1798/7 10C JR-1 MS(PCGS#38750)

October 2018 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

377

Grade

AU53

Price

4,800

Lot Description

1798/7 Draped Bust Dime. JR-1. Rarity-3. 16-Star Reverse. AU-53 (PCGS). Uncommonly well defined for a circulated Draped Bust dime, this impressive AU also possesses handsome toning in a blend of pewter, dove gray and, to a lesser extent, copper-russet. Smooth in hand with a pleasant appearance, there is much to recommend this conditionally scarce coin to the advanced type collector. On June 1, 1796, Tennessee was admitted to the Union, becoming the nation's 16th state. While the Mint tried to accommodate the additional star, the attempts were cumbersome. Such was the case of the Heraldic Eagle reverse die used for the 1797 quarter eagle where the 16 tiny stars were crammed into the space surrounding the eagle's head. Mint Director Elias Boudinot quickly abandoned the idea in 1797 and dies prepared afterward show only 13 stars. Die steel was at a premium in the early days of the Mint and Engraver Robert Scot repurposed this same die for the 1798 dime variety now known as JR-1. The obverse is of equal interest courtesy of the conspicuous overdate. An unusually small 8 punch was used in an attempt to cover the 7, but the size differential between the two numerals is so dramatic that the 7 is barely concealed at all. Fortunately for numismatists, JR-1 is also one of the most available of the four known die marriages of the 1798-dated Draped Bust dime, second only to the JR-4 Large 8 variety. The present example offers superior quality and strong eye appeal that are sure to catch the eye of discerning bidders. PCGS# 4468. NGC ID: 236F. Click here for certification details from PCGS.