| The dime of 1811
1811 was only the second year that the new bust dime designs were minted, with the type being first struck in 1809.
Only one die pairing is known for this year, the JR-1 variety, and the obverse was actually initially intended for the 1809 coinage, later corrected for 1811. All 1811 coins are therefore overdates over 1809, and properly called the 1811/09 dime. The reverse die was also used in 1809, and continued to be used to strike all 1811/09 specimens. This extensive use caused wear of the reverse die, so that it eventually shattered creating some coins with extensive die breaks on the reverse. In total over 100000 coins were struck with this reverse die. The mintage for 1811 was ca. 65000 coins.
Here are 3 examples of the 1811/09 dime, in varying states of preservation. 2 of them clearly show the reverse breaks, while in one, the breaks are not visible.
I hope you find this interesting.
regards,
Eduard
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