The Draped Bust Dime, first introduced in 1796, represents one of the earliest and most elegant designs in American coinage. These rare dimes, minted between 1796 and 1807, hold immense historical significance and are highly sought after by collectors. Many of these coins have fetched staggering prices at auctions due to their rarity, limited mintage, and exceptional designs. In this article, we will unveil the rarest and most valuable Draped Bust Dimes that continue to captivate numismatists.
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1796 Draped Bust Dime
Mint: Philadelphia
Estimated Value: $50,000–$300,000+
Unique Feature: First-ever U.S. dime; low mintage of just 22,135
The 1796 Draped Bust Dime is the very first dime ever minted by the United States. Featuring a Small Eagle reverse design, this coin had a limited production run, making it one of the rarest early American dimes. Finding one in excellent condition is nearly impossible, which is why it commands such high value among collectors.
Also Read: The 9 Most Valuable Half Dollars Revealed
1797 Draped Bust Dime
Mint: Philadelphia
Estimated Value: $30,000–$250,000+
Unique Feature: Two distinct varieties—one with 13 stars and another with 16 stars on the obverse
The 1797 Draped Bust Dime was struck with two different obverse designs—one featuring 13 stars (representing the original 13 colonies) and another with 16 stars (reflecting the admission of new states). This inconsistency makes both varieties highly collectible, with the 16-star version being the rarer of the two.
1798 Draped Bust Dime
Mint: Philadelphia
Estimated Value: $20,000–$200,000+
Unique Feature: Two numeral styles for the “8” in the date
The 1798 Draped Bust Dime is distinguished by two major varieties: the Small 8 and Large 8 in the date. These minor differences in the numeral style create variations in demand, with the Small 8 version being particularly scarce. Collectors prize these dimes due to their historical relevance and limited survival rate.
1800 Draped Bust Dime
Mint: Philadelphia
Estimated Value: $15,000–$175,000+
Unique Feature: Extremely low mintage of only 21,760
The 1800 Draped Bust Dime is one of the rarest dimes from the early 19th century, mainly due to its small mintage. Surviving examples are few, and finding one in fine condition is exceptionally rare. Because of this, it remains a key piece in any high-value early dime collection.
1801 Draped Bust Dime
Mint: Philadelphia
Estimated Value: $10,000–$150,000+
Unique Feature: One of the lowest survival rates among early dimes
With just 34,640 pieces minted, the 1801 Draped Bust Dime is another elusive treasure. Many of these coins were lost over time, and those that remain tend to be heavily worn. Finding a well-preserved example can yield a substantial return for collectors.
1802 Draped Bust Dime
Mint: Philadelphia
Estimated Value: $50,000–$250,000+
Unique Feature: One of the rarest early U.S. dimes with a mintage of only 10,975
The 1802 Draped Bust Dime is widely regarded as one of the rarest dimes in American history. Its low mintage of just 10,975 pieces makes it an exceptional find. These coins are seldom seen on the market, and when they do appear, they command incredibly high prices.
1803 Draped Bust Dime
Mint: Philadelphia
Estimated Value: $15,000–$180,000+
Unique Feature: Features a well-defined Draped Bust Liberty design
The 1803 Draped Bust Dime, with a mintage of approximately 33,040, remains a key collectible. This dime showcases one of the finest examples of early American coin design and is highly sought after, particularly in higher grades.
1805 Draped Bust Dime
Mint: Philadelphia
Estimated Value: $10,000–$120,000+
Unique Feature: Last dime issued before the Draped Bust design modification
Also Read: The 10 Most Valuable U.S. Dime Coins with Timeless Worth
The 1805 Draped Bust Dime was minted in relatively small quantities, making it a rare and valuable piece today. This coin marks one of the final issues before modifications were made to U.S. coinage designs. It remains an essential acquisition for early American coin collectors.
1807 Draped Bust Dime
Mint: Philadelphia
Estimated Value: $8,000–$100,000+
Unique Feature: Last year of the Draped Bust series before the Capped Bust design replaced it
The 1807 Draped Bust Dime represents the final year of this classic design before being replaced by the Capped Bust series in 1809. Because it marks the end of an era, this dime is a popular choice among numismatists who appreciate transitional coinage.
Table – Rarest High-Value Draped Bust Dimes
| Coin Name | Mint | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 Draped Bust Dime | Philadelphia | $50,000–$300,000+ | First-ever U.S. dime, Small Eagle reverse |
| 1797 Draped Bust Dime | Philadelphia | $30,000–$250,000+ | 13 Stars & 16 Stars varieties |
| 1798 Draped Bust Dime | Philadelphia | $20,000–$200,000+ | Small 8 & Large 8 varieties |
| 1800 Draped Bust Dime | Philadelphia | $15,000–$175,000+ | Extremely low mintage (21,760) |
| 1801 Draped Bust Dime | Philadelphia | $10,000–$150,000+ | One of the lowest survival rates |
| 1802 Draped Bust Dime | Philadelphia | $50,000–$250,000+ | One of the rarest U.S. dimes, only 10,975 minted |
| 1803 Draped Bust Dime | Philadelphia | $15,000–$180,000+ | Well-defined Draped Bust Liberty design |
| 1805 Draped Bust Dime | Philadelphia | $10,000–$120,000+ | Final issue before design modifications |
| 1807 Draped Bust Dime | Philadelphia | $8,000–$100,000+ | Last year of the Draped Bust series |
Conclusion
The Draped Bust Dime series offers some of the most historically significant and rarest coins in U.S. numismatics. With values ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, these dimes are truly treasured finds. Whether you’re an experienced collector or an aspiring numismatist, adding one of these high-value dimes to your collection is a remarkable achievement.
FAQs:
Why are Draped Bust Dimes so valuable?
These dimes are valuable due to their historical significance, low mintage, and scarcity in high grades.
How can I tell if I have a rare Draped Bust Dime?
Check the year, minting details, and condition. Coins from 1796–1807 with unique varieties or errors can be highly valuable.
What is the most expensive Draped Bust Dime ever sold?
The 1802 Draped Bust Dime is one of the most expensive, selling for over $250,000 in top condition.
Where can I sell a rare Draped Bust Dime?
Rare dimes can be sold through major coin auction houses, certified coin dealers, or online marketplaces like Heritage Auctions and eBay.
How can I protect and preserve my Draped Bust Dime?
Store it in a protective holder, avoid excessive handling, and keep it in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent damage.
