When a 1959 Roosevelt Dime Found in a Parking Meter Shows Up
Finding a coin tucked away in a parking meter can feel like a small mystery. A 1959 Roosevelt dime found in a parking meter often carries both monetary and historical interest for collectors and families.
This article explains what that dime may represent, how to identify it, and practical steps to take if you find a similar coin.
What the 1959 Roosevelt Dime Found in a Parking Meter Was
The Roosevelt dime was first issued in 1946 and carries President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s portrait. A 1959 Roosevelt dime is a common date, but its context — such as being left in a parking meter for decades — can make it historically meaningful.
Coins in meters often reflect snapshots in time. They can reveal when an area was actively used, who might have lived there, or simply what people carried in their pockets during a particular era.
How to Identify a 1959 Roosevelt Dime
Identification is straightforward if you know what to look for. A genuine 1959 Roosevelt dime includes a few clear features you can check quickly.
- Date on the obverse: 1959 clearly visible below Roosevelt’s neck.
- Designer initials: The designer’s initials, “JS” for John Sinnock, may appear near the neck or rim.
- Metal composition: Dimes from 1946 through 1964 are 90% silver; a 1959 dime is silver.
- Weight and sound: These dimes weigh about 2.5 grams and have a distinct high-pitched ring when dropped on a hard surface.
Why a 1959 Roosevelt Dime in a Meter Can Matter
The coin’s age and composition give it intrinsic value beyond face value. A 1959 silver dime carries melt value tied to silver content and, depending on condition, modest collector value.
More importantly, the location where it was found can provide a timeline for local history. A meter left untouched for decades could indicate changes in city parking, neighborhood activity, or maintenance patterns.
Practical Steps if You Find a Vintage Coin in a Meter
If you discover a 1959 Roosevelt dime or another old coin, follow a few simple steps to maximize information and value preservation.
- Document the find: Take photos of the coin in place and note the meter location and date found.
- Handle carefully: Touch the coin only by its edges to avoid adding oils or damage.
- Check nearby records: Local parking or municipal maintenance logs may confirm how long the meter was unused.
- Consider expert advice: For coins with potential value, consult a reputable coin dealer or numismatist before cleaning.
Roosevelt dimes minted from 1946 to 1964 are 90% silver. A single 1959 dime contains about 0.07234 troy ounces of silver.
How to Assess Condition and Value
Value depends on condition, rarity, and silver price. For a 1959 Roosevelt dime, condition categories include Good, Fine, Extremely Fine, and Uncirculated.
Key signs of condition include wear on Roosevelt’s cheek and hair, clarity of the date, and absence of deep scratches or corrosion.
Simple Value Checklist
- Check the date legibility; worn dates reduce value to collectors.
- Look for toning versus corrosion; natural toning can be acceptable and sometimes desirable.
- Compare to price guides or recent auction results for 1959 dimes in similar condition.
Case Study: A Small Town Meter and a Family Memory
In a midwestern town, a parking meter renovation uncovered a handful of coins, including a 1959 Roosevelt dime. The meter had not been in use for nearly 40 years. A local historian examined municipal records and found that the meter had been decommissioned in the early 1980s when a new payment system was installed.
The dime sparked a conversation with an elderly resident who recalled parking in that spot to visit a now-closed bakery. The coin became a tangible link between a personal memory and the town’s changing streetscape.
- What happened: The coin was photographed, documented, and donated to the local historical society.
- Outcome: The dime helped anchor oral history interviews and became part of a small exhibit on daily life in the 1950s and 1960s.
Best Practices for Sharing or Selling a Found Coin
If you find a 1959 Roosevelt dime and consider selling or sharing it, follow ethical and practical best practices. Document provenance and be transparent about where and how you found the coin.
When selling, get multiple offers and prefer established dealers or auction houses. If donating to a museum or historical society, provide the documentation you collected at the time of discovery.
Takeaway Checklist
- Document immediately with photos and notes.
- Handle by edges and avoid cleaning the coin.
- Check municipal records if the location is relevant.
- Seek expert valuation before selling or restoring.
Finding a 1959 Roosevelt dime in a parking meter can be a small archaeological moment. With careful documentation and sensible next steps, the discovery can preserve a fragment of local history, provide modest monetary value, and connect people to stories that would otherwise be lost.
