-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 27105
Checkout
The 1836 Bust Dime, Extra Fine B, is a remarkable example of early U.S. coinage, crafted during a time when the country was still in its infancy and its coinage was evolving. The Bust Dime series was introduced in 1796, and the 1836 coin is part of the series that ran until 1837. The 1836 date holds particular significance due to its design changes, which marked a transition in the design elements of U.S. coins. The "B" designation refers to the particular die variety used to mint this coin, which is of particular interest to collectors who specialize in die varieties and mint errors. This specific variety is notable for its detailed features and the clarity with which it showcases the intricacies of early U.S. coinage design.
The Bust Dime features a depiction of Liberty on the obverse, with her head slightly turned to the right. Liberty’s cap is adorned with a band inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” and a set of curls flows from beneath the cap. The design of the bust is characterized by a high level of detail, which was achieved through the minting process. The reverse of the 1836 Bust Dime showcases an eagle with a shield on its chest, holding arrows in one claw and an olive branch in the other. The eagle is surrounded by a wreath, symbolizing peace, while the phrase “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles the eagle. This reverse design was also used on other denominations during this period, but the small size of the dime made the design even more striking and intricate when compared to the larger coins of the time. The choice of the eagle as a central motif was a reflection of the nation’s values and its aspirations for strength and unity.
The 1836 Bust Dime was minted in Philadelphia, the nation’s first and primary minting facility at the time. The mint operated under the authority of the U.S. Treasury and produced all types of U.S. coinage, including the silver dimes that were in circulation. In the early years of the Mint, dies were hand-engraved by talented artisans, making each coin an individual work of art. The dimes struck during this period were composed of 89.2% silver and 10.8% copper, a typical composition for U.S. coinage at the time. The 1836 Bust Dime is notable for the high-quality minting process that produced coins with sharp detail and crisp designs, which make this coin a highly coveted piece among collectors today. The specific mintage number for the 1836 Bust Dime is not known, but it is understood that a relatively small number of these coins were produced compared to later years, making this example particularly rare and valuable.
The design of the 1836 Bust Dime reflects both the stylistic trends of the early 19th century and the efforts to create a recognizable national identity. The coin is part of a series designed by John Reich, a German-born engraver who worked at the U.S. Mint. Reich’s design was influenced by the neoclassical style that was popular in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This design was meant to evoke ideals of liberty, unity, and strength, and it was intended to be a symbol of the United States’ growing international influence. The Bust Dime series was the first to feature the iconic depiction of Liberty with a cap, a design element that would become synonymous with American coins for decades to come. The detailed reverse design, featuring an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, reflects the dual nature of the U.S. as both a peaceful and powerful nation.
The mintage of the 1836 Bust Dime, while not specifically recorded, is estimated to have been lower than that of other years due to the ongoing changes at the U.S. Mint during this period. The country was still developing its coinage standards and dealing with the challenges of producing consistent, high-quality currency. The economic environment of the time also played a role in the circulation of coins; many were worn down through use, and fewer coins may have been struck compared to later years. This lower mintage contributes to the rarity and value of the 1836 Bust Dime today. In addition, the fact that so few of these coins have survived in high grades, such as Extra Fine B, further enhances their desirability among collectors.
The Extra Fine B grade for the 1836 Bust Dime indicates that the coin shows significant wear but still retains much of its original detail. In this grade, the design elements are clearly visible, but there is evidence of light wear, especially on the high points of the coin. Liberty’s features remain sharp, and the eagle on the reverse still displays its defining characteristics, though the details may be softened by circulation. Coins in this grade are valued for their historical significance and relative scarcity. The B variety refers to the die used to strike the coin, which can be identified by certain specific features in the design, such as the positioning of the stars and the shape of Liberty’s cap. This variety is particularly attractive to collectors who specialize in die varieties and seek to obtain the most accurate representation of a specific year’s coinage.
The 1836 Bust Dime, Extra Fine B, is highly prized by collectors due to its combination of historical importance, design quality, and rarity. The coin represents an important period in U.S. numismatic history, as it marks the transition from early Federal coinage to the more standardized designs that would follow in the latter half of the 19th century. The coin also provides a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship that went into minting U.S. coins during a time when dies were hand-engraved and each coin was struck individually. The Bust Dime series, with its depiction of Liberty and the eagle, became one of the most iconic designs in American coinage, and the 1836 coin stands as a testament to the skill of the engravers and artisans who created it.
The value of the 1836 Bust Dime, Extra Fine B, is influenced by its condition, rarity, and historical significance. This coin is highly sought after by collectors who specialize in early U.S. coinage, as well as by those who focus on specific die varieties. The B variety is particularly desirable due to its unique characteristics and its connection to the history of American minting. The coin’s grade of Extra Fine B ensures that it remains an excellent example of the design and craftsmanship of the period, while its rarity and limited mintage make it an important addition to any collection of U.S. coins.