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1796 10C MS65 PCGS. JR-1, R.3. Half dimes were struck

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1796 10C MS65 PCGS. JR-1, R.3. Half dimes were struck
<B>1796<10C> MS65 PCGS.</B></I> JR-1, R.3. Half dimes were struck in 1794 and 1795 (and arguably, in 1792 as well) but the dime denomination was not produced until 1796. By this time, the Draped Bust motif had replaced the Flowing Hair design on silver coins, although the Small Eagle was retained for an additional two years, 1796 and 1797. Thus, this introductory dime type was struck for just two years. Mint reports state that 22,135 pieces were delivered in 1796, and 25,261 pieces in 1797, for a total mintage of less than 50,000 pieces for the designs. Much of the production was eventually melted or lost, and many of the remaining examples spent years in circulation. Both NGC and PCGS have certified 1796 dimes in grades as low as Fair 2. Several dozen Mint State pieces have also been certified, although this population is undoubtedly inflated by resubmissions over the past two decades. A few faint adjustment marks are present on the lower central reverse, but other areas are smooth and sharply impressed. Identifying marks are absent, and future pedigree researchers will instead look for a thin gray planchet streak through a portion of the E in LIBERTY. From an advanced state of the dies: a cud encompasses two points of star 1, and the reverse has at least six slender die cracks, most of which converge near the eagle's right (facing) wing. The date is clashed onto the upper reverse, and a ghost of a wreath ribbon is present beneath LIBERTY. An unabraded Gem of enormous significance to the advanced early silver type collector. Encapsulated in a green label PCGS holder. Population: 2 in 65, 7 finer (6/06).