What Does JS Mean on a 1964 Dime?

The "JS" on a 1964 Roosevelt Dime stands for John Ray Sinnock, who was the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint and the designer of the coin.

Who Was John Ray Sinnock?

John Ray Sinnock served as the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1925 until his death in 1947. He is most famously known for designing both the Roosevelt Dime and the Franklin Half Dollar.

• Designer of the Roosevelt Dime: Sinnock designed the Roosevelt Dime, which was first issued in 1946, just after the passing of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This new design replaced the Mercury Dime (officially known as the Winged Liberty Head Dime), which had been in circulation since 1916.
• Purpose of Initials: It is common practice for coin designers to include their initials on the coins they create. This serves as a signature, acknowledging their artistic contribution to the nation's coinage.

Locating the "JS" Initials

On the Roosevelt Dime, including the 1964 issue, John Ray Sinnock's initials "JS" are subtly placed on the reverse side of the coin. You can typically find them at the base of the torch, slightly to the left.

The Significance of Coin Designers' Initials

The inclusion of initials like "JS" on coinage is a long-standing tradition in numismatics. It provides:

• Attribution: Clear identification of the artist responsible for the coin's design.
• Historical Record: A permanent mark that contributes to the historical documentation of the coin's creation.
• Artistic Recognition: A form of acknowledgment for the designer's significant work.

1964 Roosevelt Dime at a Glance

The 1964 Roosevelt Dime holds particular significance as it was the last year dimes were minted with a 90% silver composition before the transition to a copper-nickel clad composition in 1965.

For more details on the Roosevelt Dime series and its history, you can explore resources from organizations like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).