1803 Draped Bust Dime

About This Coin

The 1803 Draped Bust Dime is a United States dime from the Draped Bust Dimes 1796-1807 series. 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, weighing 2.7 grams, 19.8 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. The Draped Bust Dime was among the first ten-cent coins produced by the U.S. Mint, authorized under the Coinage Act of 1792. Early examples with the small eagle reverse are particularly rare. All dates are scarce. The 1796 and 1797 with small eagle reverse are major rarities commanding strong premiums.