1959 Roosevelt Dime Found in a Parking Meter: The Story in Brief
Finding a coin from 1959 in a parking meter is more than a small surprise. It can reconnect a place to a time and introduce questions about history, value, and care.
This article explains what a 1959 Roosevelt dime represents, how to evaluate it, and what to do if you find a similar vintage coin.
Why the 1959 Roosevelt Dime Matters
The Roosevelt dime has been a common circulation coin since 1946. A 1959 dime is part of the pre-1965 series struck in 90% silver, which gives it intrinsic metal value and collector interest.
Beyond metal content, older dimes can carry historical interest because they were in use during distinct social and economic periods. A coin found in a parking meter often reflects ordinary daily life frozen in time.
Key attributes of a 1959 Roosevelt dime
- Composition: 90% silver and 10% copper (pre-1965)
- Design: Portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt on obverse
- Mint marks: Could be from Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S) depending on mint records
Assessing Value: What to Look For
Value depends on two broad factors: silver content (melt value) and numismatic value (collector interest). Condition, mint mark, and any rare errors can push value beyond the metal price.
Follow these practical steps to assess a found 1959 dime.
Simple checklist for initial assessment
- Do not clean the coin; cleaning often reduces value.
- Check for a mint mark (small letter near the rim on reverse).
- Note the condition: look for wear, scratches, or corrosion.
- Look for unusual features: doubled die, off-center strikes, or other errors.
How to Preserve a 1959 Roosevelt Dime You Find
When you find a vintage coin in a parking meter or elsewhere, handling and storage matter. Improper treatment can irreparably lower collector value.
Practical preservation steps
- Handle the coin by the edges to avoid fingerprints.
- Place the coin in a soft, inert holder: a Mylar flip or an archival-quality plastic capsule.
- Store in a stable, dry place away from direct sunlight and large temperature swings.
- Avoid home cleaning methods or chemical dips; consult a professional if the coin needs conservation.
Where to Get a Professional Opinion
For a precise value and grading, consult a reputable coin dealer or a certified grading service. A professional can authenticate mint marks and detect errors that raise value.
When approaching an expert, bring clear photos and any context you have about where the coin was found.
Options for professional help
- Local coin shops or numismatic clubs
- Coin grading services (PCGS, NGC) for formal certification
- Online marketplaces and forums for comparative research
All U.S. dimes dated 1964 and earlier contain 90% silver. That means a 1959 Roosevelt dime has intrinsic value beyond its face value because of its silver content.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Finding a coin in a parking meter can raise questions about ownership. In many places, coins in public meters become the property of the municipality after collection.
If you find valuable property in private or commercial equipment, check local laws or contact authorities before claiming or selling it.
Small Case Study: A Parking Meter Find and How It Was Handled
Example: A parking enforcement worker discovered a 1959 Roosevelt dime lodged in a meter while performing routine collections. The coin was worn but intact. The worker left the coin in its original context until the meter was emptied, then placed it in a Mylar flip.
They took photos, noted the meter location and date, and consulted a local coin dealer. The dealer confirmed the dime was genuine and advised not to clean it. The owner donated the coin to a local historical society because it had apparent local provenance.
Lessons from this example:
- Document the find (photos, location, date).
- Use a professional for assessment instead of attempting restoration at home.
- Consider historical or community value, not just monetary value.
Summary: Steps to Take If You Find a 1959 Roosevelt Dime
If you come across a 1959 dime in a parking meter or elsewhere, follow these concise steps.
- Document the find with photos and notes.
- Handle by the edges and place in an inert holder.
- Avoid cleaning and DIY restoration.
- Consult a reputable dealer or grading service for valuation.
- Check legal ownership and consider donating historically significant finds.
By taking careful, informed steps you preserve both the coin and the story it carries. A single 1959 Roosevelt dime can be a small, tangible link to mid-20th-century daily life.