1820 Capped Bust Dime. JR-8. Rarity-3. Large 0. MS-65 (PCGS). CAC.This is a dramatic and beautiful Capped Bust dime that demonstrates the pinnacle of preservation for these dies. Vibrant lemon, mint, orange, and plum are seen on the obverse, with the deepest shades at the rim. The reverse offers more dramatic sapphire and teal iridescence. Trivial softness is typical of the variety and should not be mistaken for wear. The crack on the reverse from the eagles neck through the left wing readily identifies this as the JR-8 variety, as does the "old style" lettering in the legend that is missing the left bases of the Ts. Satiny luster adds to the impressive eye appeal.Though readily available in a general sense, the JR-8 variety is a considerable condition rarity in higher grades. Writing in 1984 the authors of Early United States Dimes called this variety "difficult to find above VF-30 condition" and noted that the "finest seen is EF-45." Though a few Mint States examples have appeared in the three decades since, the overall sentiment remains true. We first handled this piece nearly 25 years ago as part of our 60th Anniversary Sale in October 1995 where we called it "Gem Brilliant Uncirculated and an absolutely splendid specimen...almost certainly the finest known." In fact, the incredible Lovejoy Reference Collection that we had sold just five years earlier included an EF-45 example, testifying to the unavailability of this variety in Mint State. The superior nature of this piece is further exemplified by its inclusion in the spectacular collection of Eugene H. Gardner, which was assembled with a focus on eye appeal and quality. Its rank of finest known from the JR-8 dies will certainly appeal to specialists, as will its significance even within the context of the 1820 Large 0 issue. It is tied with just 10 other examples on the PCGS Population Report and just six rank finer. With stunning eye appeal and technical quality to match, this piece is surely destined for an exceptional cabinet.PCGS Population (all die marriages of the Large 0 Guide Book variety): 11; 6 finer.Ex our (Stacks) 60th Anniversary Sale, October 1995, lot 318; Heritages sale of the Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part IV, October 2015, lot 98220.
