Draped Bust Dime Values
How Much Draped Bust Dimes are Worth: Draped Bust Dime Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $4,700.00 | $5,750.00 | $7,325.00 | $10,450.00 | $15,625.00 | $30,800.00 | $47,300.00 | $68,875.00 | $132,750.00 | $187,250.00 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 16 stars | -- | $4,950.00 | $6,250.00 | $7,575.00 | $11,475.00 | $17,865.00 | $35,100.00 | $56,400.00 | $78,250.00 | $138,250.00 | $247,500.00 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 13 Stars | -- | $5,420.00 | $7,300.00 | $9,125.00 | $15,900.00 | $22,675.00 | $58,900.00 | $96,250.00 | $195,000.00 | $440,000.00 | -- |
| 1798/7 | (None) Phil | 16 Star Reverse | -- | $2,463.00 | $3,038.00 | $3,688.00 | $5,513.00 | $7,488.00 | $11,750.00 | $18,875.00 | $55,495.00 | $58,650.00 | $121,200.00 |
| 1798/7 | (None) Phil | 13 Star Reverse | -- | $8,350.00 | $11,225.00 | $14,150.00 | $22,375.00 | $32,625.00 | $57,150.00 | $236,500.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Small 8 | -- | $3,725.00 | $5,195.00 | $7,605.00 | $14,075.00 | $19,075.00 | $58,625.00 | $78,000.00 | $106,500.00 | $171,500.00 | $275,000.00 |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Large 8 | -- | $2,143.00 | $2,945.00 | $4,038.00 | $5,100.00 | $5,943.00 | $13,550.00 | $40,375.00 | $64,750.00 | $106,250.00 | $200,000.00 |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,410.00 | $2,350.00 | $3,138.00 | $4,825.00 | $9,850.00 | $18,950.00 | $39,000.00 | $65,000.00 | $153,500.00 | $208,750.00 |
| 1801 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,100.00 | $2,888.00 | $3,925.00 | $7,575.00 | $13,275.00 | $47,550.00 | $105,625.00 | $173,750.00 | $126,500.00 | -- |
| 1802 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,903.00 | $4,093.00 | $6,013.00 | $9,950.00 | $17,000.00 | $44,000.00 | $104,500.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,673.00 | $2,225.00 | $3,013.00 | $5,725.00 | $8,350.00 | $71,250.00 | $155,000.00 | $249,000.00 | -- | -- |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | 13 Star Reverse | -- | $8,900.00 | $14,925.00 | $19,625.00 | $36,375.00 | $67,750.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | 14 Star Reverse | -- | $13,550.00 | $19,500.00 | $26,000.00 | $47,300.00 | $86,250.00 | $357,500.00 | $440,000.00 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | 5 Berries | -- | $1,185.00 | $1,667.00 | $2,471.00 | $3,846.00 | $5,750.00 | $9,510.00 | $18,250.00 | $42,600.00 | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | 4 Berries | -- | $1,134.00 | $1,535.00 | $2,218.00 | $3,578.00 | $4,700.00 | $7,275.00 | $9,650.00 | $18,525.00 | $46,825.00 | $67,050.00 |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,134.00 | $1,535.00 | $2,218.00 | $3,578.00 | $4,700.00 | $7,275.00 | $9,650.00 | $18,525.00 | $46,825.00 | $67,050.00 |
| 1811/09 | (None) Phil | SRS:R3 | -- | $465 | $938 | $1,378.00 | $1,950.00 | $2,600.00 | $4,150.00 | $8,825.00 | $12,313.00 | $30,700.00 | $60,000.00 |
| 1814 | (None) Phil | Small Date | -- | $184 | $269 | $415 | $830 | $1,232.00 | $2,422.00 | $3,913.00 | $6,088.00 | $19,100.00 | $70,000.00 |
| 1814 | (None) Phil | Large Date | -- | $165 | $212 | $346 | $664 | $880 | $1,660.00 | $2,525.00 | $3,930.00 | $12,790.00 | $23,180.00 |
| 1814 | (None) Phil | STATESOF | -- | $625 | $990 | $1,225.00 | $1,950.00 | $3,675.00 | $12,350.00 | $19,500.00 | $25,450.00 | $33,000.00 | -- |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | STATESOF | -- | $310 | $467 | $598 | $1,300.00 | $2,240.00 | $5,950.00 | $10,150.00 | $13,550.00 | $21,300.00 | $67,250.00 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Large O | -- | $128 | $182 | $284 | $602 | $940 | $2,365.00 | $3,788.00 | $5,475.00 | $20,300.00 | $29,450.00 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Small O | -- | $128 | $182 | $284 | $616 | $885 | $1,950.00 | $2,745.00 | $4,370.00 | $13,340.00 | $23,180.00 |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | Large Date | -- | $115 | $182 | $284 | $602 | $858 | $1,618.00 | $2,525.00 | $3,930.00 | $15,100.00 | $59,750.00 |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | Small Date | -- | $128 | $182 | $284 | $615 | $988 | $2,710.00 | $4,840.00 | $6,750.00 | $19,100.00 | $45,495.00 |
| 1822 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,945.00 | $5,310.00 | $7,660.00 | $10,870.00 | $13,050.00 | $21,850.00 | $30,700.00 | $39,000.00 | $90,500.00 | $112,000.00 |
| 1823/2 | (None) Phil | Small Es | -- | $169 | $260 | $435 | $755 | $1,024.00 | $1,840.00 | $3,650.00 | $6,025.00 | $21,300.00 | $33,000.00 |
| 1823/2 | (None) Phil | Large Es | -- | $183 | $260 | $362 | $678 | $863 | $2,450.00 | $4,425.00 | $8,380.00 | $20,750.00 | $41,800.00 |
| 1824/2 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $173 | $335 | $555 | $1,049.00 | $1,265.00 | $2,270.00 | $3,433.00 | $4,388.00 | $24,650.00 | $51,250.00 |
| 1825 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $128 | $182 | $284 | $602 | $830 | $1,673.00 | $2,608.00 | $4,150.00 | $15,650.00 | $30,000.00 |
| 1827 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $128 | $182 | $284 | $602 | $830 | $1,535.00 | $2,525.00 | $3,930.00 | $18,995.00 | $23,730.00 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Large Date | -- | $216 | $332 | $578 | $1,355.00 | $2,240.00 | $5,810.00 | $14,250.00 | $28,500.00 | $60,000.00 | $85,000.00 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Small Date | -- | $123 | $170 | $248 | $560 | $938 | $1,808.00 | $3,400.00 | $5,725.00 | $24,995.00 | $35,000.00 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Small 10C | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $287 | $470 | $1,010.00 | $2,025.00 | $3,570.00 | $7,810.00 | $12,875.00 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Medium 10C | -- | $73 | $103 | $155 | $390 | $598 | $1,688.00 | $2,863.00 | $4,230.00 | $7,800.00 | $14,250.00 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Large 10C | -- | $86 | $141 | $212 | $483 | $794 | $1,535.00 | $3,525.00 | $6,000.00 | $10,650.00 | $25,000.00 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Extra Large 10C | -- | $118 | $173 | $238 | $675 | $940 | $2,158.00 | $4,175.00 | $7,300.00 | $11,750.00 | $26,950.00 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Curl Base 2 | -- | $8,850.00 | $13,450.00 | $17,600.00 | $24,750.00 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | Medium 10C | -- | $60 | $95 | $130 | $287 | $470 | $1,010.00 | $2,025.00 | $4,220.00 | $15,125.00 | $20,750.00 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | Small 10C | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $287 | $481 | $1,350.00 | $2,545.00 | $3,500.00 | $17,700.00 | $31,250.00 |
| 1830/29 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $83 | $117 | $182 | $415 | $725 | $1,688.00 | $3,715.00 | $6,750.00 | $14,350.00 | $44,495.00 |
| 1831 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $60 | $95 | $130 | $287 | $470 | $1,010.00 | $2,025.00 | $3,070.00 | $6,060.00 | $11,625.00 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $287 | $470 | $1,030.00 | $2,025.00 | $3,070.00 | $6,060.00 | $31,250.00 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $287 | $569 | $1,010.00 | $2,159.00 | $3,070.00 | $6,060.00 | $11,625.00 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | Last 3 High | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $287 | $470 | $1,024.00 | $2,135.00 | $3,180.00 | $7,050.00 | $15,350.00 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Small 4 | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $287 | $470 | $1,010.00 | $2,025.00 | $3,070.00 | $6,060.00 | $11,625.00 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Large 4 | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $287 | $470 | $1,010.00 | $2,025.00 | $3,070.00 | $6,060.00 | $11,625.00 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $287 | $470 | $1,010.00 | $2,025.00 | $3,070.00 | $6,775.00 | $14,250.00 |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $287 | $470 | $1,010.00 | $2,025.00 | $3,070.00 | $6,060.00 | $11,625.00 |
| 1837 | (None) Phil | Capped Bust | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $287 | $470 | $1,010.00 | $2,025.00 | $3,345.00 | $13,000.00 | $21,300.00 |
History of the Draped Bust Dime
The Draped Bust Dime is an early American coin minted from 1796 to 1807. Its design originates with artist Gilbert Stuart; Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, adapted Stuart’s sketch for coinage.
The dime features two distinct obverse designs believed to be inspired by a portrait of socialite Ann Willing Bingham. There are two reverse designs of an eagle.
- Small Eagle Reverse (1796-1797): Featuring a delicate eagle surrounded
by a wreath. The design was short-lived because many felt it lacked visual impact.
- Heraldic Eagle Reverse (1798-1807): Inspired by the Great Seal of the United
States, this redesign features a more robust eagle with a shield,
clutching arrows, and an olive branch.
Draped Bust Dime production was irregular, with no dimes bearing the dates 1799 or 1806. However, it’s believed that some coinage activity continued during those years using dies from previous issues, meaning the absence of those dates reflects die usage practices rather than a complete halt in production. The series was eventually replaced by the Capped Bust Dime in 1809.
Rarest Coins in the Series
One of the most valuable coins in this series is the 1802 Draped Bust Dime, which is considered an extreme rarity due to its very low mintage. Well-preserved specimens have realized six-figure prices at auction. High-grade 1796 Small Eagle pieces also bring strong premiums.
Types of Collections
- Type Set Collection: This collection focuses on acquiring one Draped Bust Dime to represent the type in a broader set of early American coins. It’s the simplest approach and is popular with those seeking to illustrate each main evolution of U.S. coin design.
- Reverse Subtype Set: This strategy involves acquiring one coin with the Small Eagle reverse (1796–1797) and one with the Heraldic Eagle reverse (1798–1807). Collectors use this approach to showcase the two distinct reverse motifs and the artistic transition in early dimes. It is an attainable but engaging target for intermediate collectors.
- Complete Date Set: Here, collectors seek one Draped Bust Dime from every year they were struck, 1796 to 1807, except for years without production (1799 and 1806). Building this set demonstrates changes over the series and usually means collecting both reverse types. Some dates are rare, so the full set is challenging even in lower grades.
- Date and Major Variety Set: This set expands upon the date set to include coins from annual varieties, such as different star counts (15, 16, or 13) and overdates (such as 1798/7). Collectors pursuing this theme are interested in exploring the small but significant differences that mark early Mint practices. The resulting collection captures more of the series’ complexity.
- Major Errors and Notable Examples: This collection focuses on striking mint mistakes and coins with unusual features, such as off-center strikes or dramatic die breaks. Collectors interested in these coins find each example uniquely appealing, adding a dimension of minting history and unpredictability to the collection. Such pieces often carry extra intrigue and story value.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
Beginners can study Draped Bust Dimes, but the series is challenging to collect because of its rarity and cost. Those who choose to start should look for clear details in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers and rely on reputable dealers or auctions. Certified holders help protect surfaces.
Advanced Collecting
This series generally suits advanced collectors, as surviving examples from 1796 to 1807 are scarce and expensive. Worn pieces command solid prices, and specific dates can exceed $10,000. Finding high-quality examples requires expertise, patience, and a substantial budget.
Investment Potential
Because of its historical importance and scarcity, the Draped Bust Dime is often viewed as a sound long-term hold by many collectors. With its historical significance and rarity, these coins tend to hold and increase their value over time. Dates such as 1796, 1802, and 1804 are particularly desirable, and high-grade certified examples often see competitive demand at auction.