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The 1835 Bust Dime is an important piece of early American coinage, representing the transition from the Draped Bust design to the later Seated Liberty series. It was struck during a period of growth and change for the United States, both politically and economically. This coin holds significance not only for its design but also for its place in the larger context of U.S. monetary history. The 1835 Bust Dime, like other coins of the era, was produced during a time when the U.S. Mint was working to meet the growing needs of the expanding economy while also dealing with the challenges of producing coins by hand.
The history of the 1835 Bust Dime is deeply intertwined with the early years of the U.S. Mint. The Mint, established in 1792, was still in its formative years in the 1830s. Coins were manually struck, and the technology available for minting was limited. As a result, the production process often led to imperfections, making early American coins, including the 1835 Bust Dime, particularly interesting to collectors today. These coins were part of the everyday transactions that helped fuel the growth of the nation, circulating widely among the population. The 1835 Bust Dime was issued as a part of the ongoing efforts to provide the public with smaller denominations of currency, as the dime was a commonly used coin in commerce.
The design of the 1835 Bust Dime is iconic of early U.S. coinage. The obverse features a profile of Lady Liberty, facing left, with a coronet on her head inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Surrounding her are thirteen stars, symbolizing the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. These stars are arranged in a semi-circle, emphasizing the young nation’s unity. Above Liberty’s image is the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” further reinforcing the identity of the coin as a national currency. The reverse of the coin features a simple yet powerful design, with the denomination “10 C.” (for ten cents) within a wreath and the date, 1835, inscribed at the bottom. The reverse is less ornate than the obverse, reflecting the minimalist design style that was common in early American coinage.
The design of the 1835 Bust Dime is attributed to John Reich, who worked as the second Chief Engraver at the U.S. Mint. Reich was responsible for several key designs during his tenure, including the design for the Bust series of coins. His work on the Bust Dime is considered to be one of his most significant contributions to American coinage. The Draped Bust design, featured on the 1835 coin, is part of a series that began in 1796 and continued in various forms until the late 1830s. The design is characterized by its neoclassical style, which was influenced by the artistic movements of the time, and it reflects the nation’s ideals of liberty and democracy.
The 1835 Bust Dime was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the only mint in operation in the United States at that time. The Philadelphia Mint, established in 1792, was responsible for producing the nation’s coins and was the central hub of U.S. coinage during the early years of the Republic. The Mint was still developing its production processes, and coins struck during this time often show imperfections due to the manual methods used in minting. These early coins, including the 1835 Bust Dime, were struck in relatively small quantities compared to later years, and their production quality varied due to the limitations of the technology available.
The mintage of the 1835 Bust Dime was relatively moderate for the time, with an estimated 2.5 million coins struck. This was a relatively high number for a coin that was part of a series that was only in circulation for a limited period before being replaced by other designs. However, despite the relatively high mintage, the 1835 Bust Dime is still considered a scarce coin, especially in higher grades. The coin saw heavy circulation, and many examples were worn down over time, contributing to the scarcity of well-preserved specimens today.
The condition of the 1835 Bust Dime in About Good (AG) grade is characterized by significant wear from circulation. In this grade, the details of the design are often worn down, and many of the finer details are difficult to distinguish. On the obverse, Lady Liberty’s profile may be faint, with some parts of her face and hair worn smooth. The stars surrounding her may also be difficult to make out, and the inscription “LIBERTY” may be barely legible. On the reverse, the wreath and the denomination are similarly worn, and the date may be partially obscured. While the coin may appear well-worn, it still retains its basic form and is identifiable as a genuine 1835 Bust Dime.
Despite its worn condition, the 1835 Bust Dime in About Good grade remains a valuable coin for collectors, particularly those interested in early U.S. coinage. Coins from this period were struck by hand, making them a rare and tangible connection to the early years of the United States. The 1835 Bust Dime is an important part of the history of U.S. coinage and is highly regarded by collectors and historians alike. Its design, historical significance, and the challenges faced by the Mint in producing coins during this time make it a sought-after piece for collectors.
In conclusion, the 1835 Bust Dime is a key piece of early American coinage, reflecting the design trends, economic needs, and technological limitations of the time. The coin’s history, from its creation at the Philadelphia Mint to its widespread circulation in the 1830s, speaks to the evolving nature of U.S. currency. While the About Good grade may indicate significant wear, the coin’s historical value and its place in the broader narrative of U.S. coinage make it a treasured item for collectors. The 1835 Bust Dime is not only a valuable numismatic artifact but also a reminder of the United States’ formative years and the efforts made to establish a stable and recognizable currency system.