Unveiling the Identity- Who Graced the US Dime Before Franklin D. Roosevelt-
Who was on the US dime before Roosevelt? This question often piques the curiosity of history enthusiasts and coin collectors alike. The dime, a popular and widely circulated coin in the United States, has undergone several changes in its design and the faces it portrays. Before Franklin D. Roosevelt took center stage on the dime, the coin featured a different prominent figure from American history.
The dime before Roosevelt was known as the “Seated Liberty” dime. This coin design was introduced in 1794 and was the first regular issue of the dime in the United States. The Seated Liberty dime was created by artist Robert Scot and featured the image of Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield with the inscription “LIBERTY” and a liberty cap on her head. The reverse side of the coin depicted an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, symbolizing peace and strength, with the motto “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “ONE DIME.”
The Seated Liberty dime was minted from 1794 to 1837, with various modifications and improvements over the years. During this time, the coin went through several design variations, including the “Capped Bust” dime, which replaced the Seated Liberty design in 1837. The Capped Bust dime featured a portrait of Liberty with a cap on her head, designed by Christian Gobrecht.
In 1901, when President William McKinley was assassinated, the United States Mint decided to honor McKinley by featuring his portrait on the dime. McKinley’s image remained on the dime until 1916, when Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was then serving as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, was chosen to replace McKinley on the coin. Roosevelt’s image has been featured on the dime ever since, making him the longest-serving president to appear on the coin.
The transition from the Seated Liberty dime to the Roosevelt dime marked a significant change in American coinage. The Seated Liberty design, while iconic and enduring, gave way to a new era of coinage that would feature prominent American figures. The Roosevelt dime, with its image of the 32nd president, has become one of the most recognizable coins in the United States and a cherished piece among collectors.
