1798 Draped Bust Dime

About This Coin

The 1798 Draped Bust Dime is a United States dime from the Draped Bust Dimes 1796-1807 series — 3rd of 10 years in the series. In 1798, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 110,200. This ranks 8th of 10 years by total mintage, above the series median of 33,840. The obverse features Liberty facing right with draped bust and ribbon-bound hair, designed after a Gilbert Stuart portrait and the reverse displays a small, naturalistic eagle perched on a palm branch within a wreath (1796-1797) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1798-1807). The heraldic eagle reverse was introduced, replacing the small eagle. Multiple die varieties cataloged. Struck in 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper, weighing 2.7 grams, 19.8 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1.2K to $43K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $253K in MS66 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Robert Scot.