Lot 1691
1801 Draped Bust Dime. PCGS graded MS-61. Well struck and lustrous. Lovely medium violet and electric blue at the borders. A problem-free uncirculated example. A beautiful early bust dime featuring soft natural mint luster that is nearly full. The silvery color is accented with a pinch of uniform, light-tan to reddish amber toning on both sides with the aforementioned iridescence hugging the borders. The strike is well executed for this early heraldic eagle dime Type with only a little softness in the detail resulting from uneven metal flows into the dies. This is evident on the reverse at the upper corner of the shield where the edge overlaps the eagle's wing, and the clouds at the right. Surfaces are remarkable for their smooth and attractive appearance, with very faint scuffing evident on Liberty's neck.
JR-2 is one of only two varieties dated 1801, and can be identified by an olive leaf embedded in the base of I in AMERICA. A prominent die break at the right reverse arcs from the rim above E to the shield. Tiny raised specks of die rust are evident in the obverse field, mostly at the right.
Reports have it that only about one-third of 34,640 total dimes struck this year are of the JR-2 variety. With few high grade coins represented in the census, this example would be nearly impossible to improve upon for the die marriage. Pop 4, none higher. Tied 2nd finest known. (PCGS # 4471) .
Estimated Value $30,000 - 40,000.
Ex; ANR Classic Sale 07/25/03 realized $18,400; Bowers & Merena 03/10/05 sale, realized $40,250.
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| Realized $40,250 |
