DIME FINDS: Rare detail on your silver dime to make it worth $372,000 – but the ‘cracks’ on its face boost its value
According to The Sun, A rare 1796 Draped Bust dime has collectors buzzing, as its unique characteristics have made it worth a staggering $372,000. This particular dime is one of the finest surviving examples from the first year the coin’s denomination was issued. Its historical significance and exceptional preservation have made it a highly coveted piece among numismatists.
Unique Characteristics of the JR-4 Variety
The JR-4 variety of this 1796 dime is identified by distinct characteristics, according to Heritage Auctions.
One notable detail is the positioning of star 1, which is distant from the lowest hair curl. Additionally, the leaf tip is situated below the right base of the letter “A” in “STATES” on the reverse side.
Even more intriguing are the faint cracks on the coin’s surface, which are considered valuable by collectors. These “cracks” include a faint line that runs from the rim to star 1 on the obverse, continuing through several stars and into the hair curl. The reverse side has a similarly faint crack extending from a leaf below the letter “O” towards the final “S” in “STATES.”
While wear and cracks typically diminish a coin’s value, the historical significance of these imperfections makes this particular dime all the more valuable.
Historical Significance
The 1796 Draped Bust dime marked the inaugural year of minting for this denomination, alongside quarter dollars, which were also introduced that year. A total of 22,135 dimes were struck from seven different die varieties, but only around 800 to 1,200 examples of these coins remain today, most having seen extensive circulation.
Also read: IRS 2025 Tax Brackets: What can you expect and how much could your end up paying?
This specific coin is graded MS66+ by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and is considered the finest example of the JR-4 variety. Its preservation is nearly perfect, showcasing only slight softness in the design and minuscule blemishes that require magnification to spot. The coin’s proof-like reflective fields and frosty devices create a stunning appearance, making it a standout piece in the collector’s world.
An Impressive Auction History
The auction history of this coin is as impressive as its physical characteristics. It has been part of several high-profile collections, including the Joseph C. Thomas Collection, the Ed Price Collection, and the Bruce Morelan Collection, as reported by the auction site.
Over the years, it has fetched increasingly higher prices at auction. Most recently, it sold for $288,000 at a 2021 Heritage auction, with its value expected to climb higher, possibly reaching $372,000 in the current market.
Collectors and historians alike are drawn to this dime not only for its rarity but also for the story it tells through its design and imperfections.
Why the Cracks Matter
One might assume that the cracks on the coin’s surface would detract from its value, but for many collectors, these imperfections actually enhance it. They are a result of the minting process from over two centuries ago, making them valuable traits rather than flaws. Collectors treasure these details, which connect the coin to the primitive minting technology of the time.
Other Rare and Valuable Coins
There are plenty of other collectible coins that are both rare and valuable. For instance, one coin has an error that can make it worth $840,000, while another coin that was originally meant to be valued at a small amount is now worth $352,500 due to a small detail.
