The Dime is More than 10 Cents of Art and History

The Draped Bust was the first dime minted in 1796. The coin featured the design of Chief Engraver Robert Scot with the obverse displaying the portrait of the Liberty and the bald eagle on its reverse.

The Liberty was based on the drawing of Philadelphian Gilbert Stuart. The obverse of the 1796 dime also had 15 stars symbolizing the states which were members of the union. The Bald eagle on the reverse was accentuated by palm olive and branches resting on a cloud.

The problem of adding the stars came to the attention of the designers that's why Eliot Boudinot, the US Mint director that time, proposed placing 13 stars to represent the original members of the colony.

The Heraldic Eagle design was introduced in 1798. The Draped Bust-Heraldic Eagle design was in circulation until 1807 maintaining a composition of 89.24% silver and 10.76 copper.

The Capped Bust designed by John Reich was minted to succeed the Draped Bust Dime. The Capped Bust featured the Bald Eagle grasping three arrows and olive branches symbolizing strength and peace, respectively. The breast of the eagle was protected by the United States Shield.

This version of the dime which was circulated from 1809 to 1837 was the only dime which was inscribed with 10C. Succeeding dimes minted were inscribed with the words ONE DIME.

Seated Liberty had 90% silver and 10% copper. The design was finished by Christian Gobrecht. The obverse side depicted the Liberty sitting on a rock holding a staff with liberty cap. Her right hand was holding a shield with the inscription LIBERTY.

The reverse side of the dime had ONE DIME written surrounded by a wreath. The Seated Liberty Dime which was circulated through 1837 to 1891 also had several design revisions.

The Barber Dime was named after Charles Barber who designed the coin. The design paid tribute to Liberty wearing a Phyrygian cap, a wreath, and a headband inscribed with the word LIBERTY.

This version of the dime was circulated between 1892 and 1916. The design was primarily inspired by French Coins and works of art from Rome and Greece.

The Mercury Dime which was used between 1916 and 1945 was also known as the Winged Liberty Head. The design of Adolph Weinman depicted the Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap which is a classic symbol of liberty and the wings symbolizing the freedom of thought.

Congressman Ralph Daughton of Virginia proposed to redesign the dime after the death of President Franklin Roosevelt in 1946. Due to time constraint, the design of John R. Sinnock of the US Mint was chosen.

The coin was in honor of Roosevelt who has made great strides to help the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The controversial design of Sinnock had his initial JS on the neck of the bust of Roosevelt. The reverse featured torch (liberty), olive branch (peace), and oak branch (victory).

If you are planning to collect dimes, the internet is a good place to start. You can learn about the history of the coins, meet other collectors, or get good finds through online auctions or stores.