The dime (ten-cent coin) is the smallest U.S. coin in circulation in terms of both diameter and thickness.
Here’s why and some details:
- Dimensions: It has a diameter of 17.91 millimeters (0.705 inches) and a thickness of 1.35 mm (0.053 in).
- Historical Reason: The dime’s small size was originally due to its silver content. It was designed to contain a specific amount of silver, [according to APMEX] . Although dimes minted since 1965 no longer contain silver (they are now made of a copper core clad with a copper-nickel alloy), the size was maintained.
- Practicality: The size differences between circulating coins, like the dime and other denominations, help facilitate easy and quick recognition and handling in everyday transactions.
- Half-cent: The half-cent, minted from 1793 to 1857, was the lowest denomination coin ever produced in the United States and was slightly smaller than a modern quarter.
- Three-cent piece: A three-cent piece, made of silver and later nickel, was also in circulation for a period and was about the same size as a dime.
- Gold Dollar: Early Gold Dollar coins, particularly the Type 1 minted from 1849-1889, had a diameter of 15mm, [according to The Coin Supply Store] . Some 1/10th ounce gold bullion coins are even smaller, with a diameter of 16.5 mm.
It’s important to differentiate between coins currently minted for general circulation and those minted as collectibles or for other purposes (like bullion coins), as some of the latter may be even smaller than the circulating dime but are not commonly used in transactions.
Is there a coin smaller than a dime?
The value of each coin is:
A penny is worth 1 cent. A nickel is worth 5 cents. A dime is worth 10 cents. A quarter is worth 25 cents.
Is there a $1.00 US coin?
The dollar coin is a United States coin with a face value of one United States dollar. Dollar coins have been minted in the United States in gold, silver, and base metal versions.
What is the lowest value coin in the US?
The 1 -cent coin (“penny”) is the coin with the lowest value. 1 cent is one hundredth of a dollar, which means that there are 1 0 0 cents in 1 dollar, 1 0 0 ¢ = $ 1 . The 5 -cent coin (“nickel”) is worth as much as five 1 -cent coins. It is the same way for the other coins as well.