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The 1835 Bust Dime is a remarkable piece of early American coinage, reflecting the period in which it was struck and the state of the U.S. Mint at the time. Produced during the second term of President Andrew Jackson’s administration, this coin represents the nation’s ongoing efforts to solidify its currency system. The early 1800s were a time of expansion for the United States, both geographically and economically, and the minting of dimes like the 1835 was essential for facilitating trade and commerce across the young nation. The Bust Dime series, struck from 1809 to 1837, is one of the most iconic series in U.S. coinage, showcasing both the artistry and the technical challenges faced by the Mint during this era.
The obverse design of the 1835 Bust Dime, created by engraver John Reich, features a portrait of Liberty wearing a cap inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” The design is simple yet elegant, conveying the ideals of freedom and independence that were central to the United States’ identity. Surrounding Liberty’s bust are 13 stars, symbolizing the original 13 colonies that formed the basis of the nation. The reverse of the coin features a heraldic eagle with its wings spread, perched on a shield, and clutching an olive branch and arrows, which represent peace and military strength, respectively. The eagle is a powerful symbol of the United States, and it conveys the strength and resilience of the country during this formative period. Below the eagle is the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," along with the denomination "10 C," which signifies the coin’s value of ten cents.
Produced at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the sole minting facility in the United States at the time, the 1835 Bust Dime is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition, standard for most U.S. coins of the period, provided the necessary durability for everyday circulation. The coin weighs approximately 2.5 grams and has a diameter of 18 mm, making it small yet substantial enough for practical use. The dime, with its modest value, was essential for day-to-day transactions and was widely used in various commercial activities, including trade in markets, shops, and for paying wages. Its widespread circulation is indicative of its role in the economic life of the country during this period.
The mintage of the 1835 Bust Dime is reported to be just under 3 million coins, which, while a relatively high number, still makes examples of the coin in higher grades relatively rare today. Coins from this period were subjected to heavy wear and circulation, which accounts for the relatively low survival rates of coins in higher grades. The 1835 Bust Dime, like many other coins of the era, is typically found in lower grades, with many surviving specimens showing signs of wear from decades of use. The design elements, such as the stars surrounding Liberty’s head and the details on the eagle’s wings, can become faint or worn down over time, making well-preserved examples highly sought after by collectors. Coins from this period were often used in daily transactions, and their design elements were inevitably worn down due to the frequent handling.
The condition of the 1835 Bust Dime is a key factor in its value and appeal to collectors. In a grade like Very Good, the coin shows significant wear, but the overall design elements are still identifiable. At this grade, the details on Liberty’s hair, the stars surrounding her bust, and the eagle’s feathers are worn but still discernible. The date and mintmark on the obverse and reverse are still readable, although they may be faint due to the extensive circulation the coin underwent. While collectors generally prefer coins in higher grades, lower-grade examples like the Very Good 1835 Bust Dime hold appeal due to their affordability and the historical value they represent. The presence of wear does not diminish the historical significance of the coin, as it provides a tangible connection to the past and the role that these coins played in the everyday life of early Americans.
As with most early American coins, the 1835 Bust Dime is highly valued by numismatists for its historical importance. The Bust Dime series was the first series of dimes issued by the U.S. Mint, and it holds a special place in the history of American coinage. The 1835 coin is a reflection of the challenges the U.S. Mint faced in producing a reliable and consistent currency. Despite these challenges, the Bust Dime series represented a leap forward in the development of the Mint’s capabilities, as it began to refine its designs and methods of production. The 1835 Bust Dime, like other coins from this series, showcases the artistry of John Reich and the Mint’s growing expertise in coin design and minting technology.
The production of the Bust Dime also came at a time when the United States was experiencing significant political and social changes. The country had just emerged from the War of 1812 and was entering a period of economic growth and territorial expansion. The Mint’s role in producing a stable currency was becoming increasingly important as the country’s economy grew, and the 1835 Bust Dime played a role in ensuring that there was an adequate supply of smaller denominations for day-to-day transactions. Coins like the Bust Dime, along with other denominations such as the half dime and the quarter, were used for a variety of purposes, from purchasing goods to paying for services.
In conclusion, the 1835 Bust Dime is an important piece of U.S. numismatic history, representing a critical period in the development of the country’s coinage system. The coin’s design, featuring the bust of Liberty and the eagle, reflects the values and ideals that were central to the United States during the early 19th century. The 1835 Bust Dime, with its relatively high mintage, was widely used in commerce but has become a valuable collectible due to its historical significance and relatively low survival rate in higher grades. The coin provides collectors with a tangible link to the past, and examples in grades such as Very Good offer a glimpse into the daily life of early Americans and the role of the U.S. Mint in shaping the country’s monetary system.