The obverse of the United States ten-cent coin features the profile of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. This design, adopted in 1946 shortly after his death, replaced the earlier “Winged Liberty Head” or “Mercury” dime.
Roosevelt’s image on the dime serves as a constant reminder of his legacy, particularly his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II. His image is also linked to the March of Dimes, a foundation he founded to combat polio, a disease he personally battled. The choice of the dime for Roosevelts portrait was a fitting tribute, considering his instrumental role in establishing the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which relied heavily on dime donations. This connection solidified the dime’s symbolic association with hope and the fight against adversity.
This association with a transformative figure in American history provides a rich context for exploring numismatics, the history of American coinage, and the broader social and political landscape of the 20th century. Furthermore, it offers an opportunity to delve into the artistic design process of currency and the symbolic significance of national emblems.
1. Franklin Delano Roosevelt
The presence of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s portrait on the dime is directly linked to his enduring legacy and his personal connection to the fight against polio. Roosevelt contracted polio in 1921, at the age of 39. This life-altering event profoundly shaped his personal journey and informed his commitment to finding a cure. He established the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, later renamed the March of Dimes, in 1938. This organization, funded significantly by public contributions, including dimes mailed directly to the White House, spearheaded research and treatment efforts that ultimately led to the development of the polio vaccine. Following Roosevelt’s death in 1945, the decision to place his image on the dime served as a lasting tribute to his leadership and his profound impact on public health. This choice resonated deeply with a nation still grappling with the devastating effects of polio.
The dime, a small, readily available coin, became a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. Its association with Roosevelt reinforced the idea that even small contributions could collectively make a significant difference in overcoming national challenges. The ubiquitous nature of the dime ensures that Roosevelts legacy, and the ongoing fight against disease, remains in public consciousness. This choice stands as a powerful example of how numismatic design can reflect and reinforce significant historical narratives.
Understanding the link between Roosevelt and the dime provides valuable insight into the intersection of political leadership, public health initiatives, and cultural memory. The dime serves not merely as currency but as a tangible reminder of a transformative period in American history and the enduring power of collective action. The challenges posed by polio in the 20th century, and Roosevelt’s pivotal role in addressing them, continue to inspire efforts to combat disease and promote public health worldwide. His image on the dime acts as a continuing call to action, encouraging ongoing support for research and advocacy.
2. 32nd US President
The 32nd US President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, is the figure depicted on the obverse of the dime. This connection is not arbitrary; it reflects a deliberate choice to honor Roosevelt’s legacy and his specific contributions to American society, particularly his efforts to combat polio and lead the nation through periods of profound crisis.
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Presidency during Crisis
Roosevelt led the United States through the Great Depression and World War II, two of the most challenging periods in the nation’s history. His leadership during these crises cemented his place as a transformative figure. The dime, a common and accessible coin, serves as a constant reminder of his resilience and the nation’s perseverance.
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Founding of the March of Dimes
Roosevelt’s personal battle with polio fueled his commitment to finding a cure. He founded the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which later became known as the March of Dimes, to raise funds for research and treatment. The public responded by sending dimes to the White House, forging a direct link between the coin and the fight against polio.
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Post-humous Tribute
The decision to place Roosevelt’s image on the dime followed his death in 1945. This choice served not only as a memorial but also as a symbol of hope and a reminder of the ongoing struggle against disease. The dime, therefore, carries both historical and symbolic weight.
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Numismatic Significance
The Roosevelt dime, first minted in 1946, represents a significant moment in American numismatic history. The design replaced the earlier “Mercury” dime and continues to be circulated today, ensuring that Roosevelt’s image and legacy remain in the public consciousness.
These facets together explain the profound connection between the 32nd US President and the dime. The coin serves not merely as currency but as a tangible symbol of national resilience, a tribute to a transformative leader, and a reminder of the ongoing fight against disease. This connection elevates the dime from a simple monetary unit to a powerful emblem of American history and values.
3. 1946 design debut
The 1946 debut of the current dime design featuring Franklin Delano Roosevelt is a pivotal moment in American numismatic history. This date marks the transition from the “Mercury” dime, designed by Adolph A. Weinman and minted from 1916 to 1945, to the Roosevelt dime, designed by John R. Sinnock. The timing, shortly after Roosevelt’s death in April 1945, reflects the nation’s desire to honor his legacy, particularly his leadership during World War II and his personal struggle with polio. This swift adoption demonstrates the profound impact Roosevelt had on the American public and the immediate recognition of his enduring importance.
The 1946 design shift also represents a tangible connection between Roosevelt and the fight against polio. His founding of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which relied heavily on public contributionsoften in the form of dimessolidified this association. The choice to place Roosevelt on the dime served to further strengthen this link and underscored the importance of continued support for polio research and treatment. The dime, a commonly circulated coin, ensured that this message reached a broad audience, transforming everyday currency into a symbol of hope and resilience. This connection between the dime and the fight against polio continues to resonate today, even with the disease largely eradicated in developed nations.
Understanding the significance of the 1946 design debut is crucial for grasping the full meaning of who is on the front of a dime. It provides historical context, explains the motivations behind the design change, and highlights the enduring legacy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Furthermore, it demonstrates the power of numismatic design to reflect and shape national narratives, transforming a small coin into a potent symbol of hope, resilience, and the ongoing fight against disease. The 1946 dime stands as a testament to the ability of currency to transcend its monetary function and serve as a powerful reminder of national values and historical figures.
4. Polio advocacy connection
The presence of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s portrait on the dime is inextricably linked to his personal experience with polio and his subsequent advocacy for its eradication. This connection elevates the dime beyond its monetary value, imbuing it with symbolic weight and historical significance. Understanding this link is crucial for comprehending the full meaning and impact of Roosevelt’s image on the coin.
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Personal Struggle
Roosevelt’s diagnosis with polio in 1921 profoundly impacted his life. His personal struggle with the disease fueled his determination to find a cure and improve the lives of others affected by it. This experience formed the foundation for his later advocacy work.
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Founding of the March of Dimes
In 1938, Roosevelt founded the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, later renamed the March of Dimes. This organization played a pivotal role in funding research, providing treatment, and ultimately contributing to the development of the polio vaccine. The public’s contribution of dimes to the cause forged a strong connection between the coin and the fight against polio.
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National Symbol of Hope
Roosevelt’s image on the dime, adopted shortly after his death in 1945, transformed the coin into a national symbol of hope and resilience. It served as a tangible reminder of his leadership, his personal battle with polio, and the ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease.
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Enduring Legacy
The dime continues to circulate widely, ensuring that Roosevelt’s legacy and the fight against polio remain in public consciousness. The coin acts as a constant reminder of the importance of public health initiatives and the power of collective action in overcoming national challenges. This enduring connection between the dime and polio advocacy distinguishes the coin as more than mere currency.
These facets demonstrate that the connection between polio advocacy and Roosevelt’s presence on the dime is not incidental but fundamental to understanding its significance. The dime, through its association with Roosevelt, serves as a potent symbol of perseverance, hope, and the ongoing struggle against disease. This link adds a layer of historical and cultural depth to the coin, enriching its meaning and transforming it into a lasting tribute to a transformative leader and a reminder of the ongoing importance of public health advocacy.
5. March of Dimes founder
The individual depicted on the obverse of the dime, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, has a profound connection to the March of Dimes. Roosevelt’s role as the organization’s founder is integral to understanding the symbolism of his image on the coin. This connection transforms the dime from a simple unit of currency into a poignant reminder of a leader’s personal struggle, his dedication to public health, and the power of collective action.
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Personal Experience with Polio
Roosevelt’s own battle with polio provided the impetus for his founding of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, later renamed the March of Dimes. His personal experience with the debilitating effects of the disease fueled his commitment to finding a cure and supporting others afflicted by it. This personal connection adds a layer of emotional resonance to his image on the dime.
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Public Engagement and Fundraising
The March of Dimes engaged the public in unprecedented ways, encouraging widespread participation in fundraising efforts. The campaign famously solicited dimes from the public, directly linking the coin to the fight against polio. This historical context imbues the dime with a unique symbolic significance.
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Legacy of Public Health Advocacy
Roosevelt’s leadership in establishing the March of Dimes set a precedent for future public health initiatives and demonstrated the power of collective action in addressing national health crises. His image on the dime serves as a constant reminder of this legacy and the ongoing importance of supporting research and treatment for diseases.
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Numismatic Symbolism
The choice to place Roosevelt’s portrait on the dime, a commonly circulated coin, ensured that his association with the March of Dimes and the fight against polio would remain in the public consciousness. This deliberate design choice transforms the dime into a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring impact of a single individual’s commitment to public health.
The connection between the March of Dimes founder and the individual depicted on the dime is not merely coincidental; it is fundamental to understanding the coin’s full significance. The dime serves as a lasting tribute to Roosevelt’s legacy, his personal struggle, and his enduring contribution to public health. This association elevates the dime from a simple piece of currency to a potent symbol of hope and a reminder of the power of collective action in overcoming national challenges. It provides a tangible link to a pivotal moment in American history and continues to inspire efforts to combat disease and promote public health worldwide.
6. Symbol of resilience
The image of Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the dime transcends mere portraiture; it functions as a potent symbol of resilience. This symbolism operates on multiple levels, reflecting both Roosevelt’s personal journey and the nation’s experience during challenging times. Roosevelt’s battle with polio, a debilitating disease that left him partially paralyzed, became a defining aspect of his life. His refusal to succumb to the limitations imposed by his illness, his determination to lead a full and active life, and his unwavering commitment to public service embody the concept of resilience. This personal struggle resonated deeply with the American public, particularly during the Great Depression and World War II, eras marked by widespread hardship and uncertainty. Roosevelt’s leadership during these tumultuous times projected an image of strength and resolve, inspiring the nation to persevere in the face of adversity. The dime, a small, ubiquitous coin, serves as a constant, tangible reminder of this resilience, reinforcing its symbolic power.
The link between the dime and resilience is further strengthened by Roosevelt’s founding of the March of Dimes. This organization, dedicated to combating polio, relied heavily on small donations, often in the form of dimes, from ordinary citizens. The collective effort to combat this devastating disease, symbolized by the dime, underscores the power of individual and collective action in overcoming challenges. The dime, therefore, represents not only Roosevelt’s personal resilience but also the collective resilience of a nation facing difficult times. Examples of this resilience can be found throughout American history, from the struggles of early settlers to the challenges of economic hardship and war. The dime, with Roosevelt’s image, serves as a continuing symbol of this national spirit, reminding individuals of their capacity to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger from adversity.
Understanding the dime as a symbol of resilience offers valuable insights into the power of symbolic representation and the ways in which cultural artifacts can embody and transmit complex ideas. This understanding deepens appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of numismatic design and highlights the enduring legacy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The dime, circulating throughout the American economy, continues to inspire hope and resilience in the face of contemporary challenges, demonstrating the lasting power of a small coin to carry profound meaning. This enduring symbolism ensures that the lessons of perseverance and the importance of collective action remain relevant and accessible to future generations. The challenges faced by Roosevelt, and the nation he led, offer valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of the modern world.
7. Numismatic significance
The numismatic significance of the dime featuring Franklin Delano Roosevelt extends beyond its face value. The coin’s design, historical context, and association with a transformative figure in American history contribute to its value and interest among collectors and historians. Understanding this numismatic significance provides a deeper appreciation for the dime’s place within the broader narrative of American coinage and 20th-century history.
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Design Evolution
The Roosevelt dime, designed by John R. Sinnock, replaced the long-running “Mercury” dime in 1946. This transition marked a significant shift in American coin design, reflecting changing aesthetic preferences and the desire to commemorate Roosevelt’s legacy. Studying the evolution of dime designs provides valuable insights into the artistic trends and historical influences that shaped American coinage.
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Historical Context
The timing of the Roosevelt dime’s introduction, shortly after Roosevelt’s death and the end of World War II, adds to its historical significance. The coin became a symbol of remembrance and a tangible link to a pivotal period in American history. Its continued circulation ensures that this connection remains present in everyday life.
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Connection to the March of Dimes
Roosevelt’s founding of the March of Dimes and the public’s contribution of dimes to the organization further enhances the coin’s numismatic significance. This association imbues the dime with a unique cultural and historical meaning, connecting it to the fight against polio and the broader history of public health initiatives in the United States.
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Collectibility and Rarity
Certain Roosevelt dimes, particularly those with specific mint marks or errors, possess increased value among collectors. Understanding these nuances of rarity and collectibility provides a deeper appreciation for the complexities of numismatics and the factors that contribute to a coin’s value beyond its face value. The study of die varieties and mint errors within the Roosevelt dime series offers a specialized area of interest for numismatists.
These facets of numismatic significance demonstrate that the Roosevelt dime is more than just currency; it is a historical artifact, a cultural symbol, and a collectible item. The presence of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s image on the dime connects the coin to a specific historical moment, a transformative leader, and a significant public health initiative. This multifaceted significance adds depth and richness to the study of numismatics and underscores the enduring legacy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Examining the Roosevelt dime provides a tangible link to 20th-century American history, offering valuable insights into the cultural, social, and political forces that shaped the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the figure depicted on the United States dime.
Question 1: Who is depicted on the obverse of the United States dime?
The obverse (front) of the dime features a portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States.
Question 2: When did the Roosevelt dime first enter circulation?
The Roosevelt dime was first minted and released into circulation in 1946, shortly after Roosevelt’s death in 1945.
Question 3: Why was Roosevelt chosen to be depicted on the dime?
The choice of Roosevelt reflects his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, as well as his personal battle with polio and his founding of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (later renamed the March of Dimes).
Question 4: Who designed the Roosevelt dime?
The Roosevelt dime was designed by John R. Sinnock, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint.
Question 5: What is the composition of a modern dime?
Modern dimes are composed of a “clad” metal, consisting of an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper. This composition has been used since 1965. Dimes minted prior to 1965 were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Question 6: What is the connection between the dime and the March of Dimes?
Roosevelt founded the March of Dimes to combat polio. The organization relied heavily on public contributions, many of which were dimes, establishing a strong association between the coin and the fight against the disease.
Understanding the history and symbolism associated with the dime provides a deeper appreciation for its significance beyond its monetary value. The Roosevelt dime serves as a lasting tribute to a transformative figure in American history and a reminder of the ongoing importance of public health initiatives.
Further exploration of related topics, such as the history of American coinage, the impact of polio, and the legacy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dime’s cultural and historical significance.
Tips for Understanding and Appreciating the Roosevelt Dime
The following tips offer practical guidance for those interested in learning more about the dime featuring Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Tip 1: Examine a Dime Closely
Careful observation of a dime reveals intricate details in the design, including Roosevelt’s portrait, the inscriptions (“Liberty,” “In God We Trust,” the date, and the mint mark), and the fasces on the reverse. These details offer clues to the coin’s historical and symbolic meaning.
Tip 2: Research the History of the March of Dimes
Exploring the history of the March of Dimes provides valuable context for understanding the connection between Roosevelt and the dime. Learning about the organization’s origins, its fundraising efforts, and its impact on the fight against polio enhances appreciation for the coin’s symbolism.
Tip 3: Explore Numismatic Resources
Numismatic websites, books, and organizations offer a wealth of information on the Roosevelt dime, including its design history, variations, and collectibility. These resources can deepen understanding of the coin’s numismatic significance.
Tip 4: Compare the Roosevelt Dime to Earlier Dimes
Comparing the Roosevelt dime to earlier designs, such as the “Barber” or “Mercury” dimes, highlights the evolution of American coinage and the changing aesthetic preferences reflected in coin design. This comparison provides valuable historical and artistic insights.
Tip 5: Consider the Dime’s Symbolic Value
Reflect on the dime’s symbolism as a representation of resilience, hope, and the fight against adversity. This reflection adds depth to the coin’s meaning and connects it to broader themes of national identity and historical memory.
Tip 6: Visit a Museum or Historical Society
Many museums and historical societies possess collections of American coins, including Roosevelt dimes. Examining these coins in person provides a tangible connection to the past and enhances understanding of their historical context.
By following these tips, one can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Roosevelt dime, its historical significance, and its enduring symbolism. The dime serves as a tangible reminder of a transformative period in American history and the ongoing importance of public health advocacy.
This exploration of the Roosevelt dime concludes with a call to action, encouraging continued engagement with numismatics, history, and the legacy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Conclusion
The exploration of the individual depicted on the dime, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, reveals a multifaceted narrative interwoven with historical significance, personal struggle, and national resilience. The connection between Roosevelt, the 32nd U.S. President, and the dime is not merely representational; it embodies a powerful narrative of leadership, perseverance, and the enduring fight against adversity. The coin’s symbolism, deeply rooted in Roosevelt’s personal battle with polio and his founding of the March of Dimes, transforms a small unit of currency into a potent emblem of hope and a reminder of the power of collective action. The 1946 debut of the Roosevelt dime marked a significant moment in American numismatic history, solidifying the connection between a transformative leader and a ubiquitous symbol of national identity.
The dime, bearing Roosevelt’s image, serves as a tangible link to a pivotal era in American history and continues to inspire reflection on the values of resilience, public service, and the ongoing pursuit of a healthier future. Further examination of Roosevelt’s legacy, the impact of the March of Dimes, and the evolution of American coinage promises deeper insights into the complex narrative embodied within this small, yet significant, piece of currency. The enduring presence on the dime serves as a constant call to action, encouraging continued engagement with the history of public health advocacy and the enduring power of individual and collective action.
