The 1830 Capped Bust dime is one of the more readily available issues in the series, though it is very scarce in high grades. Winston Zack, Louis Scuderi and Michael Sherrill (Bust Dime Variety Identification Guide, 2015) provide an estimate of 3,000 to 5,500 examples extant from just 510,000 coins struck. The size of the denomination on the reverse varied throughout the mintage, providing the Small 10 C and Medium 10 C varieties that collectors pursue today. The JR-8 variety exhibits the Medium 10 C. It is obtainable in lower grades, scarce at the finer levels of Mint State, and virtually unknown above Gem.
The magnificent MS-66+ (PCGS) JR-8 dime offered in lot 2064 of our October 2018 Baltimore Auction displays a blend of turquoise and golden iridescence that is most vibrant at the borders. The centers reveal the underlying brilliant and satiny luster, exposing the truly pristine nature of the surfaces. The strike is sharp to all areas despite a later die state, with the diagnostic crack through Liberty’s hair curls now fully formed.
This example is a stunning representative of both the overall 1830 Medium 10 C variety as well as the JR-8 dies. It ranks as the very finest example known of this variety, considerably finer than the MS-64 listed as finest in the 2011 census by Quint. Within the larger issue it remains near the top of the list, with just two examples certified finer by PCGS. For both type collectors and early dime specialists, this is truly a significant offering.
This incredible MS-66+ (PCGS) 1830 JR-8 dime will be sold in lot 2064 of the Rarities Night session in our Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Winter Expo. The sale is available for viewing and bidding on our website www.StacksBowers.com, or you may contact our offices to secure a printed catalog. To speak with a numismatic representative, please call 800-458-4646 or email Info@StacksBowers.com. Also, download our mobile app to view and participate in our auctions via your Android or Apple device.
