It was shortly after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945 that
legislation was introduced by Virginia Congressman Ralph H. Doughton that
called for the replacement of the Mercury dime with one bearing Roosevelt’s
image. The dime was chosen to honor the president as a result of his efforts
in the founding of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (later named
the March of Dimes).

The Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, John R. Sinnock was chosen to design
the dime. His first submission on October 12, 1945 was rejected, but a second
one was accepted on January 6, 1946. The dime was released to the public
on Wednesday, January 30, 1946. The reverse design elements of a torch,
olive branch, and oak branch symbolized, respectively, liberty, peace,
and victory. 

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President Roosevelt