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The 1821 Large Date Bust Dime is a remarkable coin that represents a crucial time in the history of U.S. coinage. The Bust Dime series, first introduced in 1809, was the second design series of dimes produced by the U.S. Mint, following the introduction of the Draped Bust design. The 1821 issue of the Bust Dime is particularly notable for its use of the "Large Date" variety, which is differentiated from the "Small Date" variety by the size of the numerals used in the date. As one of the earlier coins in the history of the United States, the 1821 Bust Dime reflects the nation's early attempts at creating a standardized currency system. This coin is particularly desirable to collectors because of its historical importance, its elegant design, and its relative rarity in higher grades.
The design of the 1821 Large Date Bust Dime is credited to John Reich, the second chief engraver of the U.S. Mint. The obverse features a depiction of Liberty, facing left, with a flowing cap and a strand of hair that curls around the neck. Liberty’s cap is inscribed with the word "LIBERTY," and she is surrounded by 13 stars representing the original 13 colonies that formed the United States. The obverse design is detailed and expressive, capturing the ideals of liberty and independence that were central to the young nation. The reverse design showcases a heraldic eagle, which is a symbol of strength and the authority of the U.S. government. The eagle is depicted with outstretched wings, clutching arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, with the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" (Out of many, one) inscribed on a ribbon. The eagle is encircled by the legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," with the denomination "10 C" (representing 10 cents) located on the lower portion of the reverse.
Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1821 Large Date Bust Dime is composed of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, which was the standard alloy for U.S. dimes of the time. The coin has a weight of 2.5 grams and a diameter of 18 millimeters. These dimensions allowed the dime to serve as a practical and easily portable currency, one that was commonly used in everyday transactions. The 1821 Bust Dime was struck during a period when the U.S. economy was growing rapidly, and coins like this one played a vital role in facilitating trade and commerce. The coin’s design and the relatively small mintage helped it circulate widely, though, as with most early coins, many were lost or worn down over time due to heavy use in circulation.
The mintage of the 1821 Bust Dime is estimated to have been approximately 1.8 million coins, a relatively modest number compared to later dimes in the series. While this number may seem high, it is important to consider that many of the coins from this period were used in day-to-day commerce and therefore saw heavy wear. As a result, finding well-preserved examples of the 1821 Large Date Bust Dime is a challenge for collectors. The number of surviving coins in higher grades is limited, making those in good or fine condition highly sought after in the numismatic market. The 1821 Bust Dime, particularly in Fine condition, is considered a valuable piece for collectors of early American coinage due to its relatively low survival rate and its connection to the formative years of the United States Mint.
In Fine condition, the 1821 Large Date Bust Dime shows significant wear, but much of the design is still visible. Liberty’s features, including the outline of her face and the details of her hair, are discernible but softened due to wear. The 13 stars surrounding Liberty are still visible, though they may show some flattening, and the word "LIBERTY" is still legible. On the reverse, the eagle’s features, such as the feathers and the ribbon, show moderate wear, but they remain distinguishable. The coin’s overall appearance may be muted, but the essential details of the design are still clear enough to convey the majesty and symbolism of the coin’s motifs. For collectors, coins in Fine condition represent a middle ground between affordability and rarity. While not as pristine as those in higher grades, these coins still offer a glimpse into the history of early American coinage and are an excellent option for those who wish to add a historically significant piece to their collection.
The 1821 Large Date Bust Dime was produced at a time when the United States Mint was refining its processes and design methods. The Mint had only been established in 1792, and by the time the 1821 Bust Dime was struck, the U.S. was still in its early years of coin production. The design of the Bust Dime was one of the first to represent the nation’s ideals, and it set the standard for other coins produced during this period. As a result, the Bust Dime series has become an important piece of U.S. coinage history, with the 1821 issue being one of the key dates in the series. The coin is a reminder of a time when the United States was still developing its financial systems and producing coins that would be used in the everyday life of its citizens.
The value of the 1821 Large Date Bust Dime, particularly in Fine condition, is influenced by its historical importance and the relative rarity of well-preserved examples. Higher-grade coins, such as those in Very Fine or Extra Fine condition, can command much higher premiums due to their superior condition. However, even coins in Fine condition are highly regarded by collectors because of their age, design, and the fact that they are becoming increasingly difficult to find in good shape. The 1821 Bust Dime is not just a collectible, but a tangible link to the past, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of early American history and a coin that played a role in the daily lives of those who lived during the early 19th century.
In conclusion, the 1821 Large Date Bust Dime in Fine condition is a coin of great historical and numismatic significance. Struck at a time when the United States Mint was still in its early years, this coin reflects the ideals of liberty and strength that were central to the nation’s identity. The design, with its portrayal of Liberty and the heraldic eagle, is emblematic of the nation’s aspirations. While the 1821 Bust Dime in Fine condition shows signs of wear, it still retains much of its original beauty and is highly sought after by collectors of early American coins. This coin is not only a valuable numismatic item but also a symbol of the United States’ growth and development as a young nation during a crucial period in its history.