1796 Draped Bust Dime. JR-2. Rarity-4. EF-45 (PCGS). CAC.Offered is a richly original, aesthetically pleasing example of this classic early U.S. Mint issue. Boldly toned in charcoal gray, both sides are smooth and there is plenty of sharp detail remaining to the devices. This is the first United States dime and is one of only two dates in the brief Draped Bust, Small Eagle series. Federal records provide for a mintage of 22,135 examples during calendar year 1796, and survivors of this date number 800 to 1,200 coins in all grades (per Winston Zack, Louis Scuderi and Michael Sherrill, <em>Bust Dime Variety Identification Guide</em>, 2015). Of the seven known die marriages, JR-2 is scarce in lower grades and rare above VF. This variety features the only known uses of both the obverse and reverse dies, the former with the R above E in LIBERTY and the latter with an inner berry on the wreath to the left of the bow. While all other die varieties of this date are known in late states characterized by prominent cuds and/or extensive cracks, JR-2 is known only in the early, perfect state represented here. This fact has led Winston Zack, et al. to opine that JR-2 is the final variety produced for the 1796 dime, the next examples of this denomination coined from 1797-dated dies. As an uncommonly sharp and well preserved survivor, this premium Choice EF will appeal to discerning type collectors and early dime variety specialists.
