An oak branch is on the U.S. dime next to the symbol of a torch placed in the center of the coin. The reason the oak branch is displayed on the dime is because of its historical meaning and symbolism. The oak tree symbolizes justice in many cultures; in English literature, Robin Hood's headquarters lie under an oak tree. Celtic cultures, Romans and Germans associate the oak with strength and longevity.
The olive branch symbolizes peace and pacifism. The historic meaning behind the olive branch goes back to Biblical times. Christianity and Judaism views the olive branch as a symbol of peace. Often a white dove, another symbol of peace, is seen carrying an olive branch in religious art. In ancient Greece, winners at the Olympics were adorned with a wreath of olive leaves. The common saying "extending an olive branch" means to make a peace offering.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the thirty-second president of the United States, died suddenly in office. An immensely popular president, President Roosevelt's sudden death shocked the nation. In response to Roosevelt's dedication to the March of Dimes organization's attempts to end infantile paralysis, the Roosevelt dime was created. On one side Roosevelt's profile is found. On the other, an olive branch and oak branch are shown to illustrate the values of Roosevelt as well as the United States.
Roosevelt dimes look different than the original design created by John R. Sinnock. In the original design, a torch appeared on the dime held aloft by a hand. The Commission of Fine Arts rejected this design and asked Sinnock to create a new design. The committee accepted this design, and dimes to this day retain it. In the final design the torch remains, representing liberty; the oak and olive branches replace the hand.