New Dime Design Creates Controversy – Did You Notice?

(KMDL-FM) Did you know that, as of January of this year, there is a new design on the United States Dime? What's more, did you know that something left off of that new design has got some Americans rather upset? If you answered "no" to the first question, you're probably going to say "no" to the second question too. But aren't you curious as to what is going on with our coins?

READ MORE: These State Quarters Are More Valuable Than Others 

Think about it, American coin collectors might soon have no more coins to collect. I was going to ask you when the last time you paid cash for anything was, but I actually had to stop and think when the last time I paid cash. I can't remember exactly, but it was probably at a festival concession stand.

Why Are More Places Going Cashless?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more retailers and service providers have gone to a cashless system. That means that we, the American buying public, don't see or handle as much cash as we used to handle. This is probably why the whole "new dime design" slipped by most of us.

The new dime features a likeness of Lady Liberty and is a tribute to America's 250th birthday later this year. The coins carry the dual dates of 1776-2026. Lady Liberty is depicted with the wind blowing through her hair, and she is wearing a stars and stripes emblazoned headpiece.

What is the Controversy Surrounding The New United States Dime?

The controversy about the new coin comes from the "tails side" of it. The Roosevelt Dime, the one most of us are familiar with, features a torch, an olive branch, and an oak branch.

Get our free mobile app

The new dime features an American Eagle on the back and is very reminiscent of the images depicted in the Great Seal of the United States; however, this new design leaves out a key element, the olive branch.

If you're not familiar, an olive branch is a well-known symbol for peace. The design on the Roosevelt dime was created to depict "strength and peace". Those who have an issue with the new dime seem to think that leaving the symbol for peace off the coin sends a message that is not consistent with how many Americans feel.

READ MORE: The 5 Most Valuable Coins in Circulation Now - What to Look For

Some feel that it is not a coincidence that the U.S. is leaving "peace" off its coins as it conducts a military action in the Middle East. The fact of the matter is this. The new dime's design was created and produced long before Operation Epic Fury was launched or even conceived.

The new dime's designer said the omission of the olive branches was intentional. According to him, the colonist still needed the arrows, which are depicted on the dime, since they were still fighting for peace. The eagle's other talon remains empty as if it is waiting for the olive branches or peace to come.

If you're wondering if this means the end of the Roosevelt dime, it does not. That coin will return in 2027.��