1949-D Roosevelt Dime. MS-68 (PCGS). Beautifully toned on the obverse with iridescent reddish-gold, sea green, pearl gray and pinkish-purple shades. The reverse is more reserved, yet equally original with splashes of golden-apricot around the periphery. Fully frosted in finish with silky smooth surfaces, this delightful Superb Gem is sure to attract strong bids.1949 was a pivotal year as it was the year that the Soviet Union tested its first nuclear weapon, ending Americas sole dominance in that area and further inflaming the Cold War. Even the dime was not immune to the "Red Scare," as the Mint was at one point compelled to issue a statement that the initials JS as found on the Roosevelt dime design stood for the designer, John R. Sinnock, and not Joseph Stalin, as was rumored. With a mintage of slightly more than 26 million pieces, the 1949-D is far from rare. However, this is an issue that is regarded as one of the most conditionally challenging of its type. Examples that grade finer than MS-67 are rare and quite in demand by dime specialists. With its quality and outstanding toning, the Pogue specimen will certainly attract attention from bidders. From the D. Brent Pogue Collection. Earlier from Heritages Long Beach Signature Auction of February 2010, lot 401; our Baltimore Auction of November 2010, lot 1634.
