1809 Capped Bust Dime. JR-1, the only known dies. Rarity-3+. MS-63 (PCGS).

1809 Capped Bust Dime. JR-1, the only known dies. Rarity-3+. MS-63 (PCGS).，This gorgeous dime displays full satin luster on predominantly brilliant surfaces. Vivid golden-apricot peripheral highlights add to the appeal, as does an overall sharp strike that comes up short only over a few of the obverse stars and the high points of the eagles talons on the reverse. While this issue is generally well struck by early U.S. Mint standards, most survivors display the softness of detail along the left obverse periphery seen here. This fully Choice coin is sure to appeal to high grade type collectors and early dime enthusiasts alike.<p>The 1809 is the first dime struck since 1807, and it is the first issue in the popular Capped Bust series designed by John Reich. The mintage is 51,065 pieces, all struck using only a single pair of dies. These coins were delivered in five separate batches, three during 1809 and the final two on June 6 and December 17, 1810. No dimes were struck from 1810-dated dies. Two distinct die states are known for the 1809, the earlier (and rarer) state with both As in AMERICA open and the later with the tops of both of those letters filled. On the present example the top of the first A is completely filled while the top of the second A is only partially filled.<p>Unlike most other first year U.S. coins, the 1809 was not saved to an appreciable extent, which is not surprising since there were few numismatists active in the United States during the earliest decades of the 19th century. In fact, the 1809 is one of the scarcer issues in the Large Diameter portion of the Capped Bust dime series, and is far rarer in Mint State than the 1814 Large Date, 1820 Large 0, 1821 Large Date, 1825 and 1827. Of the 200 to 300 coins believed extant in all grades, only 20 or so are Uncirculated (these estimates per Winston Zack, Louis Scuderi and Michael Sherrill in the 2015 reference<em> Bust Dime Variety Identification Guide</em>). An important bidding opportunity for advanced numismatists to acquire one of the finest survivors of this first year issue that we have had the privilege of bringing to auction.<p>，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Earlier ex our (Bowers and Ruddys) Harold A. Blauvelt Collection sale, February 1977, lot 205; via Stacks. Lot tag included.，