1796 Draped Bust Dime

Coin Details

Auction Record

$750,000 SP67 09-17-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1796 Draped Bust Dime is a special strike dime from the Draped Bust Dimes 1796-1807 series. With a mintage of 22,135, this is a scarce issue. The obverse features Liberty facing right with draped bust and ribbon-bound hair, designed after a Gilbert Stuart portrait, while the reverse displays a small, naturalistic eagle perched on a palm branch within a wreath (1796-1797) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1798-1807). Designed by Robert Scot. Struck in 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper, 19.8 mm in diameter. Cataloged as PCGS #94461. The Draped Bust Dime was among the first ten-cent coins produced by the U.S. All dates are scarce. The 1796 and 1797 with small eagle reverse are major rarities commanding strong premiums.