The Evolution of the Dime: from 1796 Draped Bust to Modern Roosevelt Specs
By Alexander Ross
The dime's 17.91 mm diameter has stood unchanged for nearly two centuries. While high metal prices repeatedly spark debates about retiring the zinc-heavy penny, the dime remains insulated from elimination. Its low weight (2.268 grams) and high purchasing power relative to production cost keep it profitable for the Mint to produce.
From the hand-operated screw presses that struck the 1796 Draped Bust to the high-speed hydraulic stamping presses striking billions of Roosevelt blanks annually in Philadelphia and Denver, the dime's dimensions are an unbroken technical compromise: large enough for human hands to count, yet small enough to reflect its bullion-backed origin.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
