178
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Session Two - Monday, January 26, 2015 10:00 am
S
TUNNING
G
EM
BU 1807
D
RAPED
B
UST
D
IME
Enlargement
1170
1807. JR-1, Rarity 2.
.
PCGS graded MS-65
. The only
known die pairing for the year. This lot features stunning
quality for the specialist who demands a Gem Uncirculated
Draped Bust dime. Each side presents ample luster to
please the eye, with a frosty presence rarely found on early
dimes. The centers are snow-white with some natural
patina that has formed at the borders. The strike is typical
for an 1807 dime, with Liberty's curls boldly defined as well
as the eagle, but the peripheral lettering and dentils are
soft in areas, as virtually always seen. The Philadelphia Mint
was able to stretch the life out on this die pair, striking the
entire mintage of 1807 dimes as well as a considerable
number of quarter eagles also employing the same reverse
die.
Both sides show considerable evidence of die clashing in
the fields and these natural hallmarks of coinage help
numismatists piece together the production sequence as
the life of the dies progresses. Notice the shield lines near
Liberty's ear, clashed into her neck and hair, other clashing
evidence includes the small olive branch before her face
and the eagle's wings in the obverse fields. In an attempt
to reduce the evidence of clashing, caused by the dies com-
ing together without a blank planchet between them, the
dies were lapped by filing or smoothing the fields, reducing
the depth of the devices and in this particular case, nearly
eliminating the dentils and much of the star depth on the
obverse. The vast majority of 1807 dimes show these fea-
tures. Many of these coins were simply handled too much
over the years to retain the degree of flash and appeal
shown here. All Mint State Draped Bust coinage is rare
today, with Gems like the present piece exceptionally desir-
able.
Pop 4; none finer at PCGS for the variety.
(
PCGS #
38770
)
Estimated Value .................................... $30,000 - 35,000
Capped Bus t Dimes
C
ONDITION
C
ENSUS
1821 S
MALL
D
ATE
C
APPED
B
UST
D
IME
Enlargement
1171
1821. Small Date. JR-9. Rarity 2.
.
NGC graded MS-
66
. As a variety, JR-9 is rather common (Rarity 2), but most
known examples are in lower grades, while MS-64 or finer
pieces are highly elusive. Sharply defined on both sides
with excellent hair detailing as well as bold feathers on the
eagle and sharp denticulation on both sides. This specimen
has frosty luster beneath moderate shades of steel-blue,
violet, rose, gold, teal, and amber. As expected of the MS-
66 grade assignment, the surfaces are smooth and void of
any mentionable marks or other detractions. Simply put,
the eye appeal is truly exceptional! The present piece cer-
tainly falls within the Condition Census of the variety, and
actually, may be the finest.
Pop 6; 1 finer in 67 Star
.
Estimated Value .................................... $13,000 - 14,000
S
HARP
G
EM
1827 C
APPED
B
UST
D
IME
Enlargement
1172
1827. JR-12, Rarity 1.
.
PCGS graded MS-65
. An amaz-
ing Gem sporting attractive, somewhat mottled reddish-
golden and silver-gray toning on both sides. The toning is
fairly iridescent in quality, allowing ready appreciation of
the vibrant and satiny underlying luster. Well struck for a
Large Size Capped Bust dime, and particularly desirable for
high grade type purposes. Very scarce as a Gem.
Pop 14;
3 finer, 1 in 65+, 2 in 66
. (
PCGS # 4504
)
Estimated Value .................................... $11,000 - 12,000
