Early Dimes - Capped Bust Dimes - Liberty Seated Dimes - Barber Dimes
- Mercury Dimes - Roosevelt Dimes
Various types of Dimes were struck for
circulation and many Dimes were specifically struck in Proof
format for collectors as well. They range in rarity from common
to extremely rare or even nearly unique, creating series with
collecting challenges for both the beginning and advanced
collector. Furthermore, many issues, such as those from the
Carson City Mint have special stories to tell, helping the
popularity of many issues. When a collector knows these stories,
a collection of Dimes truly speaks for itself, and for the
turbulent times of the late 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
Early Dimes: The first Dimes
were struck in 1796, and with two reverses would be struck
until 1807. Coins of these two types are all rare, and most
that have survived do so in lower grades. High grade coins
are extremely rare, and seldom lack eye-appeal. Finding problem-free,
premium early Dimes in uncirculated condition is extremely
difficult, and can take considerable time. The 1804 issue
is especially scarce, thanks to the low mintage of just 8,265
coins. Other issues had higher mintages but circulated extensively,
making these types the most difficult to acquire in any grade.
Capped Bust
Dimes: Struck with minor variations from 1809 to
1837, Capped Bust Dimes were mostly struck in large quantities
and circulated extensively in the early 19th century. Most
dates are available in lower grades, but uncirculated coins
are scarce for most issues. Varieties are actively collected
as well, but some of the greatest rarities are extremely difficult
to find in any grade, and some are even unknown in uncirculated
condition. Those struck after 1828 are slightly different
compared to these struck before that date, and also mark the
first availability of so-called Proofs, although the status
of many is disputed.
Liberty Seated Dimes:
Like other denominations, the Liberty Seated Dimes were struck
for the largest part of the 19th century. The design was introduced
in 1837, struck in various subtypes, and would not be discontinued
until the early 1890s. The rarity of Liberty Seated half dimes
varies greatly, as many are common in all grades up to gem
condition, while others are extremely rare, even in low grade.
These include many of the earlier issues from the Carson City
Mint, while issues from the New Orleans Mint are often weakly
struck and lack eye-appeal. Varieties are also heavily collected,
but are often minor, with most interest in date sizes and
doubled dies.
Barber Dimes:
Introduced on this denomination in 1892, Barber Dimes were
struck in every year until 1916. With the exception of the
extremely rare 1894-S most issues are generally available,
although some are very scarce in any grade. However, for most
issues enough uncirculated coins have survived to make completion
of this set a reasonable goal for most collectors. Most are
well produced, although some show striking weakness. These
coins are better avoided even when offered at a discounted
price.
Mercury Dimes:
First struck in 1916 and discontinued shortly after World
War II in 1945, Mercury Dimes are extremely popular and always
in demand. Most issues have survived in large numbers, with
the exception of the 1916-D, which is a classic key date.
Other scarce issues include the 1921 and 1921-D, while others
are hard to find in uncirculated condition. This type is selected
on the quality of the reverse bands, with coins with fully
split bands often bringing heavy premiums, for certain issues.
Circulated sets are easily completed, while uncirculated sets
with excellent eye-appeal will require some more time to complete.
Roosevelt Dimes:
Continuously struck from 1946 until today, most Roosevelt
dimes are easily found in any grade, while some remain to
be scarce with full split bands. Most interest is for the
silver issues struck before 1965, which are sometimes scarce
in ultra-high grade, certified by any of the major grading
companies.
