Lot 936
1796. . JR-1. NGC graded AU-58 PQ. A well struck example of our first dime with all the stars and denticals intact. We note a mint made cud at star one that services to define this variety. The surfaces exhibit considerable luster overlaid with lovely slightly iridescent gold and turquoise hues. A popular two-year type that is always in great demand.
Although the dime is an essential part of the decimal coinage system today, it was one of the last coins issued by the United States Mint when operations first began. By the time it made its debut in 1796, as the Draped Bust/Small Eagle dime, the Mint had already been making copper cents and half cents for three years; silver dollars, half dollars and half dimes for two years; and even two gold coins-the eagle and half eagle-for a year. The only other coins delayed, like the dime, until 1796, were the quarter dollar and quarter eagle.
The diagnostic die cud at star 1 is plainly visible, although less advanced in size than on some specimens, covering most of the bottom two points of that star. Considered the most common 1796 Dime variety, but still very elusive in high grades. According to the authors of EUSD, "about 40% to 45% of all 1796 dimes" are represented by this variety. Only 22,135 minted of the 1796 issue. Pop 31.
Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000.
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| Realized $14,950 |
