The 1996-W Roosevelt dime is a special edition coin minted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime series. It was struck at the West Point Mint and is notable for being the first regular-issue U.S. dime to bear the "W" mintmark. This low-mintage coin was only available as part of the 1996 United States Mint Uncirculated Set, making it highly coveted among collectors.
Introduced in 1996, this dime marked the 50th anniversary of the Roosevelt dime, which was first released in 1946 to honor President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The West Point Mint produced this coin, creating the first and only "W" mintmarked dime of the 20th century. With a mintage of just 1,457,949, the 1996-W Roosevelt dime is the lowest-mintage business-strike dime in the series, even scarcer than the pre-1964 silver dimes.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 17.9 millimeters |
| Denomination | 0.10 USD |
| Gross Weight | 2.27 grams |
| Actual Silver Weight | N/A (copper-nickel composition) |
| Fineness/Composition | 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel |
| Diameter | 17.9 millimeters |
| Thickness | 1.35 millimeters |
| Specific Gravity | ~8.92 |
| Numismatic Price Range | $50 - $200 |
Designed by John R. Sinnock, the 1996-W Roosevelt dime features President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s portrait on the obverse, along with the inscription "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST." The reverse displays a torch, olive branch, and oak branch symbolizing freedom, peace, and strength. The "W" mintmark appears beneath the year of issue, signifying its West Point origin.
The 1996-W Roosevelt dime holds special significance in numismatics due to its low mintage and commemorative nature. It is the only business-strike Roosevelt dime to feature the "W" mintmark, making it a key coin in the Roosevelt dime series. Collectors prize this coin for its historical connection to President Roosevelt and its unique place as a modern rarity. Its connection to the West Point Mint, located near Roosevelt's birthplace, adds to its cultural value.
The 1996-W Roosevelt dime is worth more than its face value, often trading for less than $50 in uncirculated condition. Higher-graded examples, especially those with Full Bands (FB) designation, can fetch significantly higher prices, sometimes exceeding $200. The scarcity of this coin makes it particularly desirable to collectors, especially those seeking top-grade specimens for their collections.
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