Penny vs. Dime — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 4, 2024
A penny is the smallest denomination of US currency, worth one cent, while a dime is worth ten cents, making it significantly more valuable.
Difference Between Penny and Dime
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Pennies and dimes are both integral parts of the United States currency system, serving different roles due to their value. A penny, worth one cent, is the smallest denomination in U.S. currency, often used for minor transactions and as change. On the other hand, a dime is worth ten cents, offering a higher value and thus used in larger transactions.
The physical appearance of pennies and dimes also differs significantly. Pennies are larger and made primarily of copper-coated zinc, giving them a distinct copper color, while dimes are smaller, made of a cupronickel alloy, and have a silver hue. This difference in material and color makes them easily distinguishable.
When it comes to collecting, pennies and dimes offer different appeals. Some pennies, due to their age, rarity, or errors during minting, can be highly sought after by collectors. Dimes, while also collectible, have their own set of rare editions that can fetch high prices, but the criteria for rarity and value can vary significantly between the two denominations.
In everyday transactions, pennies are often considered less desirable due to their low value and the bulk they add to physical wallets. Dimes, being worth more and smaller, are generally preferred for their convenience and higher purchasing power.
Historically, pennies have been in circulation longer than dimes, with the first pennies being minted in 1793 and dimes introduced later in 1796. This longer history adds to the penny’s significance in American culture and economy, whereas dimes have their own unique place due to their value and utility.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Value
1 cent
10 cents
Composition
Copper-coated zinc
Cupronickel alloy
Color
Copper
Silver
Size
Larger
Smaller
Collectibility
Valued for rarity and errors
Sought after for rare editions
Compare with Definitions
Penny
Some pennies can be highly valuable to collectors.
An old, rare penny might sell for much more than its face value.
Dime
A dime is a coin worth ten cents, making it the smallest physical currency denomination worth more than a cent.
He used a dime to scratch off the lottery ticket.
Penny
A penny is the lowest denomination coin in the United States, worth one cent.
I found a penny on the ground today.
Dime
Certain dimes are highly prized by collectors for their rarity.
That rare dime from the early 20th century was auctioned for a high price.
Penny
Pennies are made primarily of zinc and coated in copper.
The shiny copper color of a penny comes from its thin copper coating.
Dime
Dimes are made of a cupronickel alloy.
Despite its small size, the dime's silver color distinguishes it easily.
Penny
Pennies hold a place in various expressions and practices.
A penny for your thoughts is a common saying.
Dime
Dimes are convenient for transactions requiring small but more than minimal change.
I added a dime to the tip to make it an even amount.
Penny
Often used in transactions to make exact change.
She handed the cashier a penny to avoid receiving any coins as change.
Dime
Dimes are often associated with financial prudence and saving.
A dime a dozen indicates something is common and inexpensive.
Penny
A penny is a coin (pl. pennies) or a unit of currency (pl.
Dime
A coin of the United States or Canada worth ten cents.
Penny
In the United States and Canada, the coin that is worth one cent.
Dime
(US) A coin worth one-tenth of a U.S. dollar.
Penny
Abbr. p. A coin used in Great Britain since 1971, worth 1/100 of a pound. Also called new penny.
Dime
(Canada) A coin worth one-tenth of a Canadian dollar.
Penny
Abbr. d. A coin formerly used in Great Britain, worth 1/12 of a shilling or 1/240 of a pound.
Dime
(North America) A small amount of money.
She didn't spend a dime.
Penny
A coin formerly used in the Republic of Ireland, worth 1/100 of a pound.
Dime
An assist.
Penny
A coin used in various dependent territories of the United Kingdom.
Dime
(slang) A playing card with the rank of ten.
Penny
Any of various coins of small denomination.
Dime
(slang) Ten dollars.
Penny
A sum of money.
Dime
(slang) A thousand dollars.
Penny
Variant of pinny.
Dime
(slang) A measurement of illicit drugs (usually marijuana) sold in ten dollar bags.
Penny
(Informal) A pinafore.
Dime
(slang) A ten year prison sentence.
Penny
Or penny(Sports) One of a set of uniformly colored, usually sleeveless shirts worn as a temporary team uniform, as when scrimmaging.
Dime
(slang) Payment responsibility.
Are you traveling on the company's dime?
Penny
(historical) In the United Kingdom and Ireland, a unit of currency worth 240 of a pound sterling or Irish pound before decimalisation, or a copper coin worth this amount. Abbreviation: d.
Dime
A beautiful woman (10 on a 10-point scale).
Penny
In the United Kingdom, a unit of currency worth 100 of a pound sterling, or a copper coin worth this amount. Abbreviation: p.
Dime
(American football) A defensive formation with six defensive backs, one of whom is a dimeback.
Penny
(historical) In Ireland, a coin worth 100 of an Irish pound before the introduction of the euro. Abbreviation: p.
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.
Penny
In the US and (formerly) Canada, a one-cent coin, worth 100 of a dollar. Abbreviation: ¢.
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.
Penny
In various countries, a small-denomination copper or brass coin.
Dime
A silver coin of the United States, of the value of ten cents; the tenth of a dollar.
Penny
A unit of nail size, said to be either the cost per 100 nails, or the number of nails per penny. Abbreviation: d.
Dime
A United States coin worth one tenth of a dollar
Penny
Money in general.
To turn an honest penny
Dime
Street name for a packet of illegal drugs that is sold for ten dollars
Penny
(slang) To jam a door shut by inserting pennies between the doorframe and the door.
Zach and Ben had only been at college for a week when their door was pennied by the girls down the hall.
Penny
(electronics) To circumvent the tripping of an electrical circuit breaker by the dangerous practice of inserting a coin in place of a fuse in a fuse socket.
Penny
(Oxbridge slang) During a meal or as part of a drinking game, to drop a penny in a person's drink such that they must finish it (or some such variation thereof); commonly associated with crewdates at Oxford and swaps at Cambridge.
Penny
Denoting the weight in pounds for one thousand; - used in combination, with respect to nails; as, tenpenny nails, nails of which one thousand weight ten pounds.
Penny
Worth or costing one penny; as, penny candy.
Penny
A former English coin, originally of copper, then of bronze, the twelfth part of an English shilling in account value, and equal to four farthings, or about two cents; - usually indicated by the abbreviation d. (the initial of denarius).
Penny
Any small sum or coin; a groat; a stiver.
Penny
Money, in general; as, to turn an honest penny.
What penny hath Rome borne,What men provided, what munition sent?
Penny
See Denarius.
Penny
A fractional monetary unit of Ireland and the United Kingdom; equal to one hundredth of a pound
Penny
A coin worth one-hundredth of the value of the basic unit
Common Curiosities
What is the value of a penny?
A penny is worth one cent.
What are dimes made of?
Dimes are made of a cupronickel alloy.
Can pennies be valuable to collectors?
Yes, especially those that are old, rare, or have minting errors.
Why are pennies considered less desirable than dimes?
Due to their lower value and the bulk they add to wallets.
Why might someone prefer to use dimes over pennies?
For convenience, due to their higher value and smaller size.
What is the value of a dime?
A dime is worth ten cents.
Are all pennies made of pure copper?
No, modern pennies are zinc coated with copper.
How has the composition of pennies changed over time?
Originally copper, now they are primarily zinc with a copper coating.
How do pennies and dimes contribute to everyday transactions?
They make exact change possible and facilitate smaller transactions.
What is the historical significance of pennies and dimes?
Pennies have been in circulation since 1793, and dimes since 1796, both playing significant roles in U.S. currency history.
How can you distinguish a penny from a dime?
By their size, color, and value.
What does "a dime a dozen" mean?
It means something is common and of little value.
Are there rare dimes that are valuable to collectors?
Yes, certain editions of dimes are highly sought after.
What are some expressions involving pennies?
"A penny for your thoughts" and "Penny wise, pound foolish."
What makes a dime special in the U.S. currency system?
It is the smallest coin by size but carries significant value, facilitating efficient financial transactions.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Throughout vs. Across
Next Comparison
Freezer vs. IceboxAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
