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EARLY DIMES
Early Dimes (1796-1837)
Designs of early dimes closely follow those of half dimes, except that the first dimes were not minted
until the Draped Bust obverse, Small Eagle reverse style of 1796 and 1797 (there are no Flowing Hair
dimes, equivalent to 1794-95 half dimes). In 1798, the Draped Bust obverse was combined with the
Heraldic Eagle reverse, a style continued through 1807.
Among early dimes are several interesting varieties. 1797 pieces are found with 13 stars or 16 stars
on the obverse. 1798 varieties are found with 13 star or 16 stars on the reverse. One variety of 1804,
the 14-star reverse, was struck from the identical reverse die used in the same year to made gold
quarter eagles.
As the years went on, designs were changed and modified. After 1807, the next dime mintage was
dated 1809, when the Capped Bust motif, by John Reich, made its appearance. Modified in 1828, this
design was continued through 1837.
until the Draped Bust obverse, Small Eagle reverse style of 1796 and 1797 (there are no Flowing Hair
dimes, equivalent to 1794-95 half dimes). In 1798, the Draped Bust obverse was combined with the
Heraldic Eagle reverse, a style continued through 1807.
Among early dimes are several interesting varieties. 1797 pieces are found with 13 stars or 16 stars
on the obverse. 1798 varieties are found with 13 star or 16 stars on the reverse. One variety of 1804,
the 14-star reverse, was struck from the identical reverse die used in the same year to made gold
quarter eagles.
As the years went on, designs were changed and modified. After 1807, the next dime mintage was
dated 1809, when the Capped Bust motif, by John Reich, made its appearance. Modified in 1828, this
design was continued through 1837.
Reference Works
The dime series has attracted relatively few scholars until recent decades. Today, several excellent works exist:
Ahwash, Kamal M. Encyclopedia of United States Liberty Seated Dimes 1837-1891. Kamal Press, 1977.
Breen, Walter H. Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Co New York: Doubleday, 1988.
Davis, David, et al. Early United States Dimes 1796-1837. Ypsilanti, Michigan, 1984.
Green, Brian. The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Dimes. Virginia Beach, VA: DLRC Press, 1992.
Kosoff, A. United States Dimes From 1796. New York: Numismatic Gallery, 1945.
Lawrence, David. The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes. Virginia Beach, VA: DLRC Press, 1991.
The dime series has attracted relatively few scholars until recent decades. Today, several excellent works exist:
Ahwash, Kamal M. Encyclopedia of United States Liberty Seated Dimes 1837-1891. Kamal Press, 1977.
Breen, Walter H. Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Co New York: Doubleday, 1988.
Davis, David, et al. Early United States Dimes 1796-1837. Ypsilanti, Michigan, 1984.
Green, Brian. The Complete Guide to Liberty Seated Dimes. Virginia Beach, VA: DLRC Press, 1992.
Kosoff, A. United States Dimes From 1796. New York: Numismatic Gallery, 1945.
Lawrence, David. The Complete Guide to Barber Dimes. Virginia Beach, VA: DLRC Press, 1991.