1792 Proof Dime Pattern - J-10

Coin Details

Description

Judd-10, Pollock-11, is the proof striking of the celebrated 1792 disme pattern in copper. The obverse depicts a draped bust of Liberty facing left with flowing hair arranged in distinct, well-defined locks. The legend LIBERTY PARENT OF SCIENCE & INDUS. Encircles the portrait, with the date 1792 beneath. The reverse displays a small spread-winged eagle perched on a rock within a wreath of laurel leaves, surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination. This proof impression differs from the business-strike quality specimens of the same die pairing in its sharp, squared rims, deeply mirrored fields, and exceptional detail in the hair strands and feather separation. The 1792 dismes were among the first coins produced under the authority of the Coinage Act of April 2, 1792, and were struck at the temporary Philadelphia Mint facilities before the permanent building on Seventh Street was completed. Tradition holds that some of these patterns were struck from silver supplied by George Washington himself, though this account remains debated among historians. The proof version is considerably rarer than its business-strike counterpart, as only a small number were deliberately struck with care for presentation purposes. The copper composition served as a test medium to evaluate the dies before committing precious metal. These earliest American patterns occupy a singular place in numismatic history as tangible artifacts of the Republic's first steps toward establishing a national coinage.

Rarity Notes

High R.6. Extremely rare in proof quality. Fewer than 15 specimens exist in all grades.

Cross References

Judd-10; Pollock-11