Draped Bust Dime
Draped Bust Dime - Description
Also referred to as the Small Eagle or Heraldic eagle, the Draped Bust dime, created in 1796, is a highly collectible American dime. It was the first dime ever struck. The obverse side displays Lady Liberty with flowing, ribbon-tied hair. The word "Liberty" is stamped above her head. Between seven and nine stars line Lady Liberty's left side. Six or seven stars line her right side, representing the original thirteen colonies. The mint date is below her. On the reverse, an eagle with its wings spread (often called the "Heraldic Eagle) stands on a cloud framed by a wreath that includes the olive branch. The words "United States of America" circle the edge of the dime.
Draped Bust Dime - History
The Coinage Act in 1792 established regulated coinage for the newly created America. The government decided to develop its first coin mint in Philadelphia later that year.
In 1796 Robert Scot created the iconic Liberty bust design based on a drawing of Philadelphian socialite Ann Willing Bingham. This design was known as the "Bust," and its appearance on American currency continued throughout the 19th century. While the Liberty design was well-received, the eagle design became widely criticized for its "scrawny" appearance. In 1798, Scot released a new design that depicts a simpler version of the United States' Great Seal. The Mint struck the Heraldic Eagle design for the remainder of the dime's mintage.
The Draped Bust dime succeeded the 1792 dimes in 1796, and its production continued until the Capped Bust dime followed it in 1809.
What is the Value of your Draped Bust Dime? View more in our Draped Bust Dime Price Guide.
Draped Bust Dime In Price Guide
Draped Bust Dime - Identification & Value
The Draped Bust dime was not often counterfeited. Its low mintage numbers increase its collectability. However, a proliferation of new counterfeits from China continues to enter the market. Careful inspection of the dimes can prevent collectors from purchasing counterfeits.
On the obverse side of both dime's versions, Lady Liberty's hair is textured, wavy, and tied by a ribbon. Drapery covers her collarbone, and the drapery is fastened by a broach. Lifted hexagram stars and the dentils on the edge of the coin are short and thick, often asymmetrical. The lettering on both is raised. One significant difference between the original version and the modified version is the number of stars.
The 1796 version of the Draped Bust dime's reverse differs from the 1798 version in several ways. The eagle in the latter version wears a shield on its breast. It carries a banner displaying America's motto "E Pluribus Unum" (out of many, one) in its beak. The eagle on the latter version also holds a bundle of arrows in its left talons and olive branches in its right. Six clouds and thirteen to fourteen stars sit atop the 1798 coin's eagle. Both versions' bird of prey has an open beak.
The Draped Bust dime composition is approximately 89% silver and 11% copper with a weight of 2.70 grams. The coin has a reeded edge with a 19mm diameter.
Find the Value of your Draped Bust Dime. WorthPoint is the largest resource online for identifying, researching and valuing antiques. Explore over 425 Million “sold for” prices with item details and images.
Draped Bust Dime - Symbols
There are no mint marks on any of the Draped Bust dimes because the Philadelphia mint was the only American mint in existence at the time. The dime was not produced every year during its mintage period. The mintage numbers were low compared to other coins of the period. The lowest number of dimes minted was in 1804 at 8,265. The highest number of Draped Bust dimes minted was in 1807 at 165,000.
Lack of technology combined with inexperienced craftsmanship at the first American mint meant that the initial series of coins struck in Philadelphia had several errors. Some errors are more collectible than others, and differences in values vary. A low-grade Draped Bust dime without error is worth approximately $10, while an 1805 "four berries" dime can fetch over $60,000 at auction.
Several different striking errors happened in the mint during this period. Many die errors occurred, and most are collectible if the design is in good condition. Notable coins for collectors are the regular 1796, the 1797 with both thirteen and sixteen stars, the 1798 with thirteen stars, the 1804 with both thirteen and fourteen stars, and the 1805 four berries error.
Identify your Draped Bust Dime Symbols.
Further Reading on Draped Bust Dime
In the WorthPoint Library
American Coin by Anonymous.
Catalogue of the Collection of Colonial and State Coins, 1787 New York, Brasher Doubloon, U.S Pioneer Gold Coins, Extremely Fine Cents and Half Cents of Captain A.C. Zabriskie by Andrew Christian Zabriskie and Henry Chapman.
Books and Periodicals
American Journal of Numismatics 1885-1886 by the Boston Numismatic Society.
History of American Coinage by David Kemper Watson.
Web Resources
Counterfeit Detection: 1800 Draped Bust Dime www.ngcoin.com.
Early Dimes (1796-1837) www.ngcoin.com.
The History of U.S Circulating Coins www.usmint.gov.
Related Dictionary Pages: The Seated Liberty Dime, The Mercury Dime, The Barber Dime.