Recommendations for the Connoisseur: Forming a short set of dimes from 1931 (or 1934) to 1945 is easy to do. MS-65 is a good goal. If you want coins with fully struck bands on the reverse, these will be harder to find for some issues, and the otherwise common 1945 is a major rarity. A date and mintmark set of the earlier issues 1916-1930 can be very attractive in nicely matched MS-63 and MS-64 grades. Cherrypick nice strikes and coins with excellent aesthetic appeal.

Elite Recommendations: Form a set in MS-65 grade, sharply struck. If desired, the 1936-1942 Philadelphia Mint issues can be added in Proof-65.

Roosevelt Dimes (1946 to Date)

Following the death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1945, it was decided to change the design of the dime to feature his portrait. The Roosevelt motif was prepared by John Sinnock, chief engraver at the Mint. The design has been used ever since. After 1964 dimes were made of a clad alloy rather than silver.

In terms of popularity today, dimes of the early years, 1796-1837, are collected by a small group of specialists; Liberty Seated dimes 1837-1891 attract a wider following; Barber dimes 1892-1916 appeal to still a wider circle of friends; Mercury dimes 1916-1945 are desired by thousands of collectors; and Roosevelt dimes are collected by millions.

Budget Recommendations: Build a set in VF-20 or better grade. Recent issues can be found in pocket change.

Recommendations for the Connoisseur: Build a set in MS-65 grade, adding Proof-65 coins for certain issues. Bruce Amspacher once conducted a study which revealed that truly fine MS-65 coins were much scarcer, as a complete set, than normally realized.

Elite Recommendations: Same as the preceding.