fch Type set of US Dimes
1796 Draped Bust Small Eagle
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Coin Details
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
DIMES - DRAPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
10C 1796 JR-2 |
| Full Grade: |
PCGS VF 30 |
| Owner: |
Francis C |
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.