1798/7 10C (1798/7 Dime) 16 Stars Reverse NGC VF Details Damaged. Despite the “Details” grade resulting from a tool mark on the reverse at the E in UNITED, this coin is still very collectable. Overall the strike is a compromise. The overdate is visible to the naked eye, and the drapery lines are strong. The weakness seen in the upper part of the shield and adjacent wing is typical for the design type. Similarly, we see strong dentils on the reverse, but they are weak or missing on the obverse. The coin has pleasant toning with light silvery devices and darker shades of grey and tan at the peripheries. The VF grade is warranted by the remaining drapery lines and hair curls. The hair at the top of Liberty’s head by itself would be sufficient for an XF grade.

Designed by Robert Scot, the obverse shows a draped bust of Liberty facing right. Above is LIBERTY, and below is the date. Seven six-pointed stars are to the left and six are to the right. The large eagle or heraldic eagle reverse shows the eagle with up stretched wings and a Union shield on its breast. A banner inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM curls across the left wing and under the right. Except for the wing tips, the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is in an arc near the periphery. Sixteen stars are above the eagle’s head under the clouds in an arc pattern. Dentils are near the edge on both sides of the coin, and the edge is reeded.

The reverse of this coin that has 16 stars is the same as the one used for the 1797 quarter eagle; however, Mint Director Boudinot realized that the Mint could not go on forever adding stars as new states were admitted to the union, and subsequent issues were made with 13 stars.