1805 Draped Bust Dime

About This Coin

The 1805 Draped Bust Dime is a United States dime from the Draped Bust Dimes 1796-1807 series — a late issue, 9th of 10 years in the series. In 1805, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 241,560. This represents the highest annual mintage in the entire series, above 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). Multiple die varieties including the 4 Berries and 5 Berries reverse types. Weighing 2.7 grams, 19.8 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $760 to $25K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $150K in MS67 grade at American Numismatic Rarities. Designed by Robert Scot.