Highlighting this week’s iAuction is a lovely Gem 1820 dime in MS-65 (NGC). The JR-11 variety is considered by experts to be a somewhat scarce die marriage, garnering the Rarity-3 rating. There are three Red Book varieties for the date. The Small 0 variety (as here) is represented by JR varieties 2-7 and 10-12. The Large 0 is represented by JR-8, 9, and 13. JR-1 is the popular variety with the reverse legend spelled out as STATESOF. Upon review of the plates in the JR book, the 0 punch used on both varieties is very similar in size, and is almost indistinguishable.
The Gem example offered as lot 20087 has very lovely toning in crimson, azure, golden-orange, and slate, in a somewhat mottled pattern. It is among the top 30 examples graded by NGC — their Census lists 20 examples graded at this level, with nine finer (MS-67 finest). The actual number at this level is probably fewer, with the population inflated with resubmissions.
The Capped Bust type, originally designed by John Reich and introduced in 1807 (1809 for the dimes), is always popular, and membership in the John Reich Collector’s Society is becoming more popular for specialists in the silver and gold coins of the 1794-1839 era. Recently this organization has partnered with the Early American Coppers club and has held specialized conventions for enthusiasts of our nation’s early federal coinage. If you are a collector of early U.S. coinage, you should consider joining the club. Jim Matthews of our staff is a member of the executive committee, and their journal includes much interesting and important information that will add to the enjoyment and understanding of the coins in your collection.
Our iAuctions often have collector coins ranging from a few dollars in value to a few thousand and more! The diverse offerings usually have coins of interest for most collectors. iAuction 3501 closes on the evening of October 5, 2014, so be sure to take a few moments this weekend and check out the offerings at StacksBowers.com. We wish you the best of luck in your bidding!
