1796 Draped Bust Dime. JR-6. Rarity-3. AU-50 (PCGS). CAC.Smooth medium gray is accented with abundant vibrant rainbow tones on this charming lightly circulated example from the first issue of dimes. The dark steel gray patina on the reverse contrasts nicely with the light silvery gray highlights splashed with touches of iridescent blue and light gold on the devices. The surfaces are free of any signs of a hard life in circulation and help to accent the delicate die breaks that typify this variety.Despite being one of the original denominations authorized in 1792, the dime along with the quarter and quarter eagle was not introduced until four years later. The Draped Bust Small Eagle dime was produced for only two years and then only in modest quantities. Struck from at least six known die marriages, the first 1796 dimes were delivered on January 18, 1796 eventually topping out at a published figure of 22,135 pieces in all (though 1796-dated dies may have continued to be used into March 1797). The JR-6 variety, as here, is also one of the more easily recognizable of the known die pairs thanks to the heavy prominent die crack that runs diagonally from the lower part of the 1 in the date through the 7, and ending at the top loop of the 9. The reverse die is also distinctive with a series of thin but readily apparent die cracks, the most obvious of which runs between the S and T in STATES through the top of the left wing and touching the eagles neck. Despite being one of the more readily available varieties, it is still quite a scarce coin by any measure. Perhaps not more than 4% 1796 dimes of any variety still remain in numismatic hands today, most of which are in the lowest end of the circulated grade spectrum. Above the VF level, the issue is progressively more challenging and is especially desirable at the top end of the circulated grade levels. Delightful in its originality and eye appeal, a lovely specimen that will be welcome in any cabinet.From the Dr. Andrew Mitchell Collection.
