If you are a coin collector or simply interested in the history of currency, you might have come across the 1946-S Roosevelt Dime.
This dime is a silver coin minted in the United States in 1946.
It features a portrait of President Roosevelt on the obverse and was authorized soon after he died in 1945.
Key Takeaways:
1. The 1946-S Roosevelt Dime is a silver coin minted in the United States in 1946 and features a portrait of President Roosevelt on the obverse.
2. It is a part of the larger Roosevelt Dime series, which was first produced in 1946 and continues to be collected today for its silver content.
3. The 1946-S dime is rare and highly sought-after among collectors due to its unique features and historical significance.
The 1946-S Roosevelt Dime
The 1946-S Roosevelt Dime is a silver coin minted in San Francisco in 1946. It is made of silver (90%) and copper (10%) and has a diameter of 17.9 mm and a weight of 2.5 grams.
The obverse features a portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, while the reverse displays a torch, an olive branch, and an oak branch.
In terms of value, the 1946-S Roosevelt Dime can range from around $2 in average condition to $24 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
The coin’s value depends on its condition, rarity, and demand from collectors.
John R. Sinnock designed the 1946-S Roosevelt Dime to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who played a significant role in the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, later renamed the March of Dimes, which raised funds for polio research and treatment.
The coin was minted to commemorate Roosevelt’s death in 1945.
Overall, the 1946-S Roosevelt Dime is a valuable and historically significant coin that collectors seek after.
Its unique design and connection to a significant American history make it a popular addition to any coin collection.
Historical Context
When the Roosevelt dime was first produced in 1946, it was amid a significant historical context.
The world had just emerged from World War II, and the United States was transitioning from a wartime economy to a peacetime one.
The country was experiencing great change, and the Roosevelt dime was one of the many symbols of this new era.
Post-World War II Era
It was marked by significant economic growth and prosperity in the United States.
The country emerged as a superpower, experiencing an economic boom lasting several decades.
The Roosevelt dime was part of this new era of prosperity and was designed to reflect the optimism and hope of the time.
Roosevelt’s Legacy
The Roosevelt dime was also a tribute to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had died in 1945. Roosevelt had been a beloved president, and he had led the country through some of its darkest days, including the Great Depression and World War II.
The dime was designed to honor his legacy and featured his portrait on the front.
Overall, the Roosevelt dime was a product of its time, reflecting the economic and social changes that were taking place in the United States.
It was also a tribute to a beloved president who had led the country through some of its most challenging times.
The Roosevelt dime remains a popular collector’s item, valued for its historical significance and silver content.
Design and Features
The 1946-S Roosevelt Dime is a small silver coin with a diameter of 17.9 mm and a weight of 2.5 grams.
The coin comprises silver (90%) and copper (10%), making it a valuable collectible for numismatists and enthusiasts.
It was minted in San Francisco and designed by John R. Sinnock.
Obverse Design
The obverse of the 1946-S Roosevelt Dime features a bust of President Roosevelt facing left.
The bust is surrounded by the words “LIBERTY” on top and “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the right side.
The date “1946” is located at the bottom of the coin.
The initials “JS” are located below the bust, representing the designer, John R. Sinnock.
Reverse Design
The reverse of the 1946-S Roosevelt Dime features a torch on the left side, representing freedom and enlightenment.
The torch is surrounded by an olive branch on the right, representing peace.
The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are at the top of the coin, and the denomination “ONE DIME” is at the bottom.
The mint mark “S” is located to the right of the olive branch, indicating that the coin was minted in San Francisco.
Minting Process
The 1946-S Roosevelt Dime was minted at the San Francisco Mint in 1946.
The minting process involved several stages, including the following:
- Blanking
- The first step in minting is blanking, which involves cutting round metal discs from a metal strip. These discs are then cleaned and polished to remove any blemishes or impurities.
- Annealing
- The metal discs are then heated to a specific temperature in a furnace, which softens the metal and makes it easier to stamp.
- Striking
- The softened metal discs are fed into a coining press stamped with the dime’s design. The press applies tremendous pressure to the metal disc, which causes the design to be imprinted on the metal.
- Inspecting
- After the dime is stamped, it goes through an inspection process to ensure that it meets the quality standards set by the US Mint. Any dimes that do not meet these standards are melted down and recycled.
The 1946-S Roosevelt Dime was struck in silver (90%) and copper (10%) and has a diameter of 17.9mm and a weight of 2.5 grams.
The mintage of this dime was 27,900,000, which is relatively low compared to other Roosevelt Dimes minted in the same year.
Value and Rarity
The 1946-S Roosevelt dime is a highly sought-after coin for collecting Roosevelt dimes due to its silver content and rarity.
| Grades | Price as of September 2023 |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $2.66 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $3.24 |
| Fine (F-12) | $3.76 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $4.01 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $4.29 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $4.94 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $6.47 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS-63) | $24 |
As per USA Coin Book, as of September 2023, the average value of a 1946-S Roosevelt dime in circulated condition ranges from $2.66 to $4.29.
The value can go up to $24 or more in uncirculated conditions. However, the coin’s value can vary depending on its condition, rarity, and other factors.
Compared to other mint marks, the 1946-S Roosevelt dime is rare, with a mintage of only 27,900,000.
This is significantly lower than the mintage of the 1946 Philadelphia and Denver minted dimes, which were 255,250,000 and 61,043,500, respectively.
The rarity of the 1946-S Roosevelt dime can be attributed to the fact that the San Francisco Mint only produced a limited number of dimes that year due to decreased demand for the denomination.
As a result, the 1946-S Roosevelt dime is wanted by collectors and coin enthusiasts.
If you want to add a 1946-S Roosevelt dime to your collection, it’s important to watch for its condition and authenticity.
Coins that are in good condition and have been certified by a trustworthy grading service can command a higher premium than those in poor condition.
Overall, the 1946-S Roosevelt dime is a valuable and rare coin that is highly sought-after by collectors.
Its rarity and value make it a great addition to any coin collection.
Collectibility and Market Trends
The 1946-S Roosevelt Dime is popular among collectors due to its historical significance and rarity.
The coins were minted at the San Francisco Mint in 1946 and have a mintage of 27,900,000.
It is made of silver (90%) and copper (10%), giving it a melt value higher than its face value.
The collectability of the 1946-S Roosevelt Dime is affected by several factors.
The condition of the coin is one of the most important factors.
Coins in uncirculated condition and have full bands on the torch are highly sought after by collectors.
The scarcity of the coin also plays a role in its collectability.
Coins with a low mintage are more valuable than those with a high mintage.
Overall, the 1946-S Roosevelt Dime is a highly collectible coin with a rich history and increasing value.
Collectors should pay attention to the coin’s condition, mintage, and variety when adding it to their collection.
The 1946-S Roosevelt Dime is a fascinating piece of American history that collectors highly value.
Before you go…
Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting, this coin is one to consider adding to your collection.
Check out my next article: “The 1938-D Jefferson Nickel: A Guide on Value, History, and Rarity“
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