1820 JR-11. Rarity-3. Small 0. MS-66 (PCGS).An enchanting, premium quality Gem that would do justice to the finest type set or advanced early dime variety collection. Semi-prooflike in finish, the fields are noticeably reflective and form a lovely backdrop to satiny devices. Striking detail is razor sharp to full in virtually all areas, and the surfaces are so smooth as to border on pristine. Wisps of iridescent champagne-gold toning drift over both sides and further enhance this coins already memorable appearance. The United States Mint produced 942,587 dimes during calendar year 1820, its most generous output for the denomination up to that point in time. Given that 1820-dated examples are relatively plentiful in numismatic circles (2,500 to 3,750 survivors in all grades, per Winston Zack et al, 2015), it seems likely that most of the coins struck that year were from 1820-dated dies. JR-11 is one of the more frequently encountered die marriages of the issue, although the Wide Border Capped Bust dime as a type is conditionally challenging with even low end Uncirculated coins scarce. As a premium quality Gem, the beautiful coin offered here is a significant condition rarity that is sure to please even the most discerning numismatist. There is some confusion over the assignment of individual die marriages of the 1820 dime to the Large 0 and Small 0 <em>Guide Book</em> varieties. PCGS groups the JR-2, JR-3, JR-4, JR-5, JR-6, JR-7, JR-10, JR-11 and JR-12 die marriages under the Small 0 classification and the JR-8, JR-9 and JR-13 varieties under the Large 0 classification. (JR-1 is the STATESOFAMERICA <em>Guide Book</em> variety). According to Winston Zack, Louis Scuderi and Michael Sherrill in the 2015 reference <em>Bust Dime Variety Identification Guide</em> (2015), however, "JR-11, JR-12 and JR-13 are the final large 0 varieties." An interesting situation for the early dime variety enthusiast to ponder.PCGS Population (all die marriages of the Small 0 variety): 1; 2 finer (both MS-67).
