Posts tagged 'roosevelt dime'

Nowadays, coin collectors get their start with coins like American Silver Eagles, acquired directly from the US Mint in near-perfect grades. The roots of this noble hobby started when we were kids looking through pocket change on an exhilarating treasure hunt where you didn't know what you'd find. These were coins that had been circulated and were harder to find in Mint State condition. To restore that grand tradition, we put together this list of a few of those coins that anyone can collect just by looking through their change!

Throughout the history of American coinage, there have been many stunning coins that are favored among the vast majority of numismatists. From the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle to the Kennedy Half Dollar, artists have brought their talent to the US Mint and shared it with every American citizen. But not every coin struck is beloved by the public. The following coins have all been in some way controversial when they first debuted.

This week, we celebrate the birth of the eighth Chief Engraver of the US Mint, John R. Sinnock. Throughout his career, Sinnock designed some of the most significant coins and medals used in America, including the illustrious Franklin Half Dollar and the prestigious Purple Heart. To this day, Sinnock’s legacy continues to grow as the Franklin Half Dollar series continues to increase in popularity and numismatic value. 

Due to the increasing price of silver during the 1960s, the intrinsic value of silver coins became higher than their face value. The sky rocketing price of silver coupled with new restrictions imposed on holding gold by Executive Order 10905 caused the public to begin hoarding silver coins. As result, the amount of silver coinage in circulation began to drastically decrease at an alarming rate. In fact, during this period of time, about $700 million worth of silver coins, or about one third of the total circulating silver coinage of the United States had been permanently removed from circulation. This left the United States with a severe shortage of coins.