1796 Draped Bust Dime
Base
About This Coin
The 1796 Draped Bust Dime is a United States dime from the Draped Bust Dimes 1796-1807 series — the first year of the series. This ranks 4th of 10 years by total mintage, below the series median of 33,840. The obverse features Liberty facing right with draped bust and ribbon-bound hair, designed after a Gilbert Stuart portrait and 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). First year of the U.S. dime. Only 22,135 struck. The small eagle reverse makes this a one-year type for collectors. Struck in 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper, 19.8 mm in diameter. A notable auction result reached $750K in SP67 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Robert Scot.