1801

The 1801 Draped Bust dime continued the Heraldic Eagle reverse design and lifted annual output to 34,640 pieces, a 59 percent jump from 1800's 21,760 figure. By any modern comparison this remains a tiny mintage, and the 1801 ranks among the more challenging dates in the entire US dime series. Most surviving examples show heavy circulation, since silver coins were workhorses of early American commerce and routinely passed through hand-to-hand transactions for decades. Higher-grade pieces are notably scarce, particularly above Very Fine, and gem-quality survivors are essentially museum-grade. Recent population data from Professional Coin Grading Service and Numismatic Guaranty Company shows just a handful of examples certified above Extremely Fine for this challenging date issue.

Chief Engraver Robert Scot's draped Liberty obverse, based on Gilbert Stuart's portrait of Anne Willing Bingham, pairs with the Heraldic Eagle reverse showing the eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows, plus E PLURIBUS UNUM on the banner above. Specifications match the series: 89.24% silver alloyed with 10.76% copper, 2.70 grams in weight, near 19 mm diameter, and reeded edge. Authentication relies on precise weight measurement, since cast counterfeits typically vary by tenths of a gram. Edge reeding must be uniform and unbroken, and denticles, the toothlike beads encircling the design, should be sharp on both sides. Reference the John Reich (JR) die marriage attributions and consult Davis-Logan plates carefully to match die pairs and date-punch positioning.

Date collectors assembling complete Draped Bust dime runs face stiff competition for the 1801 in every grade. Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers handle most significant offerings, and certified examples in Professional Coin Grading Service or Numismatic Guaranty Company holders carry strong premiums. Original surfaces with even patina and intact denticles carry meaningful premiums over cleaned or tooled coins, regardless of technical grade. For more context on early production rhythms, see the Draped Bust Dime series history.