The smallest currently circulating coin, it began production in 1796. The composition of the dime was about 90% silver and 10% copper from 1796 to 1964, when in 1965 the composition was changed to 90% copper and 10% nickel due to rapid increases in the price of silver. Barber Dimes 1892 to 1916 Mercury Dimes 1916 to 1945 Roosevelt Dimes 1946 to 1964