The face on the U.S. dime is that of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States. His portrait has been on the obverse (heads) side of the dime since 1946, shortly after his death in 1945
. Roosevelt was chosen for the dime not only because of his leadership as president during the Great Depression and World War II but also due to his strong association with the March of Dimes, an organization dedicated to fighting polio—a disease Roosevelt himself contracted
. The dime honors his legacy and contributions to polio treatment and public health. The dime was designed by John R. Sinnock, the U.S. Mint’s chief engraver at the time, although there is some controversy regarding the artistic inspiration behind the portrait
. The reverse side of the dime features a torch symbolizing liberty, an olive branch for peace, and an oak branch representing strength and independence
