PCGS No: 4496, 84496, 4539

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 1,186,512
Proofs: estimated 5

Designer: John Reich

Diameter: 18.9 millimeters

Metal content:
Silver - ±89.2%
Copper - ±10.8%

Weight: 41.6 grains (2.70 grams)

Edge: Reeded

Mintmark: None (Philadelphia)

Images courtesy of Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.

Varieties (10):
JR-1 - 
JR-2 -
JR-3 -
JR-4 -
JR-5 -
JR-6 -
JR-7 -
JR-8 -
JR-9 - Common
JR-10 -

Notes:
The finest Uncirculated "Large Date" examples graded by PCGS are 9 MS-65's.

The finest Uncirculated "Small Date" example graded by PCGS is a single MS-66.

The finest Proof example graded by PCGS is a single PR-65.

Recent appearances:
NGC MS-64.  Ex- Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "October 2000 Long Beach Sale" October 5-7, 2000, Lot 7243, "JR-7", illustrated, sold for $1,667.50

NGC MS-61.  Ex - Superior Galleries' "Pre-Long Beach Sale", October 1-3, 2000, Lot 3040, where it was described as follows: "1821 Small Date NGC MS61.  Richly toned; needle-sharp detail in the hair and eagle as well as having complete stars on the obverse (an unusual occurrence).  Stars, numerals and denomination were punched in by hand in 1821 and other Bust Dimes 1809-37 (they are by Henry Starr; dates and replacement letters after 1824 are by Christian Gobrecht.)  Prior to 1836 the Mint used only screw presses to strike Dimes, in which weighted arms were swung by strongly muscled men. The screw was driven downwards with great force, and the planchet was transformed into a coin by being squeezed between the obverse and reverse dies. There was an improved automatic feeding mechanism installed in the presses in 1795, apparently at the suggestion of John Harper. In March 1836 the steam press was introduced to the Mint."


AU-50, Reverse Corroded.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Long Beach Signature Sale", May 31-June 2, 2001, Lot 5529, not illustrated, not sold

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"Early United States Dimes 1796-1837" by David J. Davis et al.

"Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. And Colonial Coins" by Walter Breen
 
"The PCGS Population Report, October 2003" by The Professional Coin Grading Service