The First in the Series: Why the 1946 Dime Was So Special

When Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away in 1945, there was a nationwide grief that settled over the country and beyond. His legacy, though, did not vanish but was meant to be perpetuated in metal. In 1946, as a tribute, the United States Mint released a very special coin, i.e., a dime, which can be considered a symbol of the president, his legacy, and the monetary sector of that period.

So, if the year 1946 was pivotal, what could this relic hold? Which features identify this coin as special, and what is the current 1946 dime value? Explore our material to delve into the history of numismatics and learn more about the coins which may boost the appeal of your collection for good.

What Happened in 1946 and Before? 

So as to understand the significance of the 1946 dime, we primarily need to look back at the historical events leading up to its creation. The mid-1940s represent a dramatic period when people all over the world fought for their lives and reformed the order of things they were used to. 

After World War II ended in 1945, nations were still dealing with the devastation and hoped they could prosper again. The passing of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 12, 1945, was one more signal that proclaimed the end of the era and a switch to a new, yet unexplored time.

The contributions of Franklin D. Roosevelt cannot be overestimated, for he brought the country through the Great Depression and the main part of World War II. Besides, it was he who was involved in the intense fight against polio. In order to finance research and assist polio victims, he started the March of Dimes campaign in 1938.

In 1945, though, the beloved president passed away. To pay tribute to Roosevelt, the US Mint instantly replaced the Mercury dime that had been in use since 1916 with an image of Roosevelt in 1946, less than a year after his death. This is how the Roosevelt dime 1946 was born.

Another Roosevelt dime is here: How Much Is Your 1964 Dime Worth?

The Design of the 1946 Roosevelt Dime

The design of the 1946 dime was quite peculiar. Originally, the depiction of Roosevelt was supposed to represent his leadership and legacy as a whole, though the meaning would change over time (numismatic value added). In the end, this creation became a useful piece of currency and a memorial to one of America's most significant presidents. So, what does it look like, and which characteristics does it bear?

However, it is not about the appearance that defines the 1946 Roosevelt dime value, but the circumstances and special features of each iteration, e.g., errors, mint marks, metal content, etc. These may boost value significantly. 

The Main Factors That Define Its Value

1. Mintage Figures and Mint Marks

As for the production sites, the 1946 dime was struck by three major facilities in the US, i.e., Denver (1946 D Dime), San Francisco (1946 S Dime), and Philadelphia (1946 Dime No Mint Mark). Here are the mintage figures by mint:

• Philadelphia: 255,250,000 pieces

• Denver: 61,043,500 pieces 

• San Francisco: 27,900,000 pieces

As one may notice, the San Francisco Mint distributed the lowest amount of coins. Nevertheless, it does not mean that these instances are considered the most valuable, for the 1946 silver dime value involves several factors simultaneously. 

2. Silver Content 

Since the 1946 dime contains  90% silver, its melt value is determined by the market price of the precious metal. In exceptional conditions, rare coins are worth more than their silver value, but even some circulated instances can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.

3. Condition (Grade) 

Condition significantly affects the value of 1946 dime. Yes, circulated coins of regular grades (e.g., Poor, Good, Fine, and the like) do not sell well, but uncirculated instances (marked MS-60 or better) can command far greater values. When in perfect condition, prooflike versions, which are produced in small quantities, are extremely worthy.

4. Errors and Varieties 

Errors are casual deviations that may appear on the surface of every coin. In the abundance of their versions, the most notable ones are the 1946 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse), which shows doubling on “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and Repunched Mintmarks (either D/D or S/S). Identifying them on time may bring a lot of money.

By the way, how to identify an error on the coin? Spotting an error on a coin can be tricky without the right tools. Lucky we are to have a vivid market with different instruments to employ. One such tool is Coin ID Scanner.

Coin ID Scanner is an innovative application for coin analysis, error detection, and collection management, all of which may be challenging at first. Have the expertise of a professional numismatist always by your side – download it today and try to start with a Draped Bust quarter. 

How Much Is a 1946 Dime Worth in 2025? 

Is a 1946 dime worth anything? Indeed, it does. Though there are dozens of factors, with the main referring to the condition, mint mark, and particular strike characteristics, which may define the price in advance, it is vital to see the whole picture and analyze the market thoroughly. Here are recent auction records provided by the PCGS Price Guide (a reputable resource that displays relevant data only).

*FB means Full Bands, i.e., a designation used in coin grading to indicate that the horizontal bands on the torch of the dime’s reverse are fully struck and separated.

Each period has some relics to offer (the year 1946 was no exception), so let us explore these artifacts and improve numismatic skills together!

Sources: 

1. https://kids.usmint.gov/about-the-mint/dime 

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roosevelt_dime