1973-S PCGS Proof 69 Deep Cameo Jefferson Nickel

Obverse: The current design on the obverse of the dime first appeared in 1946, soon after the death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The Roosevelt dime was released on the late President's birthday which was January 30th of that year. FDR's left-facing bust was created by the Mint's Chief Engraver, John R. Sinnock.

Shortly after Roosevelt's death in 1945, citizens began writing to the Treasury Department requesting his likeness be depicted on a coin. The dime was a good choice because Roosevelt supported the March of Dimes, a program that raised funds for research to find a cure for polio. Roosevelt contracted the polio virus when he was 39 years old.

Reverse: Mr. Sinnock also designed the reverse of this coin: a torch signifying Liberty, with an olive branch on the left signifying Peace, and an oak branch on the right signifying Strength and Independence.