1796 Draped Bust Dime. JR-4. Rarity-4. AU Details--Cleaned (PCGS).This is an uncommonly attractive coin for the assigned grade, the historic first year status of the 1796 sure to result in keen interest among sharp-eyed type collectors and early dime enthusiasts. The eye appeal is strong and benefits from blended steel-blue and silver-apricot toning that is most vivid when viewed with the aid of direct lighting. The in hand appearance is smooth and devoid of detracting blemishes, alternating matte-like and curiously bright tendencies explaining the PCGS qualifier. With overall sharp striking detail that includes full definition to most design elements this more affordable, yet still visually appealing AU is worthy of serious bidder consideration.<p>Despite being one of the original denominations authorized by the Mint Act of 1792, the dime (along with the quarter and quarter eagle) was not introduced until four years later. The Draped Bust, Small Eagle design type appears on only two dates in the early dime series -- 1796 and 1797 -- and production was limited across both issues. Struck from seven known die marriages, the first 1796 dimes were delivered on January 18, 1796, the mintage for the issue eventually topping out at a published figure of 22,135 pieces in all (though 1796-dated dies may have remained in use into March of 1797). The JR-4 variety, offered here, is scarcer than the JR-1 and JR-6 die marriages, and it shares its obverse with the rarer JR-3 pairing. JR-4 is distinguished by the letters TY in LIBERTY joined at the top and a leaf tip directly below the right foot of the letter A in STATES on the reverse.
