Have a photo? Submit it and we'll credit you.

As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.

1805 4 Berries

Dimes · Draped Bust Dimes · 1796–1807
Semi-key
Weight2.7 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 120,780 Combined mintage for all 1805 varieties
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper
DesignerRobert Scot
Collector's Key IDCK-1668

Collection

collectors own this
on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

About this coinHistory

The 1805 Draped Bust dime marks a significant production milestone, with combined mintage jumping to 120,780 pieces, the first truly meaningful annual output in the series. This 4 Berries variety refers to the count of berries on the olive branch held by the eagle on the reverse. The standard reverse shows five berries, and the 4 Berries variety is a documented die-engraving variant where one berry is absent. Both varieties were struck at the Philadelphia Mint using hand-operated screw presses, and the higher overall mintage means surviving examples are noticeably more available than for earlier dates in the series. Even so, choice and gem mint-state examples remain genuinely scarce due to original mintage limits.

Robert Scot's draped Liberty obverse, based on Gilbert Stuart's portrait of Anne Willing Bingham, pairs with the Heraldic Eagle reverse, here with the 4 Berries engraving on the olive branch in the eagle's right talon. Specifications follow the series standard: 89.24% silver, 2.70 grams, near 19 mm diameter, and reeded edge. Authentication begins with verified weight and consistent edge reeding. Then count the berries on the olive branch carefully. The standard arrangement shows five berries; the 4 Berries variety lacks one, typically the topmost or the one closest to the eagle's body, depending on die marriage. Match the coin to the John Reich (JR) die marriage references published in Davis-Logan to confirm correct attribution and authenticity.

Variety collectors pursue the 4 Berries variety specifically to complete advanced 1805 sets, and the higher mintage makes mid-grade examples relatively accessible for date collectors building Draped Bust dime runs. Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers handle most quality offerings, and Professional Coin Grading Service or Numismatic Guaranty Company certification is recommended above Fine grades. Original surfaces with even patina and intact denticles carry meaningful premiums over cleaned or tooled coins, regardless of technical grade. For more context, see the Draped Bust Dime series history.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $470 $545
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $810 $935
F-12 Fine (F) $1,140 $1,315
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $1,470 $1,695
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $2,365 $2,730
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $2,765 $3,190
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $6,065 $7,000
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $9,425 $9,980
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1805 4 Berries Draped Bust Dime worth?
In Good condition it runs about $470–$545, rising to roughly $6,065–$7,000 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1805 4 Berries Draped Bust Dimes were minted?
120,780 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1805 varieties).
What is a 1805 4 Berries Draped Bust Dime made of?
89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper, weighing 2.7 g.
What is the melt value of a 1805 4 Berries Draped Bust Dime?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1805 4 Berries Draped Bust Dime a key date?
It's a semi-key date — scarcer than common issues but more available than the series' key dates.