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The 1821 Large Date Bust Dime is a notable coin from the early years of the United States Mint, representing a significant period in American numismatics. Produced in the aftermath of the establishment of the U.S. Mint in 1792, this coin marks an era when the Mint was refining its designs and production methods. The Bust Dime, first minted in 1809, was one of the foundational series of U.S. coins, with the 1821 issue being one of the many that helped solidify the Mint's reputation for producing high-quality coins. The coin’s value as both a historical artifact and a collectible item has grown significantly over time, especially in certain grades like Fine condition, where the details of the design remain more visible and accessible to collectors.
Design-wise, the 1821 Large Date Bust Dime continues the iconic design introduced by John Reich, the second chief engraver of the U.S. Mint. The obverse features a bust of Liberty, facing left, with her hair tied up in a bun and adorned with a phrygian cap inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Surrounding Liberty’s bust are 13 stars, representing the original 13 colonies of the United States. These stars, along with the bold portrayal of Liberty, are emblematic of the ideals of freedom and independence central to the nation’s identity at the time. The reverse of the coin depicts a classic heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other, a symbol of peace and military readiness, respectively. The eagle is encircled by the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," with the coin's denomination, "10 C" (for 10 cents), located at the bottom of the reverse side. This design was used throughout much of the Bust series and became a hallmark of early American coinage.
In terms of minting, the 1821 Large Date Bust Dime was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The coin was part of the ongoing effort by the U.S. Mint to produce reliable, standardized currency for a growing nation. During this time, the Mint was producing several denominations, including the half dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar. The 1821 dimes were struck in a composition of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, with a total weight of 2.5 grams and a diameter of 18 mm. This standard composition helped ensure that the coins could circulate widely while retaining their intrinsic value in silver. The dimes, like all coins at the time, played an essential role in the economy by facilitating smaller transactions, particularly for everyday goods and services.
The 1821 Large Date Bust Dime has an estimated mintage of approximately 1.8 million coins. While this number may seem high by today’s standards, it was relatively modest for the time, especially considering that many coins from the early 19th century were subject to heavy wear and circulation. As a result, the survival rate of these coins is much lower than the mintage figures would suggest, and most surviving examples of the 1821 Bust Dime are in lower grades. Coins struck during this period were often used in day-to-day commerce, leading to significant wear over time. As such, many of these coins, particularly those in lower grades, are not as well-preserved as one might expect from modern coins. The 1821 Large Date Bust Dime in Fine condition, however, remains a relatively accessible collectible piece for those interested in early American coinage.
The Fine condition of the 1821 Large Date Bust Dime is a grade that shows moderate wear but retains much of its original detail. In Fine condition, the design elements on the coin are still legible, but they show signs of circulation. Liberty’s features, such as her cap and the outlines of her face, are still discernible, although the finer details have been softened by the coin’s time in circulation. The stars around her bust may be partially worn, but they remain visible, providing a clear representation of the coin’s historical context. On the reverse, the eagle’s features remain distinguishable, but again, the finer details, such as the feathers and the ribbon, may be worn down. While the coin shows significant signs of age, it still retains much of its charm and historical significance. Coins in Fine condition are among the more commonly found examples of the 1821 Bust Dime, but they still carry a premium due to their rarity compared to coins of modern issues.
As with other coins of its time, the 1821 Bust Dime was made to serve a functional purpose in everyday transactions, but over the years, it has evolved into a sought-after collectible. Collectors are drawn to this coin for its historical significance, its classic design, and its representation of the nation’s early years. The Bust Dime series, including the 1821 issue, represents a key moment in U.S. coinage, bridging the gap between earlier coinage designs and the more modern coins that would follow in later years. The minting of the 1821 Large Date Bust Dime occurred during a period of significant economic and political growth in the United States, as the country was expanding westward and solidifying its place in the global economy.
The value of the 1821 Large Date Bust Dime, particularly in Fine condition, is influenced by several factors, including its historical importance, its design, and its rarity in well-preserved states. While coins in lower grades are more common and generally more affordable, higher-grade examples of the 1821 Bust Dime are much rarer and command much higher premiums in the market. Collectors of early American coins often seek out these examples for their historical value, and many view them as an important part of the narrative of the U.S. Mint’s early years. The 1821 Bust Dime is not just a piece of currency from the early 19th century, but also a symbol of the United States’ growth and development as a young nation.
In conclusion, the 1821 Large Date Bust Dime is a coin with both historical and numismatic significance. Its design, which features Liberty and a heraldic eagle, captures the ideals of the early American republic. Struck in relatively small numbers compared to later coins, it remains a valuable piece for collectors and historians alike. In Fine condition, this coin offers a glimpse into the everyday life of early Americans and serves as a testament to the nation’s economic and artistic development. The 1821 Large Date Bust Dime continues to be a prized item for collectors seeking to understand and appreciate the rich history of U.S. coinage.