Plated 1965 Roosevelt Dime (Post-Mint Alteration)
Coin (Common Circulation / Altered) · Yellow Gold (Plated/Coated). The underlying metal is base metal (Cupro-Nickel).
Purity: None/Plated (Likely gold-colored chemical wash or thin plating). This is not a solid gold item. Standard 1965 dimes are composed of a copper-nickel clad over a pure copper core.
Type
Coin (Common Circulation / Altered)
Purity
None/Plated (Likely gold-colored chemical wash or thin plating). This is not a solid gold item. Standard 1965 dimes are composed of a copper-nickel clad over a pure copper core.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Plated/Coated). The underlying metal is base metal (Cupro-Nickel).
Weight
2.27 grams (Standard United States Mint specification for a Roosevelt Dime).
Description
This is a 1965 United States Roosevelt Dime that has undergone post-mint alteration. The coin displays a golden-yellow surface consistent with electroplating or chemical 'gold washing.' This specific penny or dime gold-plating is a common science experiment or novelty item often sold in 'gold plated sets.' Because 1965 was the first year the US Mint removed silver from the dime, this specific date is frequently found in altered states as collectors transition from silver to clad.
Key Features
1965 date; missing silver content (post-1964); uneven golden coloration; absence of any genuine gold purity markings.
Color & Finish
The coin exhibits a dull, patchy gold-to-bronze hue. The surface appears oxidized or heat-treated, with significant unevenness in the coating, revealing the silver-colored nickel underneath in high-relief areas.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No gold hallmarks or fineness stamps. Standard US Mint markings: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1965'. No mint mark (typical for Philadelphia mint in 1965).
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter: 17.91 mm; Thickness: 1.35 mm (Standard US Dime dimensions).
Gemstones & Inlays
None.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (Reeded edge).
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The edge is reeded with 118 reeds, though plating may fill or dull the texture.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard US Mint die-struck coin. The alteration (plating) is of low quality, showing 'pooling' around the lettering and uneven thickness across the field and bust.
Authentication Indicators
RED FLAGS: 1965 is not a year the US Mint produced gold dimes. Weight-to-size ratio will match base nickel/copper, not gold. The color is 'off' compared to genuine 24k or 22k gold, showing a more orange/copper tint typical of low-quality plating.
Origin & Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia); altered by a third party after leaving the mint.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Mid-Century Modern (Original strike: 1965; Alteration: Unknown). 1965 was the first year of the copper-nickel clad composition.
Age Estimate
Original coin is 59 years old (1965). The plating or chemical alteration is of indeterminate age, likely done for aesthetic or novelty purposes.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'clad era' of American currency and common hobbyist alterations used to simulate precious metals for school projects or novelty collections.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Poor. The plating is wearing off, showing the nickel layer. Surface is pitted and discolored. Numismatic grade: G-4 (Good) to F-12 (Fine) base condition prior to damage/alteration.
Value Estimate
Face value: $0.10 USD. Melt value: $0.02 (base metal). Collector value: Negligible. It possesses no gold value because the coating is microscopic.
Care & Maintenance
No specific care required as the item holds no significant precious metal value. Avoid harsh chemicals if you wish to preserve the novelty plating.
Similar Items
2016-W Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coin (Genuine 24K), Gold-plated 1964 Silver Dimes, or 1965 'Silver' Dimes (rare error coins struck on silver planchets).
Interesting Facts
1965 was the 'transition year' for US coinage; silver was removed from dimes and quarters due to the Coinage Act of 1965. No gold dimes have ever been issued for circulation in US history; the only official gold Roosevelt dimes are the 2016-W Centennial 24K Gold coins.