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The dime is the United States ten-cent coin and the basic unit of currency in the dollar system. One dime equals 0.10 dollar and it is the smallest denomination currently minted for everyday circulation in the United States. It is also the smallest circulating United States coin by both diameter and thickness.

The dime’s design history extends from the late 18th century. The present Roosevelt dime features Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse and a torch flanked by an olive branch and an oak branch on the reverse. This design was introduced in 1946 to honor Roosevelt after his death, with the obverse by designer John R. Sinnock. Earlier dime designs included the Draped Bust, Seated Liberty, Barber, and Mercury (Winged Liberty) motifs.

Composition and construction: Prior to 1965, dimes were struck in 90% silver and 10% copper. Since 1965, they have been produced as copper-nickel clad coins with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. The coins weigh about 2.268 grams, have a diameter of 17.91 millimeters, a reeded edge, and are minted for general circulation in Philadelphia and Denver, with proof issues sometimes produced at San Francisco.

Etymology and usage: The name “dime” comes from the French dîme, meaning a tenth, reflecting the coin’s value. In everyday language, the term denotes ten cents, and the dime has a notable presence in monetary history, coin collecting, and various idioms.