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See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dime_(United_States_coin) "Dime" The term dime comes from old French "di(s)me", meaning "tithe" or "tenth part", from the Latin decima [pars]. This term appeared on early pattern coins, but was not used on any dimes until 1837.
Interestingly, today the dime is the only US coin bearing a denomination expressed in a unit other than cents or dollars and as such it's the only Survivor of an early proposal for US Coins that was based on strict multiples of ten. The denominations were to be:
> Mill (or mil), the smallest unit
> Cent, equal to 10 mills
> Dime - 10 cents
> Dollar - 10 dimes
> Eagle - 10 dollars
> Union - 10 eagles
That would have produced a strange method of expressing prices using multiple decimal points. For example, if that system had been adopted a price that we'd express as $137.55 would have been written as 1.3.7.5.5 ; that is, one union, 3 eagles, 7 dollars, 5 dimes and 5 cents (!!!) It was almost as cumbersome as the British guineas/pounds/shillings/etc. system that the new country wanted to get rid of, so the much simpler method we still use was fortunately chosen instead.
Coins denominated in mills and unions were never minted, but "eagle" coins were struck in 1795 and continued to be made until 1932. In 1986 the name "eagle" was brought back for special collectors' coins made of silver and gold, but these have virtually nothing in common with the original eagle coins.
What else can I help you with?
Why is the half dime called a half dime?
Because the value of it is worth half the value of a dime.
How many ridges are on a dime?
They are actually called "Reeds" and the dime has 118 of them.
Value of 1936 dime?
a 1936 dime is called a mercury dime. they aren't rare so they are worth around a dollar
What is the value of an 1853 Mercury dime?
That's off by about 65 years. Mercury dimes were minted from 1916 to 1945. A dime from 1853 would be called a Liberty dime or Liberty Seated dime.
What is the value of an 1896 Mercury dime?
Mercury dimes were made from 1916 to 1945. A dime from 1896 would be called a Barber dime after its designer Charles Barber, or a Liberty dime. See the Related Question for values.
Why is a dime called a dime?
A dime is called a dime because it is worth ten cents, and the word "dime" comes from the Latin word "decimus," which means tenth.
Why is the half dime called a half dime?
Because the value of it is worth half the value of a dime.
How many ridges are on a dime?
They are actually called "Reeds" and the dime has 118 of them.
How expensive is it to buy a dime?
10 dollars, that's why it is called a dime.
What is the value of a 1901 wheat dime?
There's no dime called a "wheat dime". There are the famous wheat CENTS, of course, that carry the images of two wheat ears on the back, but a 1901 dime has a wreath on the back and is frequently called a Barber dime after its designer Charles Barber.
What is the value of a 1910 wheat dime?
There's no dime called a "wheat dime". There are the famous wheat CENTS, of course, that carry the images of two wheat ears on the back, but a 1910 dime has a wreath on the back and is frequently called a Barber dime after its designer Charles Barber.
Value of 1936 dime?
a 1936 dime is called a mercury dime. they aren't rare so they are worth around a dollar
What is value of 1917 us dime?
a 1917 us dime is called a mercury dime. its not that rare so it is worth about a dollar
Is there a such thing as Dime-back in football?
there is nickel-back and there is a play type called Dime but I'm not sure if there is a position dime-back
What is the value of an 1853 Mercury dime?
That's off by about 65 years. Mercury dimes were minted from 1916 to 1945. A dime from 1853 would be called a Liberty dime or Liberty Seated dime.
What are dimes called with a wreath circa 1906?
A US dime issued in 1906 would be a Barber Dime.
What is the value of a 1936 silver marquis dime?
There's no coin called a "marquis" dime. If you're thinking of a MERCURY dime, please see the Related Question.
