1. Introduction and Historical Context

The 1959 ten-cent coin (dime) of the United States is part of the Roosevelt Dime series, which began in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882‑1945). The coin was designed by John R. Sinnock. The obverse features a portrait of Roosevelt, while the reverse depicts a torch — symbolizing liberty — flanked by an olive branch (peace) and an oak branch (strength).

In 1959, U.S. coinage still used silver for some denominations; the dime had a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. This makes the coin both a 10-cent piece and a historical artifact from the era before silver was removed from circulation coins in 1965.

2. Technical Specifications

• Year: 1959
• Denomination: 10 cents (dime)
• Composition: 90% silver / 10% copper
• Weight: approx. 2.50 grams
• Diameter: approx. 17.90 mm
• Edge: reeded
• Mint marks:
  • No mint mark = Philadelphia
  • “D” = Denver
• Mintage:
  • Philadelphia (no mint mark): ~85,780,000
  • Denver (“D”): ~164,919,000

3. Identification and Variants

Collectors should be aware of these key distinctions:

• Mint mark location:
  • “D” appears on Denver coins at the base of the torch
  • Philadelphia coins have no mint mark
• Condition and strike details: Coins with sharp features, such as fully defined bands on the reverse, are highly prized.
• Proof coins: Special proof versions were also made in 1959, with ~1,149,291 minted.

4. Numismatic Value and Silver Content

Silver content value:
Because it contains 90% silver, its melt value exceeds the face value. For example, in recent years, the silver content is valued around $3.33–$3.36 per coin.

Collector value:

• Circulated coins: typically worth a few dollars above silver content
• Uncirculated coins: can be worth significantly more. For example:
  • Philadelphia mint MS‑67: over $1,000
  • Denver mint MS‑67 “Full Bands”: several thousand dollars
• Proof or special finishes (DCAM): can reach several thousand dollars in auctions

Summary Table of Approximate Values: