The phrase "ten-cent piece" is commonly used to refer to the dime, which is the smallest coin currently in circulation in the United States. However, there are several other synonyms for this term that can be used interchangeably, such as "10-cent coin," "dimepiece," "10-center," or simply "dime." These words are often used in casual conversation, particularly in circumstances where one needs to be specific about the amount of money they are referring to. It's interesting to note that the dime has undergone very few changes in design since its inception in 1796, making it a historical artifact that has stood the test of time.