The Evolution of the Dime: from 1796 Draped Bust to Modern Roosevelt Specs
By Alexander Ross
The dime's physical footprint underwent several deliberate shrinkages between 1796 and the mid-20th century. Early mint masters adjusted diameters to improve die longevity and coin stackability.
| Coin Series | Production Years | Diameter | Standard Weight | Metallic Composition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draped Bust | 1796, 1807 | ~19.00 mm | 2.70 g | 89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper |
| Capped Bust | 1809, 1837 | 18.80 mm (early) / 17.90 mm (late) | 2.70 g | 89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper |
| Seated Liberty | 1837, 1891 | 17.90 mm | 2.67 g (1837) / 2.49 g (1853) | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Barber & Mercury | 1892, 1945 | 17.91 mm | 2.50 g | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Silver Roosevelt | 1946, 1964 | 17.91 mm | 2.50 g | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Clad Roosevelt | 1965, Present | 17.91 mm | 2.268 g | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel |
The original 1796 Draped Bust dime carried a broad, thin planchet spanning roughly 19.00 mm. Mint engraver William Kneass modernized operations in 1828 by introducing a closed collar die. This metal ring constrained the blank metal during striking, standardizing the diameter to 17.90 mm and thickening the coin's outer rim. That rim gave dimes the structural rigidity needed to slide smoothly through modern automated counting machines.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
