Dimes

 

 

 

                                            Although the dime was a popular denomination in the young United States,
                                                production did not begin until 1796. Consequently, this first issue carried the draped
                                            bust portrait, like the large cent and the half dime which were in circulation at that time.
                                      The reverse carried a standing eagle encircled by branches and the words UNITED STATES
                              Of AMERICA. The obverse portrait was surrounded by 13 to 16 stars and the composition was
                                       about 90% silver, like the half dime. Two years later, the reverse of the coin was changed to a heraldic
                               or shield eagle, above which were inscribed 13 to 16 stars like the other side. These early dimes, which were
                                  minted through the year 1807, were issued in such small quantities that all are considerably valueable and
            consequently the coin does not appear in the types book and I do not have a specimen in my collection. The
other five types of dime that came later are all in my inventory and are listed below:

                    Disme Dime  Draped Bust Dime    Capped Bust Dime      Liberty Seated Dime     Liberty Head Dime     Mercury Dime     Roosevelt Dime