Thread: Dime Edge Colour

I'm in United Kingdom and I don't come across U.S. coins in everyday life. Quick question on colouration on the Dime edge. I've noticed that the edge of the Dimes dated 1971 to 1983 have either a copper colour which could be the copper core showing through or is toned. Now I've received more coins of the same period in sealed mint cellos and they too have the same edge colour. Is that usual for Dimes?

Yes, that is the color they should be. It is a copper nickel and you can see the copper on the edge of the coin.

Ok thanks for the info. That puts my mind at rest.

Anthorn,

Welcome to CoinTalk.

Clad US coins (dimes, quarters, half dollars and Ike and SBA Dollars) are much like a sandwich. The outer layers (the "bread") are 75% copper and 25% nickel and have a dull silverish color. The core or inner layer (the "meat") is pure copper. (1965-1970 Kennedy Halves are an exception. The coins have an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper and a core of 21% silver and 79% copper which makes the different layers more difficult to distinguish.)

Thanks for the explanation. I did research the coins and was aware of the composition but not aware that the copper shows. It seems strange to me but adds to the fascination with the coins. Probably also a good way of distinguishing a 90% silver dime which wouldn't have the copper. I bought a few silver ones and a 1996 West Point dime on ebay today so that will be interesting when they arrive.