Draped Bust Dime Values
How Much Draped Bust Dimes are Worth: Draped Bust Dime
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 | $5,750 | $7,325 | $10,450 | $15,625 | $30,800 | $47,300 | $68,875 | $132,750 | $192,250 |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 13 Stars | -- | $5,295 | $7,025 | $8,713 | $15,900 | $22,675 | $58,900 | $96,250 | $195,000 | $440,000 | -- |
| 1797 | (None) Phil | 16 stars | -- | $4,950 | $6,250 | $7,575 | $11,475 | $17,975 | $35,100 | $56,400 | $78,250 | $138,250 | $247,500 |
| 1798/7 | (None) Phil | 16 Star Reverse | -- | $1,720 | $2,240 | $2,835 | $4,440 | $5,810 | $10,100 | $18,875 | $55,495 | $58,650 | $121,200 |
| 1798/7 | (None) Phil | 13 Star Reverse | -- | $7,800 | $10,400 | $12,500 | $18,250 | $31,250 | $55,500 | $236,500 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Small 8 | -- | $3,120 | $4,260 | $7,550 | $13,250 | $18,250 | $58,625 | $78,000 | $106,500 | $171,500 | $275,000 |
| 1798 | (None) Phil | Large 8 | -- | $1,840 | $2,835 | $3,680 | $4,605 | $5,338 | $13,550 | $40,375 | $64,750 | $106,250 | $200,000 |
| 1800 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,410 | $2,350 | $3,138 | $4,743 | $9,850 | $18,950 | $39,000 | $65,000 | $153,500 | $208,750 |
| 1801 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,100 | $2,888 | $3,925 | $7,300 | $13,275 | $47,550 | $105,625 | $173,750 | $126,500 | -- |
| 1802 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,903 | $4,093 | $6,013 | $9,400 | $17,000 | $44,000 | $104,500 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1803 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,673 | $2,225 | $3,013 | $5,670 | $8,130 | $71,250 | $155,000 | $249,000 | -- | -- |
| 1804 | (None) Phil | 13 Star Reverse | -- | $8,900 | $14,925 | $19,625 | $36,375 | $67,750 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | 4 Berries | -- | $1,134 | $1,535 | $2,168 | $3,578 | $4,700 | $7,275 | $9,650 | $19,275 | $57,995 | $70,800 |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | 14 Star Reverse | -- | $13,550 | $19,500 | $26,000 | $47,300 | $86,250 | $357,500 | $440,000 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1805 | (None) Phil | 5 Berries | -- | $1,185 | $1,667 | $2,471 | $3,846 | $5,640 | $8,630 | $16,600 | $41,500 | -- | -- |
| 1807 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,134 | $1,535 | $2,168 | $3,578 | $4,700 | $7,275 | $9,650 | $19,275 | $46,825 | $70,800 |
| 1811/09 | (None) Phil | SRS:R3 | -- | $465 | $963 | $1,378 | $1,950 | $2,600 | $4,150 | $8,825 | $12,313 | $30,700 | $60,000 |
| 1814 | (None) Phil | Small Date | -- | $184 | $269 | $415 | $830 | $1,232 | $2,422 | $4,038 | $6,088 | $19,100 | $70,000 |
| 1814 | (None) Phil | Large Date | -- | $165 | $212 | $335 | $631 | $839 | $1,605 | $2,545 | $4,000 | $13,540 | $27,825 |
| 1814 | (None) Phil | STATESOF | -- | $625 | $990 | $1,225 | $1,950 | $3,675 | $12,350 | $19,500 | $25,450 | $33,000 | -- |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | STATESOF | -- | $310 | $467 | $598 | $1,300 | $2,240 | $5,950 | $10,150 | $13,550 | $21,300 | $67,250 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Large O | -- | $128 | $182 | $300 | $569 | $940 | $2,365 | $3,788 | $5,475 | $20,300 | $31,950 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Small O | -- | $128 | $182 | $273 | $627 | $940 | $2,115 | $2,930 | $4,990 | $18,050 | $29,750 |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | Large Date | -- | $115 | $182 | $273 | $569 | $817 | $1,590 | $2,545 | $4,000 | $15,850 | $59,750 |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | Small Date | -- | $128 | $182 | $273 | $581 | $988 | $2,710 | $4,840 | $6,750 | $19,100 | $45,495 |
| 1822 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $2,945 | $5,310 | $7,660 | $10,870 | $13,050 | $21,850 | $30,700 | $39,000 | $90,500 | $117,000 |
| 1823/2 | (None) Phil | Large Es | -- | $200 | $260 | $362 | $678 | $863 | $2,450 | $4,425 | $8,380 | $20,750 | $41,800 |
| 1823/2 | (None) Phil | Small Es | -- | $169 | $260 | $435 | $755 | $1,024 | $1,840 | $3,650 | $6,025 | $21,300 | $33,000 |
| 1824/2 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $173 | $335 | $567 | $1,049 | $1,265 | $2,270 | $3,433 | $4,583 | $24,650 | $51,250 |
| 1825 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $128 | $182 | $273 | $569 | $789 | $1,535 | $2,655 | $4,220 | $16,400 | $32,500 |
| 1827 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $128 | $182 | $273 | $569 | $789 | $1,480 | $2,545 | $4,000 | $18,995 | $27,825 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Large Date | -- | $216 | $332 | $578 | $1,355 | $2,240 | $5,810 | $14,250 | $28,500 | $60,000 | $85,000 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Small Date | -- | $123 | $170 | $248 | $560 | $938 | $1,808 | $3,400 | $5,725 | $24,995 | $35,000 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Small 10C | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $317 | $508 | $1,010 | $2,075 | $3,570 | $7,810 | $12,875 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Medium 10C | -- | $73 | $103 | $155 | $390 | $598 | $1,688 | $2,863 | $4,230 | $7,800 | $14,250 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Large 10C | -- | $86 | $141 | $212 | $483 | $794 | $1,535 | $3,525 | $6,000 | $10,650 | $25,000 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Extra Large 10C | -- | $118 | $173 | $238 | $675 | $940 | $2,158 | $4,175 | $7,300 | $11,750 | $26,950 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Curl Base 2 | -- | $8,850 | $13,450 | $17,600 | $24,750 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1830/29 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $83 | $117 | $182 | $415 | $725 | $1,688 | $3,715 | $6,750 | $14,850 | $49,995 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | Medium 10C | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $317 | $508 | $1,010 | $2,075 | $4,220 | $15,125 | $20,750 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | Small 10C | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $317 | $519 | $1,550 | $2,545 | $3,500 | $17,700 | $31,250 |
| 1831 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $317 | $508 | $1,010 | $2,075 | $3,070 | $6,060 | $11,625 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $317 | $508 | $1,030 | $2,075 | $3,070 | $6,060 | $31,250 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $317 | $508 | $1,010 | $2,075 | $3,070 | $6,060 | $11,625 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | Last 3 High | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $317 | $508 | $1,024 | $2,185 | $3,180 | $7,050 | $15,350 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Small 4 | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $317 | $508 | $1,010 | $2,075 | $3,070 | $6,060 | $11,625 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Large 4 | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $317 | $508 | $1,010 | $2,075 | $3,070 | $6,060 | $11,625 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $67 | $95 | $145 | $317 | $508 | $1,010 | $2,075 | $3,070 | $6,775 | $17,000 |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $317 | $508 | $1,010 | $2,075 | $3,070 | $6,060 | $11,625 |
| 1837 | (None) Phil | Capped Bust | -- | $67 | $95 | $130 | $317 | $508 | $1,010 | $2,075 | $3,345 | $13,000 | $19,650 |
Description and History
Overview
The Draped Bust Dime is an important early
American coin minted from 1796 to 1807. Designed by Robert Scot, it
features a classic depiction of Liberty with flowing hair and a draped bust
on the obverse and, depending on the year, two distinct reverse designs. As
one of the earliest dimes in U.S. history, the Draped Bust Dime is
highly prized among collectors for its scarcity, historical significance,
and artistic appeal.
History of the Draped Bust Dime
First introduced in 1796, the Draped Bust Dime
was among the earliest U.S. silver coinage, created during the Mint’s
formative years. The coin was designed by Robert Scot, the first Chief
Engraver of the U.S. Mint, and features Liberty with draped clothing and
flowing hair, inspired by a portrait of socialite Ann Willing Bingham.
The series is notable for its two distinct reverse
designs:
- Small
Eagle Reverse (1796-1797) – Featuring a delicate eagle surrounded
by a wreath, this design was short-lived due to its light and
unimposing appearance. - 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.
The Draped Bust Dime production was sporadic, with no
coins struck in 1799 or 1806. The series was eventually replaced by the Capped
Bust Dime in 1809.
Collecting Draped Bust Dime Coins
Collectors seek Draped Bust Dimes due to their historical
importance, early American minting techniques, and rarity. These coins are tough
to find in high grades, as many were heavily circulated.
Some of the most desirable issues in the series include:
- 1796
Small Eagle – The first-year issue and a key rarity. - 1797
Small Eagle – Scarce, with a low mintage. - 1798
Heraldic Eagle – The first year featuring the new reverse design. - 1802
– One of the rarest dates, with an extremely low mintage. - 1804
– Another low-mintage year, making it highly sought after.
Additionally, collectors look for varieties such as
overdates, repunched numerals, and differences in star arrangements, which
add intrigue to the series.
Tips for Collectors
- Where
to Find Them: Draped Bust Dimes are typically found at high-end
coin auctions, primary coin dealers, and estate collections. - Key
Details to Watch For: Seek strong strikes, visible details in
Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, and minimal surface damage. - Proper
Storage: Store Draped Bust Dimes in certified coin holders
or climate-controlled safes to protect their value and prevent
oxidation.
Most Valuable Coin
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 can command six-figure prices
at auction. High-grade examples of the 1796 Small Eagle Reverse can also
fetch impressive premiums.
Investment Potential
The Draped Bust Dime is a cornerstone of early
American numismatics, making it a strong investment choice. With its historical
significance and rarity, these coins tend to hold and increase their value
over time. Key
dates such as 1796, 1802, and 1804 are particularly desirable, and
high-grade certified examples often see competitive demand at auction.
Key Dates and Varieties
Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates
and varieties:
- 1796
Small Eagle – The first-year issue, highly collectible. - 1797
Small Eagle – Scarce with variations in the number of stars. - 1798
Heraldic Eagle – The introduction of the new reverse design. - 1802
– One of the rarest Draped Bust Dimes, with an extremely low mintage. - 1804
– A key date due to its scarcity.
Notable Errors
- Overdates
– Some Draped Bust Dimes feature overpunched dates (e.g., 1798/7). - Repunched
Stars and Numerals – Some issues display misaligned or repunched
elements. - Weak
Strikes – Many examples have weak details due to early minting methods,
making well-struck specimens more valuable.
Design Features
The Draped Bust Dime, designed by Robert Scot,
features a classic portrayal of Liberty on the obverse, with flowing hair
and draped clothing. The reverse saw two distinct designs:
- Small
Eagle Reverse (1796-1797): A small eagle surrounded by a laurel
wreath, symbolizing peace. - Heraldic
Eagle Reverse (1798-1807): A mighty eagle clutching arrows and an
olive branch, with a shield on its chest, mirroring the Great Seal of
the United States.
Conclusion
The Draped Bust Dime is a treasured piece of early
American coinage, offering collectors and investors a glimpse into the nation’s
numismatic origins. With its historical significance, scarce key dates, and
strong market demand, this series remains an excellent addition to any
advanced collection.
