Designed by: John R. Sinnock
Issue Dates: 1965 to date
Composition: Pure copper core to which a copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) is bonded
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.27 grams (35.03 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 98,098,260,940 (Through 2020)
Proof Mintage: 152,687,998 (Through 2020)

In 1965, following the discontinuation of silver for nearly all American coinage, the dime was first produced in an innovative format known as "clad" coinage. An outer layer consisting of copper-nickel, composed of 0.75 part copper and 0.25 part nickel, somewhat resembling silver in appearance, was bonded to a core of pure copper. The copper core is visible at the edge. The design of the Roosevelt dime, in use since 1946, remained the same. Only the composition differed. The clad style coinage has been produced continuously since 1965.

Examples of this current format are readily available in Uncirculated and Proof grades.

Full Bands

About 20 years or so ago, some collectors began searching for, and paying a premium price for Roosevelt dimes with full separation on the bands seen on the torch.  In response to this interest, the grading services added the FB (PCGS) or FT (NGC) designation to Roosevelt dimes.  Note that both the upper and lower set of bands must show full separation to qualify for the designation.