Dimes

The Dime represents one-tenth of a U.S. dollar and was first minted in 1796. Amazingly there was nothing on this first ten-cent coin that indicated what it was worth! That wasn't rectified until 1809 with the addition of "10 C" to the reverse. There have been 6 major redesigns of the dime throughout the years:

Draped Bust Dime 1796-1807
Capped Bust Dime 1809-1837
Seated Liberty Dime 1837-1891
Barbed Dime 1892-1916
Mercury Dime 1916-1945
Roosevel Dime 1946-Now

The dime is the smallest diameter and thinnest of all U.S. coins. The first dimes were 19mm in diameter but in 1828 that was changed to its current size of 17.91mm. Originally composed of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper it was changed in 1837 to 90% silver and 10% copper until 1966. Beginning in 1965 dimes were minted in a clad composition of copper and nickel over a copper core that continues to this day.

On the menu to the left you'll find the various types and years of dimes that you may be searching for. Simply click on those links to further define your search.

Recommended Reading: Here's a trio of books that should be a part of every collectors library. They're not expensive and they can be found used at times. The writers give foundational grounding in what to look for...and why...when you are searching for coins. Enjoy your search!