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The Uncirculated Roosevelt Dime Roll 1989-D consists of fifty ten-cent coins minted at the Denver Mint in 1989, each in mint-state condition. This roll represents a preserved batch of coins from a single year and mint, offering collectors a direct connection to late-20th-century U.S. coin production. As one of the more accessible and widely produced denominations, the Roosevelt Dime is a foundational piece of modern American numismatics. The 1989-D issue, in particular, is notable for its high mintage and continued use of the enduring Roosevelt design. When maintained in Uncirculated condition, these coins reveal the full quality of the U.S. Mint’s striking capabilities and are valued for both numismatic and historical reasons.
Introduced in 1946, the Roosevelt Dime was created to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his passing in 1945. The design was chosen not only to commemorate his leadership during one of America’s most trying eras—spanning the Great Depression and World War II—but also due to his support of the March of Dimes, which played a major role in the fight against polio. John R. Sinnock, then Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, was responsible for the original design. Over the decades, the Roosevelt Dime’s basic design has changed little, a testament to its effectiveness and the esteem in which Roosevelt is held.
The obverse of the 1989-D Roosevelt Dime features the left-facing profile of President Roosevelt, with the inscriptions “LIBERTY” along the left periphery and “IN GOD WE TRUST” just beneath his chin. The date “1989” appears in the lower right quadrant, and the mintmark “D” is located just above the final digit of the date, identifying the coin as having been struck at the Denver Mint. In Uncirculated condition, each coin in the roll exhibits bright luster, with sharply defined details in Roosevelt’s hair and facial features. These characteristics are clearest in coins that have not been subjected to post-mint handling or oxidation.
On the reverse, the design depicts a lit torch in the center, flanked by an olive branch on the left and an oak branch on the right, representing liberty, peace, and strength respectively. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DIME” circle the upper and lower portions of the coin, while “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears horizontally beneath the torch. On well-struck examples, the intricate torch lines—especially the horizontal bands across the torch—are clearly visible. The presence of these bands in full and uninterrupted form is a grading consideration known as “Full Torch” or “Full Bands,” which can significantly enhance a coin’s appeal and value to collectors.
Each 1989-D Roosevelt Dime is composed of a clad alloy: a core of pure copper sandwiched between outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The coin weighs 2.27 grams, has a diameter of 17.91 mm, and a reeded edge. This clad composition has been the standard since the Coinage Act of 1965, which eliminated silver from circulating dimes and quarters. Although these coins contain no precious metals, their appeal lies in their design continuity, collector demand, and potential for high-grade specimens within a sealed Uncirculated roll.
The Denver Mint struck a substantial 1,159,815,000 Roosevelt Dimes in 1989, reflecting the denomination’s central role in commerce. However, despite the high mintage, Uncirculated rolls are not always easy to locate, especially those that remain untouched and have not been searched for high-grade or Full Torch examples. Original bank-wrapped or mint-sealed rolls are especially sought after, as they provide a better chance of finding superior condition coins that may qualify for professional grading. Even though these are modern issues, the vast majority were quickly circulated, making pristine rolls a limited commodity among collectors.
Grading services like PCGS and NGC evaluate Mint State Roosevelt Dimes on a scale from MS60 to MS70. Coins graded MS65 or higher are generally considered Gem Uncirculated. A standout 1989-D dime with Full Torch detail and graded MS67 or higher can be relatively scarce and command a notable premium. Within an Uncirculated roll, collectors may find coins with frosty luster, clean fields, and strong strikes—ideal candidates for submission. Although contact marks from machine rolling are common, high-quality pieces free from bag marks or strike softness are highly desirable for registry set builders and type collectors alike.
The market value for an Uncirculated roll of 1989-D Roosevelt Dimes is generally modest, reflecting the issue’s high mintage and modern era. Rolls typically retail between $6 and $15, depending on source, condition, and packaging. Rolls stored in ideal conditions—avoiding humidity, light exposure, and temperature swings—tend to retain better eye appeal and less chance of oxidation or toning. While individual coins may not carry high premiums unless certified, the roll itself serves as both a collector’s inventory and a potential source of hidden gems. For those who enjoy roll hunting or assembling high-grade sets, these rolls offer a rewarding and economical pursuit.
The expected condition of coins in a CU (Crisp Uncirculated) roll includes sharp, squared rims; uninterrupted luster across the surfaces; and complete absence of circulation wear. Most coins may have minor contact marks from the minting and packaging process, but no coin should exhibit signs of handling, discoloration, or flattening of design features. When properly stored, these coins retain their fresh-from-the-Mint appearance for decades, making them appealing not only to collectors of the Roosevelt Dime series but also to those interested in the numismatic history of modern clad coinage.
While the 1989-D Roosevelt Dime does not represent a key date, it is still a meaningful addition to a complete Roosevelt series collection. Enthusiasts often seek to complete date-and-mint sets, and original Uncirculated rolls provide the opportunity to own and examine coins with a variety of strike characteristics. For educators or entry-level collectors, these rolls can also serve as teaching tools, demonstrating grading differences, strike quality, and the evolution of Mint processes over time. More advanced collectors may seek out rolls with the aim of finding high-grade specimens suitable for registry sets or long-term appreciation.
In summary, the Uncirculated Roosevelt Dime Roll 1989-D is a valuable modern numismatic product for collectors at all levels. With its iconic design, accessible price point, and potential for high-grade examples, it embodies the lasting appeal of the Roosevelt Dime series. The Denver Mint’s legacy of consistent production and quality strikes enhances the desirability of these coins, especially when they have been preserved in original rolls. Whether stored as an investment, searched for gems, or added to a broader U.S. coin collection, the 1989-D Uncirculated roll remains a meaningful and enduring piece of America’s monetary story.