Why I collect Roosevelts
Posted 07-09-2009 at 11:33 AM by schatzy
History of FDR (1882-1945)
Roosevelt was the only American president elected to office four times and led his country through two of the greatest crises of the 20th century - the Great Depression and World War Two.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (commonly known as "FDR") was born in Hyde Park, NY on January 30, 1882. In 1905 he married Anna Eleanor Roosevelt. In political life he served as a state senator, Assistant Secretary of the Navy and as President of the United States from 1933 to 1945.
History of the Roosevelt Dime
U.S. Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross wanted the new Roosevelt Dime ready to be released on what would have been President Roosevelt's 64th birthday, January 30, 1946 which was also the day that the 1946 March of Dimes fundraiser was to kick off. So, instead of the normal contest among American artists for the design of the coin, Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock was chosen to design the new dime piece because he had previously designed a medal of President Roosevelt.
Sinnock's choice of design elements for the reverse of the Roosevelt Dime included:
- a torch symbolizing liberty
- an olive branch symbolizing peace
- an oak branch symbolizing victory
In 2003, a group of conservative Republicans in Congress proposed removing Roosevelt's image from the dime, and replacing it with that of President Ronald Reagan, although he was still alive. Legislation to this effect was introduced in November 2003 by Indiana Representative Mark Souder. Amongst the more notable opponents of the legislation was Nancy Reagan, who in December 2003 stated that, "When our country chooses to honor a great president such as Franklin Roosevelt by placing his likeness on our currency, it would be wrong to remove him." After President Reagan's death in June 2004, the proposed legislation gained additional support. Souder, however, stated that he was not going to pursue the legislation any further.
Coin Specifications
Designer John R Sinnock
Composition 91.67% Cu 8.33% Ni
Weight 2.268 grams
Diameter 17.96 mm
Thickness 1.35 mm
Edge 118 reeds
Composition 91.67% Cu 8.33% Ni
Weight 2.268 grams
Diameter 17.96 mm
Thickness 1.35 mm
Edge 118 reeds
Why I collect Roosevelt Dimes
I collect them because I really like the design of the dime. I love searching through rolls in search of the Full Torches. Just like the Jefferson nickel with the steps the Roosevelt dime also brings a premium when the FT is on the TPG label. NGC began certifying Full Torch (FT) Roosevelt Dimes April 14, 2003. The designation FT for Full Torch will be applied to Roosevelt Dimes having both upper and lower pair of horizontal bands split as well as the vertical lines of the torch being defined. The FT designation will not apply to proof coins. The addition of the FT designation comes at the overwhelming request from NGC's collector and dealer base. NGC uses FT and PCGS uses FB on there labels but NGC is tougher on the Full Torches.
I also believe that the Roosevelt Dime is a sleeper and someday will explode in value. I only collect high grade proofs at the moment but I also have 3 dansco albums that I am working on. I also love the look of the toned proof Roosevelt’s. The toned proof Roosevelt market is low and most don’t bring a high premium like other toned coins.
Here is my collection thus far.
Thanks,
Jaime
Total Comments 3
Comments
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good read!Posted 07-13-2009 at 10:50 AM by jello
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I'm a big Roosevelt Dime fan. I like your collection very much. Thanks for the interesting writeup.Posted 07-15-2009 at 10:18 PM by Art - It was interesting to read about the images on the dime. It would be a mistake to put a much more recent president on the dime instead of Roosevelt. I collect all denominations of U.S. money in Whitman folders. I like the design of all of them.Posted 09-20-2009 at 08:57 PM by chadfog
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