What Are the Symbols of the Dime?

Roosevelt

• The mint considered Roosevelt as a candidate for coinage after citizens began writing to the Treasury Department asking that the former president be honored on currency. Officials chose the dime because of Roosevelt's support for the March of Dimes, which raised money for polio research. Roosevelt felt a special connection to the cause, because he contracted polio when he was 39. The image of the former president is a side profile with the traditional "In God We Trust" motto at the bottom of the design.

Torch

• The torch is a symbol of liberty. For years the dime featured images of the Statue of Liberty; now only the torch remains. Though not identical in design to the torch of the Statue of Liberty, the torch is of a similar style and has its flame blowing in the same direction. The symbol is a longstanding signifier of American freedom and represents the eternal flame of liberty that is the inalienable right of every American.

Olive Branch

• The image of an olive branch occupies the left half of the coin. It symbolizes peace and is featured in many American insignias, including the Great Seal, in which an eagle grasps an olive branch in its right talon. The olive branch is a universal symbol of peace and is coupled with the phrase "E pluribus unum," the founding American motto that means "Out of many, one."

Oak Branch

• A symbol of an oak branch occupies the right-hand side of the dime opposite the olive branch. The branch symbolizes strength and independence, because of the sturdiness of the majestic oak tree (which is native to many parts of the United States). The oak branch is the same size and of similar shape to the olive branch, suggesting the values of strength, independence and peace are equal. However, both branches are positioned slightly below the flame of the central torch -- a sign that freedom, above all, is most important to the nation.