When a 1959 Roosevelt Dime Is Found in a Parking Meter
Finding an old coin in an unexpected place can be a small but meaningful link to the past. A 1959 Roosevelt dime pulled from a parking meter can tell a story about local routines, mechanical design, and daily life decades ago.
This article explains what that dime represents, how to evaluate its historical and monetary value, and practical steps to handle and preserve such a find.
Why a 1959 Roosevelt Dime Matters
The Roosevelt dime series began in 1946 and 1959 dimes are part of the mid-20th century circulation. Coins from this era are often silver and were used daily, so finding one now can indicate a coin that has been out of circulation for many years.
Beyond metal content, an undisturbed dime in a meter can be a snapshot of a specific moment — a lost payment, an overlooked piece of civic infrastructure, or a coin that slipped through and stayed hidden.
What the 1959 Roosevelt Dime Tells Us
Key things to note when you find this dime include its condition, whether it has any unusual marks or errors, and if it has been chemically altered. These details affect both its historical interest and its value to collectors.
Checking for mintmarks, wear patterns, and provenance helps place the coin in context.
Immediate Steps After Finding a 1959 Roosevelt Dime in a Parking Meter
Handling the coin correctly is important to preserve both its condition and historical integrity. Follow simple precautions to avoid damaging the dime or undermining its value.
- Do not clean the coin. Cleaning can remove patina and cut value for collectors and historians.
- Handle by the edges. Oils from fingers speed corrosion and leave marks.
- Place the coin in a soft, non-abrasive container such as a small plastic coin flip or a paper envelope.
- Record the location and any context. Note the meter number, street, and date; that information can matter for historical records.
How to Assess Value and Authenticity
After initial care, determine whether you need a professional evaluation. Many 1959 Roosevelt dimes are common, but condition and special varieties matter.
Steps to assess a coin:
- Compare to online references or a coin guide to check for mintmarks and varieties.
- Use a loupe or magnifier to inspect for die errors, doubling, or unusual features.
- Contact a trusted local coin dealer or numismatist for grading and authentication.
- Avoid cleaning or using improvised tests that could harm the coin.
When to Seek Professional Appraisal
If the coin is in excellent condition, shows unusual markings, or you plan to sell or donate it, a certified coin grading service or a reputable dealer can provide a trusted opinion. For potential historical significance, contact a local museum or historical society.
The Roosevelt dime was introduced in 1946 to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and dimes minted before 1965 are made of 90% silver. A dime found intact after decades can offer clues about when and where it left circulation.
Preservation and Storage for a 1959 Roosevelt Dime
Long-term care is straightforward and focused on preventing further wear or chemical damage.
- Store coins individually in acid-free holders or inert plastic flips.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Maintain a record of provenance: where, when, and by whom the coin was found.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Most coins found in public spaces are legally yours, but local rules may apply. If the coin has clear historical significance or appears as part of an archaeological context, consult local authorities or a museum before removing or disposing of items.
Respect municipal equipment: if you remove coins while servicing public meters, follow city rules and log the discovery appropriately.
Practical Actions for Municipal Workers and Finders
Municipal employees and volunteers who search or service parking meters should have simple procedures in place. These steps protect both the finder and the artifact’s integrity.
- Document discoveries with photos and written notes.
- Turn over historically significant finds to a supervisor or local historian.
- Provide basic training on coin handling and preservation.
Case Study: A Meter Attendant’s Discovery
In a mid-sized town, a parking meter attendant discovered a 1959 Roosevelt dime lodged deep in an older mechanical meter during routine maintenance. The coin was lightly worn but intact.
The attendant documented the meter number and photographically recorded the coin in place. They placed the coin in a soft holder and contacted the city’s historic preservation office.
A numismatist offered a preliminary assessment identifying the dime as a common date but noting that the context — the coin remaining undisturbed in a meter for decades — increased its local historical interest. The coin was added to a small municipal history exhibit and used to illustrate a display about mid-century urban life.
Practical Takeaways
Finding a 1959 Roosevelt dime in a parking meter is part hobby, part small history lesson. Treat the coin respectfully and document what you can.
- Immediate care: do not clean; handle by edges; store safely.
- Assess: photograph, note context, and consult a specialist if needed.
- Decide: keep, sell, or donate based on value, legality, and local interest.
With simple steps, a dime found in a meter can go from a pocket change curiosity to an object that helps tell a community’s story.