1798 Small 8 Draped Bust Dime

About the Draped Bust Dime

The Draped Bust Dime, a silver coin produced by the United States Mint from 1796 to 1807, is a highly sought-after choice for coin collectors. This dime features the iconic portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse side of the coin, wearing flowing drapery and a vibrant band of ribbon atop a coronet. She is encircled by the inscription LIBERTY, and the date is included in the lower right-hand corner.

On the reverse side of the coin is an idealized eagle, inspired by Robert Scot’s extensive experience as a portrait engraver. Its feathers are smooth lines, each individually incised along its edges while the wingtips are branched at their ends. The eagle is surrounded by thirteen five pointed stars, two of which are partially hidden. Above the eagle’s head is a bar inscribed with the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

The design of the Draped Bust Dime is indicative of the period when it was minted—18th Century neoclassical coinage. This style was created as a reminder of the coins of Ancient Greece and Rome, and popularized by artists such as John Flaxman and Antonio Canova.

Measuring approximately 17.9 mm in diameter and weighing 2.7 grams, the Draped Bust Dime was struck in .8924 silver. It was produced in four distinct die varieties, each of which varies in the placement of the date, stars and the drapery. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the differences between the various varieties are often so slight that only a trained numismatist can tell them apart.

The most valuable varieties of the Draped Bust Dime are the 1796 Small Eagle and 1798/97 Overdate. Both varieties are valued at thousands of dollars each, depending on the condition of the coin. In addition to these, the rarer 1797 Reverse of 1796, 1798 Die State I and 1799 Die State III are highly sought after pieces.

Overall, the Draped Bust Dime is a perfect example of the early history of American coinage. Its neoclassical style, unique design elements and rarity makes it a highly valuable and sought after coin, perfect for any numismatist’s collection.

The 1798 Small 8 Draped Bust Dime coin, struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint, and engraved by Robert Scot. Made of silver (.8924) (.1076 copper), weighing 2.7 grams, with a diameter of 19 mm, and featuring a reeded edge.

The obverse is bust to right above date, 13 stars around. It reads “LIBERTY 1801”. The reverse is heraldic eagle. It reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA E PLURIBUS UNUM”.