6176

1803 10C AU58 PCGS. JR-4, R.5. The early dimes of

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1803 10C  AU58 PCGS. JR-4, R.5. The early dimes of
<B>1803 10C AU58 PCGS.</B></I> JR-4, R.5. The early dimes of 1803 are not considered rarities when compared to the adjacent years of 1802 and 1804, however, these dimes are extremely difficult to locate, especially in higher grades. The recorded mintage was 33,040 dimes for the year, but a number of these were probably dated 1802. In <I>Early United States Dimes,</B></I> it is noted: "This rare dime date is probably the most unappreciated of the Draped Bust dime series." In 1984, the authors of this reference conjectured that not more than 10 1803 dimes were known in grades of Extremely Fine or higher.<BR> The coinage of 1803-dated dimes was accomplished through the combination of two obverse and four reverse dies. The variety now known as JR-5, which is the only dime variety that was unknown to the authors of Early United States Dimes, was discovered in the early 1990s and remains unique.<BR> These coins were never fully struck, with almost all having weak central obverse details and most having weak central reverse details as well. This is a top quality 1803 dime with typical weakness at the central obverse, but much stronger central reverse details. The surfaces are moderately abraded. Mostly pale gray color is accented by considerable lilac and blue. It is a delightful example. The reverse die is shattered with particular die damage in the upper right quadrant, including a substantial die break in the wing. Lot:6176