Classic U.S. Coins: Dimes Trivia Quiz

Answer: Disme

Disme comes from an Old French word that refers to a tithe. Although Dismes were not minted, a small number of half Disme were minted as a pattern. The first dimes were not produced by the mint until 1796.

Answer: The percentage of silver increased

Early dimes were 89.24% silver with the remainder being copper. Later dimes slightly increased the silver to 90%. This was accomplished by slightly shrinking the size from 18.8 to 17.9 millimeters.

Answer: The 15 states in the United States

After the admission of Vermont in 1791 and Kentucky in 1792, the original 13 states had increased to 15. All 1796 dimes had 15 stars. Some 1797 dimes had 16 stars, reflecting the admission of Tennessee in 1796. The government later reset the number of stars to 13 for the original to keep the design from growing unwieldy.

Answer: Heraldic Eagle

The Heraldic Eagle that appeared on later designs was very similar to the one on the Great Seal of the United States. The later Eagle was somewhat larger than the original one. In both cases, the design was by Engraver Robert Scot. While "United States of America" and "E pluribus Unum" could be found on the reverse, the denomination of half dollar was actually engraved on the edge.

Answer: Robert Reich

At the time he designed the Capped Bust dime, Robert Reich was Assistant Engraver of the Mint. The bust of Liberty wore a cap similar to a turban. The reverse of the coin also featured an unusually phrased denomination: "10 c".

Answer: Cap

The cap sitting on the end of the staff is symbolic of liberty. It was similar to those worn by former slaves in antiquity. This design of dimes was minted for over half of a century. Similar designs were minted on several denominations.

Answer: Arrows

There was an arrow at the start of the date and another at the end of the date. The mass of the dime began at 2.67 grams before shrinking to 2.49 grams in 1853. The mass increased to 2.50 grams in 1873.

Answer: Dollar

The design is referred to as both the Barber dime and the Liberty Head Dime. Though the Dollar coins of 1878 to 1921 featured a Liberty Head design, it was designed by George T. Morgan. While different numbers of dimes were minted by date and mint mark, the 24 1894S dimes were a true rarity.

Answer: Mercury

Adolph Weinmann designed the Winged Liberty Head dime. Popular opinion thought the wings represented a messenger's speed. The wings were meant to symbolize freedom of thought. The reverse of the coin included fasces, a bound bundle of sticks and axes, symbolizing unity and strength.

Answer: John Sinnock

Gilroy Roberts designed the coin which was first minted in 1946, the year after Roosevelt's death. There was some controversy initially when some of the public who thought the initials "JS" on the coins were short for Joseph Stalin. The reverse of the dime commemorated the March of Dimes with which Franklin Roosevelt was associated.