This is an intriguing 1796 Dime. It is the JR-1 variety according to the Stack's auction catalogue from april 1988. However, it does not have the diagnostic die break by the date. Since i bought this coin i have seen many 1796 JR-1s, and EVERY single one of them had this die break. It normally shows up as a large die lump to the left of the date. Can anybody comment on this? Is it possible that not all specimens of this variety have the die break? Thank you for any comments on this. Eduard
Ed: We don't normally comment in a "mine is bigger than yours' vein, but-- well, I gotta admit, your are all better than mine. I'll do some research, but I am not sure if I have anything from JR. Congrats again. :thumb:
Ed - I would encourage you to make use of the Numismatic Resources section here on Coin Talk. You can find the answers to most of your questions there if you take the time to follow the links through.
To the best of my knowledge there is only one specimen known of the 96 JR-1 that does not have the die break, and it does have a fine die crack that outlines where the break will be. I don't have my copy of the dime book here so I can't confirm whether or not this is the JR-1
Conder101, many thanks for your comment. This really sounds interesting. I must find a way to properly identify this dime. The Sale catalogue distinctly stated this one was a JR-1. Maybe they made a mistake? I was looking in the Resources section of the forum, but could not find any references for early dimes. I guess i will try google. I really appreciate your help. Eduard
OK, got the answer. It is the Stacks coin is NOT a JR-1. Here are pictures of the Stacks coin and a JR-1 with the break from the Heritage archives. I tried to put the Stacks pictures from the first post next to these but couldn't get it to work. Note on the obv the JR-1 has the IB widely spaced at the bottom and the Y is missing the right foot. On the Stacks coin the LIB are all evenly spaced and the Y has both feet. On the Rev note the position of the points of the leaves below the A and second T in States and the point of the leaf below the M in AMERICA.
Thank you Bqcoins. I was always interested with anything to do with the early history of the US, as the young republic was being formed. A young country with fresh ideas, and promise of a better life for many refugees from the "old" world. I guess this is why i started collectiing early US coins. It has been very rewarding. Needless to say i am also thankful i had the means to acquire these coins.... Coming back to this coin, now i know this is not a JR-1. But which variety is it? regards, Eduard
Did some research through Breen and the Heritage archives, looks like JR-2. Five berries, with one inner just left of the bow. I believe that is the only vareity like that. And all of the leaf placements match.
