Draped Bust Small Eagle Dime (1796-1797)
Mint Mark Information

The first United States dimes were struck in 1796 and featured the Draped Bust design, which was introduced on all US silver coinage that year. The reverse displayed a thinly eagle situated atop a cloud.

The obverse of the 1796 Draped Bust Dime has 15 stars, one for each state in the Union when production commenced.

The dime was one of the last coins issued by the US Mint. By the time it made its appearance, seven denominations were already in circulation. Only the quarter and gold $2.50 quarter eagle were to come later.

Some numismatic researchers have concluded the dime was delayed because the public had little demand for it. In the early history of the United States, as the Mint struggled to establish itself, many foreign coins circulated throughout the nation. The Spanish Real, worth 12.5 cents, was present in sufficient numbers to handle smaller commercial transactions, making production of the US dime a lower priority.

Draped Bust Dime
Obverse

Draped Bust Dime Small Eagle
Reverse

The table below points out that no Mint Marks are found on the Draped Bust Dime:

There is no need to get out your magnifying glass searching for a Mint Mark on the Draped Bust Dime. That's because they all came from the early Philadelphia Mint during a time long before Mint Marks were used on United States coins. We thank Goldberg Coins for allowing us to display the Draped Bust Dime images at right.

The Draped Bust Dime with small eagle on reverse type was around for only two years, 1796-97. Both dates are quite rare and are highly prized by numismatists. That's why they've experienced price increases over time far above the average collectible coin.

If you should happen to find one of these coins for sale, the very first dimes made by the United States, you can bet another collector will be willing to pay more for it a few years down the road than you did.

The search box below is coded to pull up all certified Draped Bust Dimes of 1796 and 1797 for sale on eBay right now, if any.

1796-97 Draped Bust Dime