interesting to a collector than a pile of modern dimes.

Examples of Rare and Valuable Dimes

Here’s a small table to give you an idea of dimes that collectors often watch for. So, in the table you can see some examples of coins that can be worth more than their face value.

Even if a coin isn’t in perfect condition, knowing its year, mint mark, and metal can give you a good idea of whether it might be worth more than ten cents.

Using Modern Tech to Check Coins

Now technology makes collecting coins easier than ever. One tool that’s especially handy is Coin ID Scanner. Use the app to quickly identify a coin’s year, mint mark, metal composition, and approximate market value. 

While it shouldn’t replace professional grading for very rare coins, it’s an excellent first step for beginners or casual collectors who want to make sense of their collection without guessing.

Tip: use the app for a quick overview, then keep your most interesting finds separate for potential appraisal or sale.

Everyday Tips for New Collectors

Whether you are starting with a few dimes or building a larger collection, these simple practices will help you enjoy coin collecting:

1. Start small. Focus on dimes, nickels, or pennies before investing in rare or expensive coins.

2. Learn by doing. Handling coins and noting differences helps you remember which years and mint marks are important.

3. Stay organized. Label coins with the year, mint mark, and where you found them — it keeps your collection neat and valuable.

4. Join thematic groups. Online forums and local coin clubs can provide advice, identification help, and trading opportunities.

5. Look beyond face value. Even common coins can become interesting with the right story or history behind them.

Small Coin, Big Discovery

You might think a dime is just ten cents, but look closer and you could uncover stories, history, and even unexpected value. Every coin in your pocket has a past, and some might surprise you with their rarity. So, next time  you check your change, look carefully — your pocket might hold a tiny surprise.