-
Inventory:
2 In Stock
- Product ID: 47739
Checkout
The 1823/2 Bust Dime, featuring the Small E's, is a remarkable coin in the history of American numismatics. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, it represents a transitional period in the early history of the U.S. Mint, when various alterations were made to coin designs to meet changing needs. The coin was minted during the final years of the Classic Head series, which was introduced in 1809 and continued until the production of the Seated Liberty series in 1837. The 1823/2 overdate variety is of particular interest to collectors due to the overstrike of the number "2" over a previous "3," which marks a rare and intentional error. The coin is a testament to the Mint’s efforts to standardize its coinage while navigating issues related to mintage practices and design changes during the early 19th century.
The Bust Dime series itself was a significant chapter in the development of U.S. coinage. The obverse design, which features a bust of Liberty, was created by John Reich, one of the U.S. Mint's engravers, and remained in use for many years. The reverse of the coin features an eagle, which was a symbol of American independence and strength. The series is notable for its consistent design, as well as its role in the continued development of U.S. coinage during the early days of the Republic. As with other coins of this era, the dimes were struck with a relatively low weight compared to modern coins, which were a reflection of the country’s evolving economic needs and the Mint’s refining processes. The 1823/2 Bust Dime represents a specific moment in time when both the design and minting practices were transitioning to accommodate the growing needs of the United States economy.
The design of the 1823/2 Bust Dime is emblematic of early American coinage. On the obverse, the coin features a bust of Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap, which symbolizes freedom. The inscription around the bust reads "LIBERTY," with the date "1823" placed beneath. The coin's reverse features an eagle, which holds a shield in its talons and is surrounded by a wreath. The eagle, a potent symbol of the United States, represents national strength and independence. The inscriptions on the reverse include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination “10 C” for 10 cents. The detailed engraving of Liberty's bust and the eagle, along with the relatively small size of the coin, makes this piece an exquisite example of early U.S. coinage. The design is clear and crisp, with the finer details adding an elegant touch to the overall presentation of the coin.
The "1823/2" overdate variety is one of the most intriguing aspects of this particular Bust Dime. The "3" in the date was overstruck by a "2," creating a clear overdate that is visible to the naked eye. This error was a result of leftover dies being used in the minting process, as there was a shortage of dies in the Mint during the early 1820s. The overdate was likely an attempt to continue minting without creating entirely new dies. This overdate is important because it serves as a critical point of interest for collectors who seek out rare and unique varieties in the Bust Dime series. The "Small E's" variety refers to the size of the letter "E" in the word "UNITED" on the reverse, which is smaller than those found on other dimes from the same period. The presence of both the overdate and the Small E's variety makes the 1823/2 Bust Dime a particularly rare and desirable coin for collectors.
The coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the only mint in operation during this period. The Philadelphia Mint, established in 1792, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. monetary system. The Mint’s mission was to produce a uniform and trusted currency for the young nation. The Philadelphia Mint, under the supervision of Chief Engraver John Reich, was responsible for creating several iconic coin designs that remain significant in numismatic history. The 1823/2 Bust Dime, with its intricate design and overdate variety, exemplifies the Mint’s commitment to both innovation and tradition. While the total mintage of the 1823/2 Bust Dime is unknown, estimates suggest that it is a relatively low mintage compared to other years in the Bust Dime series. This makes the coin a rare find, particularly in higher grades.
In terms of coin condition, the 1823/2 Bust Dime in Very Good (VG) condition is characterized by moderate wear, with some detail loss in the more intricate areas of the design. While the fine details of Liberty's bust and the eagle are still visible, the coin's surfaces have smoothed over with circulation, and some of the finer features have become less distinct. Despite this, the overdate variety and the Small E's on the reverse remain legible, which is critical for identification. The overall appearance of the coin in VG condition shows some wear along the edges, as well as areas of tarnish and discoloration, typical of a coin that has been circulated for many years. The coin’s historical significance and the rarity of the 1823/2 overdate make it highly sought after, even in lower grades such as VG.
For collectors, the 1823/2 Bust Dime is an important piece in the series due to its status as an overdate variety and its relative rarity. Despite its moderate wear in VG condition, the coin still retains enough detail to convey the artistic and numismatic significance of the design. The overdate is one of the most sought-after features among collectors of early U.S. coins, and finding this coin with the Small E’s variety makes it even more desirable. As such, even in VG condition, the 1823/2 Bust Dime is valued highly by collectors. Its historical context, rarity, and connection to the broader development of U.S. coinage make it a must-have for serious numismatists who seek to understand and appreciate the evolution of American coinage.
The 1823/2 Bust Dime also offers insight into the state of the U.S. Mint during the early 19th century. The use of overstruck dies reflects the economic constraints faced by the Mint, particularly during a time of expansion and increasing demand for coinage. The necessity of reusing dies that had already been used to strike earlier coins, resulting in the overdate, is a clear indication of the Mint’s efforts to keep up with the country’s growing coinage needs. This scarcity of dies during the early 1820s was not unique to the Bust Dime series but was a recurring issue across various denominations. As such, the 1823/2 Bust Dime serves as an important artifact in understanding the challenges and innovations faced by the U.S. Mint during its early years of operation.
In conclusion, the 1823/2 Bust Dime with Small E's variety is a fascinating piece of American numismatic history. It offers a glimpse into the Mint’s operations during a critical period in the country’s financial development. The overdate variety and Small E's detail make it a unique and valuable coin for collectors, and its status as a part of the Bust Dime series only adds to its significance. Despite its wear and the moderate condition in VG, the coin remains a prized possession for anyone interested in early American coinage. Whether for its historical value, its rarity, or its connection to the early days of the U.S. Mint, the 1823/2 Bust Dime is a timeless and important piece in the world of numismatics.