This is a PCGS graded coin. You will receive the coin pictured. You are purchasing a 1796 Draped Bust Dime, Small Eagle graded MS65 by PCGS and CAC Approved. JR-1, R.3. A few faint adjustment marks are present on the lower central reverse, but other areas are smooth and sharply impressed. From an advanced state of the dies: a cud encompasses two points of star 1, and the reverse has at least six slender die cracks, most of which converge near the eagle's right (facing) wing. The date is clashed onto the upper reverse, and a ghost of a wreath ribbon is present beneath LIBERTY. An unabraded Gem of enormous significance to the advanced early silver type collector. This was America's First Dime, with a mintage of just 22,135 examples. PCGS has only certified a total of 63 coins in mint state. The year 1796 was the first in which the important dime and quarter denominations were struck. The U.S. Mint began regular production in its new Philadelphia facility with copper cents and half cents in 1793. The year 1794 saw the first strikes of silver half dimes, half dollars, and silver dollars. The first gold coins would follow in 1795, in the form of the five dollar or half eagle pieces, and 1796 would finally see a full suite of every authorized denomination struck at the U.S. Mint for the first time, an occurrence that would not be seen again until 1849. The Draped Bust motif had replaced the Flowing Hair design on silver coins, although the Small Eagle was retained for an additional two years, 1796 and 1797. Thus, this introductory dime type was struck for just two years. The Mint report states that 22,135 pieces were delivered in 1796, and 25,261 pieces in 1797, for a total mintage of less than 50,000 pieces for the designs. Much of the production was eventually melted or lost, and many of the remaining examples spent years in circulation. Several dozen Mint State pieces have been certified, although this population is undoubtedly inflated some by resubmissions over the past few decades.
Coin Features:
PCGS graded MS65 CAC
CAC Certified
Known as a Draped Bust Dime, Small Eagle
Obverse: Features an allegorical depiction of Miss Liberty with her hair tied with ribbons.
Reverse: Features the Small Eagle
This is an excellent coin to add to your collection.
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