| Slot: |
Liberty Seated - Legend on Obverse |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
DIMES - SEATED LIBERTY |
| Item Description: |
10C 1889 DDR FS-801 |
| Grade: |
NGC MS 62 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
United States of America moved to the Obverse left room for a more interesting wreath (sometimes called the "Newlin's Wreath of Cereals" - maybe General Mills was already making oat meal, corn flakes, and mini wheat) .
The double-dye reverse and toning does give this type coin additional character.
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| Slot: |
Barber |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
DIMES - BARBER LIBERTY HEAD |
| Item Description: |
10C 1906 D |
| Grade: |
NGC AU 58 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
Barber is named for its designer - the chief engraver at the mint at the time. It was a 25 year issue, following the Seated Liberty. It was based on the head of the Morgan Dollar with a different cap and the hair shorter. I think the Barber looks more like a Roman than a depiction of Liberty. I like this one for its toning.
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| Slot: |
Mercury |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
DIMES - MERCURY |
| Item Description: |
10C 1943 S |
| Grade: |
NGC MS 67 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
Mercury is also Liberty, but the dime quickly drew the name Mercury with the winged cap. It was designed by sculptor Adolph Weinman. The reverse includes a battle axe and a olive branch (contrasts). It was minted from 1916-1945. The 1916-D is the key date of the series as Denver was busy striking quarters at the time.
I spent a long time finding an acceptable Mercury dime for this set - I was more interested in the toning and appearance than anything else for the type set.
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| Slot: |
Roosevelt |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
DIMES - ROOSEVELT |
| Item Description: |
10C 1946 S |
| Grade: |
NGC MS 66 FT |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
Roosevelt is the only dime minted in the U.S. based on an actual person (all others being Liberty). Roosevelt was selected for this dime upon his death, largely based on his efforts to create the March of Dimes. Minted in 1946 to current, it is the longest lasting type dime. The mint stopped using silver in 1965 (coinage act provision). While there have been some proposals to switch to a dime with the image of Ronald Reagan, these have not materialized.
I concentrated on getting the best toned coins I could find for the more modern (affordable / available) type coins in my set. This one has a great rainbow effect.
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| Slot: |
1796 Draped Bust Small Eagle |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
DIMES - DRAPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
10C 1796 JR-2 |
| Grade: |
PCGS VF 30 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
The 1796 dime is the first of its denomination minted for circulation by the US mint. It was the only dime with 15 stars on the obverse, representing the original 13 states plus Vermont and Kentucky. The first dime for the US was minted in Philadelphia for two years (1796 and 1797). It is the small eagle type, where the reverse depicts an eagle perched on some clouds or rocks. The small eagles are not that small but are not as substantial as the second variety known as the Heraldic Eagle. Together, the small eagle dimes are more elusive than heraldic eagle dimes as a group.
I like the draped bust design as my favorite representation of liberty. It is believed to be based on a sketch of Anne Willing Bingham who was a Philadelphian and perhaps the prettiest lady of her time in U.S. There are at least seven varieties of 1796 dimes and mine is a JR-2 which is an R4 rarity - very scarce. All early dime varieties (JR) are named for John Reich, assistant engraver and coin designer. Robert Scot was the designer.
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