Dimes

Dimes are United States ten-cent coins, equal to one tenth of a dollar. The term dime comes from the French dîme, meaning a tenth part. In the United States, the dime is the smallest standard circulating coin valued at ten cents.

The Roosevelt dime is the current design, first issued in 1946 to honor Franklin D. Roosevelt. The obverse depicts Roosevelt; the reverse shows a torch flanked by an olive branch and an oak branch, symbolizing liberty, peace, and strength. The design was created by John R. Sinnock. Since 1965 dimes have been struck in a copper-nickel clad composition (outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel with a copper core). Prior to 1965, dimes were minted in 90% silver.

The coin has a diameter of 17.91 millimeters and weighs 2.268 grams, with a reeded edge. Dimes have been produced by the United States Mint at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities, and are common in everyday commerce, including vending machines. The dime is widely used in pricing and change, and the expression "a dime a dozen" reflects its historical abundance. The term is also used in other coins or currencies that describe a ten-cent unit, though "dime" is most strongly associated with the U.S. coin.