If you’re a coin enthusiast or just starting your collection, the 1960 Roosevelt Dime is one to look out for. Over six decades old and made with silver, this coin is not just valuable but also holds historical significance. It’s the perfect addition to any collection!
Interested in knowing more about this remarkable piece? Keep reading to learn about its composition, design, value, and intriguing history.
What Makes the 1960 Roosevelt Dime Special?
The 1960 Roosevelt Dime is a part of the Roosevelt Dime series, named after Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States.
The obverse side of the coin proudly displays his portrait, while the reverse features an olive branch, an oak branch, and the Liberty Torch—symbols of strength, peace, and freedom.
Crafted from 90% silver and 10% copper, this dime stands out because silver coins are no longer in circulation today.
This rare composition alone makes it a unique find. Weighing 2.50 grams with a reeded edge, it’s a piece of history that’s both visually striking and meaningful.
Why the 2015 American Silver Eagle from Philadelphia is a Rare Treasure for Coin Collectors?
Why is Franklin D. Roosevelt on the Dime?
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s leadership during some of America’s most challenging times—The Great Depression and World War II—makes him a fitting figure for this coin.
Beyond his presidency, he played a key role in establishing the March of Dimes, an organization aimed at fighting crippling diseases like polio, which Roosevelt himself suffered from. His legacy and contributions to health and welfare are commemorated through this coin.
The design of the 1960 Roosevelt Dime was done by John R. Sinnock, who was the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. This design has been in use since its first release and remains one of the most recognizable coin designs in American history.
Varieties of the 1960 Roosevelt Dime
There are three main varieties of the 1960 Roosevelt Dime, each differing based on its minting location and production numbers:
- 1960 D Roosevelt Dime (Denver Mint): Over 200 million coins were minted here, making it the most common variety. Even though they were mass-produced, some gems with Full Band features are highly sought after by collectors.
- 1960 P Roosevelt Dime (Philadelphia Mint): With around 70 million dimes minted, the Philadelphia variety is less common than the Denver one. However, finding dimes in higher grades, especially with Full Band or Full Torch features, can be quite challenging.
- 1960 Proof Roosevelt Dime (Philadelphia Mint): For collectors looking for premium pieces, over 1.6 million proof coins were minted in Philadelphia. These coins are often of higher quality, and proof dimes with grades of PR 67 and above with Cameo or Deep Cameo designations are especially valuable.
Why This 1964 Roosevelt Dime Could Be Your Unexpected Treasure – Uncover Its Shocking Value Now!
Common Errors on the 1960 Roosevelt Dime
With millions of these dimes produced, it’s not uncommon to find coins with unique errors that make them even more valuable to collectors. Some of the most notable errors include:
- Lamination Errors: Caused by impurities mixing with the silver and copper during production, resulting in peeling or cracking on the surface.
- Repunched Mintmark (RPM): A doubling effect occurs when the mintmark is struck twice, creating a distinctive look.
- Clipped Planchet: A cutting error during production where part of the blank coin is incorrectly cut, leaving a clipped appearance.
How Much Is the 1960 Roosevelt Dime Worth Today?
The face value of the 1960 Roosevelt Dime is just 10 cents, but due to its silver content, its melt value alone is higher. Depending on the market value of silver, circulated dimes typically range from $2.10 to $2.60. However, uncirculated dimes or those with rare features like Full Bands can fetch much higher prices.
For example, in an auction, a 1960-P Roosevelt Dime in Mint State 67+ with Full Bands was sold for $3,450 in 2019! Similarly, other high-grade examples have been sold for thousands of dollars, depending on their condition and rarity.
Surprising 1945 Lincoln Penny Errors That Could Make Your Coin Worth Thousands!
Understanding Coin Grading
If you’re interested in determining the value of your 1960 Roosevelt Dime, having it graded is essential. Coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale, ranging from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70). A higher grade can significantly increase a coin’s value.
- MS-60 to MS-63: These coins are uncirculated but may have minor imperfections.
- MS-65 to MS-68: These are high-quality coins with excellent luster and few visible marks.
- MS-69 to MS-70: Near-perfect to perfect coins, with almost no visible flaws, often fetching the highest prices in the market.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the 1960 Roosevelt Dime is a remarkable coin to have in your collection.
Its historical value, combined with its silver content, makes it a prized possession for numismatists. With various errors and high-grade varieties, the possibilities for finding a rare and valuable piece are exciting.