Dime vs. Dollar — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
A dime is a U.S. coin worth 10 cents, significantly smaller and lighter than the dollar bill, which is worth 100 cents.
Difference Between Dime and Dollar
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A dime is the smallest coin in physical size currently circulated in the U.S. monetary system, whereas a dollar can exist either as a coin or more commonly as a bill.
While a dime is made primarily of copper and nickel, a dollar bill is printed on a paper blend of cotton and linen, offering different tactile and visual experiences.
The dime features the portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt, emphasizing its commemorative value, whereas the dollar bill showcases George Washington, reflecting its prominence and higher value.
In transactions, dimes are often used to provide precise change, on the other hand, dollar bills are more frequently used for straightforward, small transactions.
Collectors often seek older or unique dimes due to their variations over the years, while dollar bills, especially unusual serial numbers or misprints, are highly prized in numismatics.
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Comparison Chart
Value
10 cents
100 cents
Material
Copper (91.67%) and Nickel (8.33%)
Cotton (75%) and Linen (25%)
Size
Diameter: 0.705 inch (17.91 mm)
6.14 inches x 2.61 inches
Thickness
1.35 mm
0.0043 inches (bill thickness)
Portrayed Face
Franklin D. Roosevelt
George Washington
Compare with Definitions
Dime
Symbolic in American culture.
Popular sayings like a dime a dozen show the coin's cultural imprint.
Dollar
Subject of numerous conspiracy theories and myths.
Conspiracies often focus on the symbols found on the dollar.
Dime
The smallest coin in physical size among U.S. currency.
He always carries a few dimes for parking meters.
Dollar
Commonly used in paper form.
He paid for the coffee with a crisp, new dollar bill.
Dime
A U.S. coin worth ten cents.
She gave him a dime to use in the vending machine.
Dollar
Features iconic American figures and symbols.
The dollar bill includes an image of the Great Seal.
Dime
Often used in financial idioms.
He didn't contribute a dime to the project.
Dollar
A basic unit of currency in the U.S., equivalent to 100 cents.
She found a dollar on the ground.
Dime
Collectible due to various historical designs.
Her collection includes a rare 1945 Mercury dime.
Dollar
Central to U.S. economic discussions.
Discussions about inflation often refer to the declining purchasing power of the dollar.
Dime
A coin of the United States or Canada worth ten cents.
Dollar
Dollar (symbol: $) is the name of more than 20 currencies. They include the Australian dollar, Brunei dollar, Canadian dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Jamaican dollar, Liberian dollar, Namibian dollar, New Taiwan dollar, New Zealand dollar, Singapore dollar, United States dollar, and several others.
Dime
(US) A coin worth one-tenth of a U.S. dollar.
Dollar
See Table at currency.
Dime
(Canada) A coin worth one-tenth of a Canadian dollar.
Dollar
A coin or note that is worth one dollar.
Dime
(North America) A small amount of money.
She didn't spend a dime.
Dollar
Any of various historical silver coins similar to the taler, such as a piece of eight.
Dime
An assist.
Dollar
Money spent or available to be spent
Boardwalk shops competing for the tourist dollar.
Dime
(slang) A playing card with the rank of ten.
Dollar
Official designation for currency in some parts of the world, including Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and elsewhere. Its symbol is $.
Dime
(slang) Ten dollars.
Dollar
(by extension) money generally.
Dime
(slang) A thousand dollars.
Dollar
A quarter of a pound or one crown, historically minted as a coin of approximately the same size and composition as a then-contemporary dollar coin of the United States, and worth slightly more.
Dime
(slang) A measurement of illicit drugs (usually marijuana) sold in ten dollar bags.
Dollar
Imported from the United States, and paid for in U.S. dollars. (Note: distinguish "dollar wheat", North American farmers' slogan, meaning a market price of one dollar per bushel.)
Dime
(slang) A ten year prison sentence.
Dollar
(nuclear physics) A unit of reactivity equal to the interval between delayed criticality and prompt criticality.
Dime
(slang) Payment responsibility.
Are you traveling on the company's dime?
Dollar
A silver coin of the United States containing 371.25 grains of silver and 41.25 grains of alloy, that is, having a total weight of 412.5 grains.
Dime
A beautiful woman (10 on a 10-point scale).
Dollar
A coin of the same general weight and value as the United States silver dollar, though differing slightly in different countries, formerly current in Mexico, Canada, parts of South America, also in Spain, and several other European countries.
Dime
(American football) A defensive formation with six defensive backs, one of whom is a dimeback.
Dollar
The value of a dollar; the unit of currency, differing in value in different countries, commonly employed in the United States and a number of other countries, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, parts of the Carribbean, Liberia, and several others.
Dime
To inform on, to turn in to the authorities, to rat on, especially anonymously.
Somebody dimed on me and I got arrested for selling marijuana.
Dollar
The basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents
Dime
To operate an audio amplifier (especially an electric guitar amplifier) at level "10" (typically the highest amplification level).
I get the best-sounding sustain and smooth harmonic distortion when I run the amp dimed.
Dollar
A piece of paper money worth one dollar
Dime
A silver coin of the United States, of the value of ten cents; the tenth of a dollar.
Dollar
A United States coin worth one dollar;
The dollar coin has never been popular in the United States
Dime
A United States coin worth one tenth of a dollar
Dollar
A symbol of commercialism or greed;
He worships the almighty dollar
The dollar sign means little to him
Dime
Street name for a packet of illegal drugs that is sold for ten dollars
Common Curiosities
What unique security features does a dollar have?
The dollar includes features like color-shifting ink, a security thread, and a watermark to deter counterfeiting.
What are the materials used in a dollar bill?
A dollar bill is made from a blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen.
How many dimes equal a dollar?
Ten dimes make up one dollar.
Can dimes be used in all vending machines?
Yes, dimes are accepted in most vending machines across the U.S.
Why does the dime feature Franklin D. Roosevelt?
Roosevelt is featured as a tribute to his founding of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, now known as the March of Dimes.
What is the physical size of a dime?
The dime has a diameter of 0.705 inches and a thickness of 1.35 mm.
What is the significance of the dollar in global markets?
The U.S. dollar is considered the world's primary reserve currency, impacting global finance.
How often are new dime designs released?
New designs are not frequently released; however, commemorative editions appear sporadically.
What is the largest denomination of the dollar available?
The largest commonly used denomination is the $100 bill, though larger denominations exist but are no longer in general circulation.
What role does the dollar play in U.S. culture?
The dollar is central to American symbolism and is frequently discussed in contexts ranging from economics.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
