1997-D 10c FB

Coin / United States of America / 1997 / Denver / Roosevelt Dimes / 10c

Roosevelt dimes were first struck in 1946 and designed by John R. Sinnock. Debuting only months after Franklin Delano Roosevelt's passing in 1945, the Roosevelt dime was deemed a fitting tribute to the man who fought a disease diagnosed as polio and helped established the March of Dimes organization. While Roosevelt dimes are generally regarded as a series chock full of common coins, there are several challenging surprises in store for those who focus their attention on this long-running series.<BR><BR>The 1949, 1949-D, 1949-S, and 1950-S are surprisingly tough coins in the mid-range Mint State grades. Meanwhile, the 1963 doubled die reverse and 1964-D doubled die reverse varieties are two of the more difficult pieces to acquire. One of the most popular Roosevelt dime varieties is the 1982 no-P, which can be found in circulation and even with wear is worth a sizeable premium over face value. The 1982 no-mintmark Roosevelt dime is especially valuable in Mint States grades. The 1996-W Roosevelt dime was offered only in 1996 uncirculated sets and is one of the scarcer late-date business strikes of the series.<BR><BR>Regardless of date, Full Bands (or "FB") Roosevelt dimes, which show complete horizontal lines on the bands across the torch on the reverse, are valued by enthusiasts. Both the 90% silver (1946-1964) and copper-nickel (1965-present) FB Roosevelt dimes are scarce and command substantial premiums over similarly graded non-FB specimens.