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The Certified 1955-D Roosevelt Dime graded MS66FT by NGC represents a superb example of mid-20th century American coinage, combining exceptional condition with the highly sought-after “Full Torch” (FT) designation. The Roosevelt Dime was introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt following his death in 1945, and it replaced the Winged Liberty Head Dime, commonly known as the Mercury Dime. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the Roosevelt Dime features a modern, practical aesthetic that reflects the post-war period of American history. The 1955-D issue was struck at the Denver Mint during a year of relatively low overall mintage for the series, and certified MS66FT examples like this one stand out for their sharp strike, pristine surfaces, and strong eye appeal.
The obverse of the Roosevelt Dime features a left-facing portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, accompanied by the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1955.” The designer’s initials, “JS” for John Sinnock, are found at the base of Roosevelt’s neck. In this MS66FT NGC-certified example, the obverse fields are satiny and smooth, with the portrait fully struck and free of distracting marks. The coin exhibits strong luster and appealing toning or brightness depending on its original storage environment. At the MS66 level, the coin is firmly within the gem uncirculated range, with only the most minimal and inconspicuous marks visible under magnification, primarily outside the central design elements.
The reverse of the Roosevelt Dime presents a torch in the center, flanked by an olive branch on the left symbolizing peace and an oak branch on the right symbolizing strength and independence. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME” encircle the top and bottom, respectively, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” split on either side of the torch. This coin bears the Denver Mint’s “D” mintmark to the left of the torch’s base. Most importantly, this example has been awarded the “Full Torch” (FT) designation by NGC, which signifies that both the horizontal bands on the torch are completely split and well-defined. This level of strike quality is uncommon, even for mint state coins, and elevates the desirability of this example significantly.
The 1955-D Roosevelt Dime had a mintage of 13,959,000 coins, a modest figure by dime standards, especially in the post-war era when higher mintages were becoming the norm. While not rare in circulated condition, examples in true gem uncirculated condition with the Full Torch designation are less frequently encountered. This is due in part to minting inconsistencies and the fact that the dies used in 1955 did not always produce fully struck torch details. As such, MS66FT examples graded by NGC occupy a premium niche within the population and are sought after by collectors assembling full torch sets or condition-sensitive date and mintmark collections.
The MS66 grade signifies a coin that is well above average for uncirculated examples. Such coins must display full mint luster and minimal marks that do not detract from the coin’s eye appeal. The “+” modifier is not used here, indicating the coin sits solidly within the MS66 range. The addition of the FT designation is particularly noteworthy because it focuses specifically on strike quality, distinguishing this coin from others of the same numerical grade that do not exhibit fully defined torch bands. In combination, MS66 and FT create a compelling example of a mid-century Roosevelt Dime at the upper echelon of preservation and detail.
NGC, or Numismatic Guaranty Company, is one of the leading third-party coin grading services, known for its rigorous standards and consistency. Their Full Torch (FT) designation is equivalent to the Full Bands (FB) designation used by PCGS. It refers specifically to the clarity of the two horizontal bands on the torch on the reverse of the Roosevelt Dime. For a coin to qualify for FT, these bands must be fully separated, without any blending or weakness. Not all coins even in MS66 condition receive this designation, making FT coins a favorite among collectors aiming to build high-quality registry sets or competitive Roosevelt Dime collections.
The Roosevelt Dime’s physical specifications include a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, a diameter of 17.9 mm, and a weight of 2.5 grams. These specifications remained standard until the Coinage Act of 1965, which replaced silver in dimes with a clad composition due to rising silver prices. As a result, the 1955-D dime holds not only numismatic value but also intrinsic value due to its silver content. In the context of the 1950s economy, a dime still held meaningful purchasing power and was widely used in everyday transactions such as telephone calls, public transportation, and grocery purchases.
The 1955-D dime also serves as a snapshot of a nation in transition. In the same year, the American economy was booming, the Cold War was deepening, and civil rights activism was on the rise. Roosevelt’s legacy remained strong, especially due to his leadership through the Great Depression and World War II. The coin bearing his image was part of daily American life, circulating widely and reflecting the nation’s continued reverence for the man who had steered the country through some of its darkest hours. A gem uncirculated coin from this year connects collectors not only to numismatic history but also to broader social and political narratives of the mid-20th century.
Collectors value the 1955-D Roosevelt Dime MS66FT NGC for its combination of quality, condition rarity, and historical relevance. It is particularly well-suited for collectors building complete Roosevelt Dime sets, pursuing Full Torch subsets, or targeting mid-century gem silver coinage. While higher grades such as MS67FT exist, they are significantly rarer and more costly. Thus, MS66FT represents a sweet spot for many collectors, balancing exceptional quality with relative affordability. Its certified encapsulation also provides peace of mind regarding authenticity, grade integrity, and long-term preservation.
In conclusion, the Certified 1955-D Roosevelt Dime graded MS66FT by NGC is a stellar representative of postwar American coinage. Its Full Torch designation distinguishes it for strike quality, while the MS66 grade attests to its excellent preservation. With brilliant luster, sharply defined design elements, and historical context as the last silver Roosevelt Dimes before a shift toward more modern production techniques, this coin is a prized acquisition for both novice and seasoned collectors. Its certified status ensures its place as a reliable, attractive, and historically significant gem in any numismatic portfolio.