US Dimes
In 1796, the first dimes were put into production. It started with Draped Bust portrait. On the reverse was the standing eagle, encircled by branches and inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. On the obverse, it shows the goddess with stars placed in a circular pattern, ranging from 13 to 16. The dime was designed by Robert Scot. It weighed 2.7 grams and its composition is 0.8924 silver and 0.1076 silver.
In 1798 the standing eagle was replaced by the heraldic or shield eagle on the reverse. In 1809, the portrait was changed to the Capped Bust and the reverse became the eagle on branch.
Between 1837 and 1891, a Liberty seated replaced the bust type and the eagle’s place on the reverse was taken by the wording ONE DIME within a wreath, surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Between 1892 and 1916, the dime was redesigned by Charles E. Barter and the obverse was changed to a facial portrait. It is also called as the Barber dime. It weighed 2.5 grams and the composition is 9 silver to 1 copper with 17.9 mm diameter. In 1916 the Liberty Head design was replaced by the Mercury Head.
The Liberty was also on the obverse of the Mercury dime, but with small wings attached to the Liberty’s headdress. Such attachment caused some confusions which lead to the name of so called Mercury dime because to Greek and Roman folklore, it represents Mercury. The Mercury dime was designed by Adolph Weinman. The Mercury dime was composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. It has a weight of 2.5 grams and diameter of 17.9 mm.
In 1946, the Roosevelt dimes were issued in memory of President Roosevelt. Roosevelt is shown in the profile facing left with the word LIBERTY and the inscription IN GOD WE TRUST. The bundle of fasces was retained as the cental element for the reverse. The weight was 2.5 grams and 90% silver and 10% copper and 17.9 mm diameter. Later in 1965, the composition was changed to 3 copper/one nickel covering outside.
Some collectible dimes are for sale on eBay.
