The 1798 Draped Bust Dime: 8 Over 7 – 13 Stars is one of the most sought-after coins in early U.S. numismatics. This fascinating piece combines a rare date overdate error and a unique star arrangement, making it a prized find for collectors and historians alike. Its rich history and rarity have solidified its position as a cornerstone in early American coinage.
A Brief History of the Draped Bust Dime
The Draped Bust Dime was first introduced in 1796 as part of the Draped Bust series designed by Robert Scot, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. The obverse features a portrait of Liberty, her hair tied back and draped with flowing fabric, symbolizing strength and grace. The reverse displays an eagle surrounded by a laurel wreath, representing the United States’ aspirations and unity.
What Makes the 8 Over 7 Overdate Unique?
The overdate error occurs when a die originally prepared for one year was repurposed for another. In this case, a die prepared for 1797 was modified for 1798, resulting in the visible 8 punched over a 7 on the coin’s date. This anomaly provides a glimpse into the resourcefulness of the U.S. Mint during its early years, when die production was costly and time-consuming.
The Importance of the 13 Stars
The 13 stars on the obverse of this variety represent the original 13 American colonies, a motif common in early U.S. coinage. While some 1798 Draped Bust Dimes feature 16 stars (reflecting the addition of three new states by 1798), this particular variety retains the 13-star design. This distinction adds another layer of rarity, as fewer coins with this star count were produced.
Rarity and Surviving Examples
The 1798 Draped Bust Dime: 8 Over 7 – 13 Stars is exceptionally rare, with only a handful of surviving examples known to exist. The exact mintage for this variety is unknown, but estimates suggest it is a fraction of the approximately 27,550 dimes minted in 1798.
Value of the 1798 Draped Bust Dime: 8 Over 7 – 13 Stars
The value of this rare dime depends on its condition and provenance. Coins graded by professional services such as PCGS or NGC are highly valued in the market. Here’s a general breakdown of values based on grade:
- Good to Very Good (G4-VG8): $2,500–$5,000
- Fine to Very Fine (F12-VF30): $7,000–$15,000
- Extremely Fine (EF40-EF45): $20,000–$50,000
- Mint State (MS60 and above): Over $100,000 in some cases
Tips for Collecting the 1798 Draped Bust Dime
1. Authenticate the Coin
Due to its high value, the 1798 Draped Bust Dime: 8 Over 7 – 13 Stars is a target for counterfeiting. Always purchase from reputable dealers or seek authentication from professional grading services.
2. Understand the Error
Familiarize yourself with the appearance of the 8 Over 7 overdate to distinguish authentic coins. Magnification can help reveal the subtle details of the error.
3. Evaluate Condition
Even circulated examples of this coin are highly valuable, but uncirculated specimens are exceedingly rare. Look for clear details, especially on Liberty’s draped hair and the eagle’s feathers.
4. Preserve and Protect
Store your coin in a secure, climate-controlled environment, preferably in a certified holder. Proper storage ensures that the coin’s condition remains stable over time.
Conclusion
The 1798 Draped Bust Dime: 8 Over 7 – 13 Stars is a remarkable artifact of early American coinage. With its unique design features, historical significance, and extreme rarity, it holds an esteemed place in numismatic collections. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a history enthusiast, this coin represents the best of early U.S. minting ingenuity.
FAQs
Q1: What is the 8 Over 7 error on the 1798 Draped Bust Dime?
A: This error occurs when the digit 8 was punched over an underlying 7 on the coin’s date, creating a distinctive overdate variety.
Q2: How much is the 1798 Draped Bust Dime worth?
A: Values range from $2,500 for circulated coins to over $100,000 for mint state examples, depending on condition.
Q3: How can I identify the 13-star variety?
A: Look at the obverse of the coin; this variety features 13 stars around Liberty, unlike others with 16 stars minted in the same year.