1796 was the first year of dime (or disme, per nomenclature of the era) production at the First Philadelphia Mint. The Draped Bust and Small Eagle motifs originated on 1795 silver dollars. According to often repeated numismatic legend, the Draped Bust model was Philadelphia socialite Ann Willing Bingham, indirectly through paintings by noted artist Gilbert Stuart. Guide Book credit for the design, however, is assigned to Chief Engraver Robert Scot.
On the dime, the Small Eagle only lasted through 1797, and was replaced by the Heraldic (or Large) Eagle in 1798. The Draped Bust obverse continued until 1807, except the star count was reduced to 13 beginning in 1798. Technically, the 1796 15 Stars is a single-year design subtype, since the 1797 issue has either 16 (JR-1) or 13 (JR-2) stars.
In hand this example is lighter in hue and more lustrous than seen in our images. Listed at $19,800 in the CDN CPG and $21,000 in the NGC price guide.
Offered at $18,890 Delivered
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