1796-1797 Draped Bust, Small Eagle

COIN NAME: DIME 1796-1797 Draped Bust, Small Eagle
DESIGNED BY: Robert Scot
ISSUE DATE: 1796-1797
COMPOSITION: 0.8924 part silver, 0.1076 part copper
DIAMETER: 19 mm
WEIGHT: 41.6 grains
EDGE: Reeded
BUS MINT: 47,396
PROOF MINT: None

The coin was never designed with the collector in mind but primarily for utilitarian use. Its design parallels that of the contemporary half dime. The obverse depicts Miss Liberty with flowing hair, a ribbon behind her head, and drapery covering her plunging neckline. LIBERTY is above and the date is below. Thirteen obverse stars are to be found on the 1796 dime, while dimes of 1797 come with either 13 or 16 obverse stars. The reverse consists of an open wreath, tied with a bow at the bottom, enclosing a small eagle perched on a cloud, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounding. No indication of denomination or value appears.

Lower grades from About Good to Fine are the most common. Very Fine examples are scarce, Extremely Fine pieces are rare, and coins in higher ranges are very rare. Occasionally an AU or Uncirculated 1796 dime will be found, but few pieces dated 1797 exist in Mint State or close to it. Mint-caused adjustment marks are often seen, as are areas of normal light striking.

1798-1807 Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle

COIN NAME: DIME 1798-1807 Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle
DESIGNED BY: Robert Scot
ISSUE DATE: 1798-1807
COMPOSITION: 0.8924 part silver, 0.1076 part copper
DIAMETER: 19 mm
WEIGHT: 41.6 grains
EDGE: Reeded
BUS MINT: 422,010
PROOF MINT: None

These coins are loaded with detail and the first dime to feature the Great Seal of the United States. Finding one in Uncirculated condition would be a beautiful prize. However, even the higher grade coins will feature flatness in detail as the design continued in use throughout the series.

The dimes display the Draped Bust obverse as proceeding, except that the star count is now standardized at 13, with seven to the left and six to the right. The reverse is new and is designated as the Heraldic Eagle style. It features an eagle at the center, with a shield on its breast, and a ribbon bearing the inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM in its beak. Above is an arc of clouds, below which are stars. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds; there is no indication of value or denomination. A number of different die varieties exist within this range, including the overdates 1798/7 and examples with different numbers of stars above the eagle on the reverse.

It's most often seen in grades from About Good through Fine. Very Fine pieces are somewhat scarce, Extremely Fine coins are scarcer yet, AU examples are rare, and Uncirculated coins are very rare. Many show Mint caused adjustment marks.

1809-1827 Capped Bust, Open Collar

COIN NAME: DIME 1809-1827 Capped Bust, Open Collar
DESIGNED BY: John Reich
ISSUE DATE: 1809-1827
COMPOSITION: 0.8924 part silver, 0.1076 part copper
DIAMETER: 18.8 mm (with some variation)
WEIGHT: 41.6 grains
EDGE: Reeded
BUS MINT: 4,931,844
PROOF MINT: Fewer than 150

This is the year the Capped Bust Dime made its appearance. It's also the last series to be struck at 18.8 mm in diameter. The next series, introduced in 1828, was just 17.9 mm in diameter. It's also interesting to note that during this period, mints began to strike coins with the collector in mind. Albeit few, considering the time-span, nearly 150 coins were minted as true Proofs.

The design is similar to that used on earlier half dollars beginning in 1807. The obverse features Miss Liberty with her hair in a cloth cap secured by a band inscribed LIBERTY, with tresses flowing down to her shoulder. Her bust is draped in a cloth or gown secured by a clasp or brooch. Seven stars are to the left and six to the right. The date is below. The reverse depicts an eagle perched on a branch and holding arrows, E PLURIBUS UNUM is on a scroll above, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 10 C. appear around the border

Coinage during the 1809-1827 years was intermittent some years were skipped. Specimens of more common dates are readily encountered in grades from Good to Very Fine. Extremely Fine pieces can be found quite easily, as can AU coins. Uncirculated pieces are quite rare.

1828-1837 Capped Bust, Closed Collar

COIN NAME: DIME 1828-1837 Capped Bust, Closed Collar
DESIGNED BY: John Reich (adapted from)
ISSUE DATE: 1828-1837
COMPOSITION: 0.8924 part silver, 0.1076 part copper
DIAMETER: 17.9 mm (with some variation)
WEIGHT: 41.6 grains
EDGE: Reeded
BUS MINT: 6,778,350
PROOF MINT: Fewer than 200

Aside from minor changes to the previous style, the biggest change in this coin is the size. Note the diameter of this coin is 17.9 mm compared to 18.8 of the previous 1809-1827 style. Today none of the dates are considered rarities. Some varieties within the date range, however, may fetch a higher price if you find the collector seeking to upgrade a collection with a finer specimen.

This variety is an adaptation of the previous 1809-1827 style with the change in diameter being the most significant. In addition, the border has denticles spaced closer together than on the previous type (although some transitional pieces have the old denticle style). The stars are slightly smaller, and there is some subtle restyling. Dimes of this format were made from 1828 through 1837 inclusive. No dates are rarities, although there are several elusive varieties within the range. Examples are available in all grades from Good through Uncirculated, with Very Good to Very Fine being the most often seen. Uncirculated pieces are elusive, and ones in higher states of the Uncirculated category are rare

1837-1838 Liberty Seated, No Stars

COIN NAME: DIME 1837-1838 Liberty Seated, No Stars
DESIGNED BY: Christian Gobrecht
ISSUE DATE: 1837 (Philadelphia) 1838-0 (New Orleans)
COMPOSITION: 0.900 part silver, 0.100 part copper
DIAMETER: 17.9 mm
WEIGHT: 41.25 grains
EDGE: Reeded
BUS MINT: 1,088,534
PROOF MINT: Fewer than 50 pieces

The first Liberty Seated dime variety is also the first Dime produced with a true 90% silver versus 10% copper proportion. It is without obverse stars and closely parallels the half dime of the same era. Its mintage was also similar as pieces were struck only at the Philadelphia Mint in 1837 and only at the New Orleans Mint in 1838. Some 682,500 were struck at the former facility and 408,034 at the latter. The device consists of Miss Liberty seated on a rock, holding in her left hand a liberty cap on a pole, and holding a shield with her right. The date is below. The reverse displays an open wreath enclosing ONE DIME, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounding As attractive as this cameo-like motif is to collectors today, Mint officials did not consider it to be desirable, and it was discontinued shortly thereafter.

The type set enthusiast will find that examples of either issue are readily available in grades from Good through Very Fine or so, with the 1838-0 being a bit more expensive. Extremely Fine and AU coins are also encountered with regularity, less so for 1838-0

1838-1860 Liberty Seated With Stars

COIN NAME: DIME 1838-1860 Liberty Seated With Stars
DESIGNED BY: Christian Gobrecht
ISSUE DATE: 1838-1860
COMPOSITION: 0.900 part silver, 0.100 part Copper
DIAMETER: 17.9 mm
WEIGHT: 41.2 grains 1838 to 1853 no arrows; 38.4 grains later
EDGE: Reeded
BUS MINT: 42,962,915
PROOF MINT: Fewer than 1,500 pieces

Perhaps, more significant that the coining of this particular issue, is the coining of the phrase, "one thin dime" that occurred in 1854. Note the amount of metal used in dates beginning in 1854, was decreased by 2.8 grains. At the same time, the diameter did not change at all. The Mint appeared, at this time, to get a little less generous. Maybe a Warren Buffett ancestor had something to do with overall supply of silver during this era.

In 1838, stars were added to the obverse of the Liberty Seated motif. This style was continued through 1859, plus 1860 at the San Francisco Mint. The reverse is similar to the proceeding but the wreath on the later issues is slightly heavier. Early issues lack drapery at Miss Liberty's elbow.

The type set collector has his choice of numerous varieties within this span, including a number of New Orleans and San Francisco Mint pieces. AU pieces are slightly harder to find, and Uncirculated coins are scarcer still. Superb Uncirculated pieces are quite elusive. As is the case with half dimes, certain dimes of 1853 and all dimes of 1854 and 1855 have arrows at the date and are considered to be separate types.

1853-1855 Arrows at Date

COIN NAME: DIME 1853-1855 Arrows at Date
DESIGNED BY: Christian Gobrecht
ISSUE DATE: 1853-1855
COMPOSITION: 0.900 part silver, 0.100 part copper
DIAMETER: 17.9 mm
WEIGHT: 38.4 grains
EDGE: Reeded
BUS MINT: 21,493,010
PROOF MINT: Fewer than 150

As early as 1853, it became well known that the content of silver in a dime was worth more than its face value. As a result, millions of coins were hoarded. Because of this, coins in grades from Good through Extremely Fine or AU are readily available. Hoarding also prompted a decrease in weight from 41.25 grains to 38.4.

To signify this change, tiny arrowheads were placed to the left and the right of the date. Otherwise the Liberty Seated design remains the same as used from 1838 through early 1853. Large quantities were produced of the 1853 with arrows Philadelphia Mint issues; a coinage in excess of 12 million. Lesser quantities were made of other issues, Philadelphia and San Francisco pieces, through 1855

1860-1891 Legend Obverse

COIN NAME: DIME 1860-1891 Legend Obverse
DESIGNED BY: Christian Gobrecht
ISSUE DATE: 1860-1891
COMPOSITION: 0.900 part silver, 0.100 part copper
DIAMETER: 17.9 mm
WEIGHT: 38.4 grains 1860 to 1873 no arrows: 38.58 grains later
EDGE: Reeded
BUS MINT: 175,889,677
PROOF MINT: 25,403

A curious trait of the Dime during this era, is the slight increase in weight in dates minted after 1873. No one knows why, except that the slight increase made the weight an even 2.5 grams. During the same era, the Half Dollar was also changed to weigh an even 25 grams.

The dime underwent a design change in 1860. The Liberty Seated motif was retained on the obverse, but the stars were removed, and in its place UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, formerly on the reverse, was inscribed. The date remained in its regular position below the base of Miss Liberty. The reverse wreath was restyled to a larger format enclosing the denomination expressed as ONE DIME.

A number of scarce issues were made during that span, including Carson City pieces of the early 1870s. Dimes of 1873 and 1874 with arrows at the date constitute a separate type and are discussed in the following chapter.

Dimes of common dates in the 1860-1891 range are readily available in desired grades from Good through AU. Uncirculated pieces

1873-1874 With Arrows

COIN NAME: DIME 1873-1874 With Arrows
DESIGNED BY: Christian Gobrecht
ISSUE DATE: 1873-1874
COMPOSITION: 0.900 part silver, 0.100 part copper
DIAMETER: 17.9 mm
WEIGHT: 38.58 grains (2.50 grams)
EDGE: Reeded
BUS MINT: 6,041,608
PROOF MINT: 1,500

In 1873 the authorized weight of the dime was raised slightly from 38.4 grains to 38.58 grains, the latter figure precisely equaling 2.50 grams. To signify the change, small arrowheads were placed to the left and the right of the date on the dime. Some dimes were minted in 1873 before the change without-arrows and in the slightly lesser weight. After 1874 the weight remained the same, but the arrows were discontinued. The design otherwise remains the same as the previous style, with Liberty seated on the obverse and a wreath motif on the reverse.

Sufficient quantities of business strikes were made. The numismatist should encounter no problem finding coins in any desired grade from Good through Extremely Fine to AU. Uncirculated pieces are elusive, and superb Uncirculated coins are even more difficult to locate. Survivors of the Proof mintage, totaling 1,500 coins for the two years, can be found, although superb pieces are rare.

1892-1916 Barber

COIN NAME: DIME 1892-1916 Barber
DESIGNED BY: Charles E. Barber
ISSUE DATE: 1892-1916
COMPOSITION: 0.900 part silver, 0.100 part copper
DIAMETER: 17.9 mm
WEIGHT: 38.58 grains
EDGE: Reeded
BUS MINT: 504,317,075
PROOF MINT: 17,353

In 1892 the dime, quarter, and half dollar denominations were redesigned. A Liberty Head motif common to all three denominations made its appearance the same year. Known as the Barber dime, the ten-cent denomination featured on the obverse Miss Liberty facing right, her hair in a Phrygian cap and wearing a laurel wreath, with the word LIBERTY in tiny letters in a band above her forehead. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds, and the date is below. The reverse is of the same design used earlier and features a large wreath enclosing ONE DIME. There was no room for the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the coin, so it was omitted.

While there are a number of scarcities and rarities in the 1892-1916 series, the exceedingly rare 1894-S dime being famous among them, there are enough common dates that the type set collector will encounter no difficulty acquiring an example in any desired grade from Good through AU. Uncirculated pieces are elusive, although hardly rare, while superb Uncirculated coins are more difficult to find.

1916-1945 Mercury

COIN NAME: DIME 1916-1945 Mercury
DESIGNED BY: Adolph A. Welnman
ISSUE DATE: 1916-1945
COMPOSITION: 0.900 part silver, 0.100 part copper
DIAMETER: 17.9 mm
WEIGHT: 38.58 grains
EDGE: Reeded
BUS MINT: 2,677,153,880
PROOF MINT: 78,648

Many people believe the "Mercury Dime" was named after "Mercury" the character of Greek Mythology known as the winged messenger. In Greek Mythology, Mercury was a male. It is difficult to understand how the name Mercury grew more common than the appropriate reference of Liberty Head. Indeed the head on the obverse of this coin is still our beloved Miss Liberty.

The motif features Miss Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap with wings, LIBERTY encircling her head, and with IN GOD WE TRUST and the date below. The reverse depicts a bundle of sticks with a blade at the top, against a branch in the background, and with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DIME around the border. E PLURIBUS UNUM appears at the lower right. The design was continued without change through 1945. Coinage was accomplished at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. Proofs were made at Philadelphia from 1936 through 1942.

Examples of the Mercury dime type are readily available in all grades from About Good through superb Uncirculated. Certain issues are lightly struck and are apt to have weaknesses on the bands tying the sticks in the fascias on the reverse.

1946-1964 ROOSEVELT

COIN NAME: DIME 1946-1964 ROOSEVELT
DESIGNED BY: John R. Sinnock
ISSUE DATE: 1946-1964 (in silver alloy)
COMPOSITION: 0.900 part silver, 0.100 part copper
DIAMETER: 17.9 mm
WEIGHT: 38.58 grains
EDGE: Reeded
BUS MINT: 6,595,617,673
PROOF MINT: 19,837,717

Because so many of these coins were minted, it is still possible to snag one in the regular course of daily commerce. If you do, the value of the silver alone is worth four to five times the face value of the coin. The design was changed from the previous Mercury design to honor the late President, Franklin D. Roosevelt. John R. Sinnock, chief engraver at the Philadelphia Mint, produced a portrait showing the head of Roosevelt facing left, with LIBERTY at the left side of the coin, IN GOD WE TRUST below his chin, and the date to the lower right. The reverse depicts a torch with branches to each side, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DIME around the borders. E PLURIBUS UNUM is placed among the branch stems and torch base.

Production was accomplished at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. Proofs were made at Philadelphia from 1950 through 1964. The type collector will have no difficulty obtaining an example in any grade desired from Very Fine to superb Uncirculated.