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The Uncirculated Roosevelt Dime Roll from 1989 is a classic modern U.S. coinage product, consisting of fifty uncirculated ten-cent pieces preserved in brilliant condition. Each coin in this roll showcases the enduring design of the Roosevelt Dime, a series first introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt. As a staple of pocket change in America, the Roosevelt Dime has remained largely unchanged over decades, and the 1989 issue continues that tradition. For collectors, investors, and hobbyists alike, a full roll of uncirculated dimes offers both numismatic interest and a snapshot of late 20th-century minting excellence.
The Roosevelt Dime series was created in the wake of President Roosevelt’s death in 1945. He had become a beloved figure for his leadership through the Great Depression and World War II, and was instrumental in supporting the March of Dimes campaign against polio, the disease that afflicted him. The coin was fast-tracked into production, replacing the Mercury Dime. The design was completed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, who modeled the portrait of Roosevelt from a sculpture by Selma Burke. The design, celebrated for its clarity and symbolism, was first issued in 1946 and has remained a constant presence in U.S. coinage ever since.
On the obverse of each 1989 Roosevelt Dime, the left-facing bust of President Roosevelt dominates the field. The inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” flank the portrait, while the year “1989” is situated to the lower right. Just above the date appears the mintmark, identifying whether the coin was produced at the Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark), the Denver Mint (“D”), or in rare proof form at San Francisco (“S”). In an uncirculated roll, the mintmark is typically consistent across all coins, unless a mixed roll is assembled from various sources. The crisp detailing of Roosevelt’s hair, facial features, and the surrounding inscriptions makes uncirculated examples visually appealing.
The reverse side of the Roosevelt Dime is rich with patriotic symbolism. The central motif is a lit torch, representing liberty, flanked by an olive branch to the left (signifying peace) and an oak branch to the right (symbolizing strength and independence). Around the periphery are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME,” while the Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is placed horizontally beneath the torch. In mint state, these reverse elements display sharp definition and original luster, which often includes a cartwheel or frosty effect depending on the minting die and handling process.
The 1989 Roosevelt Dime is composed of the standard post-1965 clad composition—outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. This gives the coins a silvery appearance but contains no silver content. Each coin has a mass of 2.27 grams and a diameter of 17.91 mm, with a reeded edge. This durable composition ensures the coin resists wear in circulation, and in uncirculated condition, these dimes maintain their original sheen and sharpness. While not a precious metal investment, rolls of uncirculated dimes are valued by collectors for their quality, completeness, and potential for high-grade submissions.
In terms of mintage, the 1989 Roosevelt Dime was struck in vast quantities to meet the needs of commerce. The Philadelphia Mint produced 1,393,041,107 dimes, while the Denver Mint struck 1,159,815,000. Although these numbers are large, most were distributed for everyday use, and many were worn down or damaged over time. As a result, original uncirculated rolls—especially those stored carefully to preserve luster and prevent toning—are less commonly found today. A roll of fifty pristine coins becomes not only a tool for searching top specimens but also a time capsule from an era of robust coin production.
The grade of the coins in an uncirculated roll is typically MS60 to MS65, though higher-grade coins can be found, especially with sharp eye appeal and minimal contact marks. Collectors value Full Torch (also known as Full Bands) designations, which indicate the horizontal lines on the torch on the reverse are fully separated and visible. These details are a hallmark of a strong strike and are often missing in average issues. Searching uncirculated rolls for Full Torch examples is a common and rewarding hobby, as these varieties command premiums, especially in MS66 and above.
The coins in this 1989 roll should exhibit no signs of circulation. That means no wear on the high points, no soft edges, and complete, uninterrupted luster. Coins should show squared rims and clearly defined devices. Minor bag marks or contact marks may be present due to the minting and rolling process, but overall, the coins should appear fresh and untouched. The quality of uncirculated rolls depends heavily on storage—original U.S. Mint packaging or bank-wrapped rolls often offer better preservation than loose rolls handled over time.
Market pricing for an uncirculated roll of 1989 Roosevelt Dimes is typically modest, often ranging from $6 to $15, depending on packaging, mint source, and condition. While the roll itself may not contain silver, its value lies in the opportunity to locate individual high-grade pieces for grading or to complete sets. Collectors assembling Roosevelt Dime collections by year and mint often seek pristine examples of each date, and uncirculated rolls provide a rich hunting ground for such pursuits. Some dealers or graders even specialize in cherrypicking these rolls to identify candidates for certification by PCGS or NGC.
For novice collectors, a 1989 Uncirculated Roosevelt Dime Roll offers an affordable and informative introduction to coin collecting. For advanced numismatists, it serves as a resource for finding high-grade coins that may fill gaps in a registry set or illustrate striking characteristics. These coins also hold value as educational tools for teaching grading, mint mark identification, and U.S. coinage history. Their wide availability and historical relevance keep them evergreen within the numismatic community.
In conclusion, the Uncirculated Roosevelt Dime Roll from 1989 is more than a bundle of fifty small-denomination coins—it is a preserved record of American monetary production during a period of high mint output and stable design. Each coin captures the legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the enduring symbolism of liberty, peace, and strength. Whether collected for its beauty, investment potential, or historical relevance, the 1989 Roosevelt Dime Roll continues to represent a meaningful piece of America’s circulating coinage legacy, safeguarded in uncirculated brilliance for generations to come.