PCGS No: 4461

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 22,135
Proofs: 0

Designer: Obverse by Robert Scot, reverse by John Eckstein

Diameter: ±19.8 millimeters

Metal content:
Silver - 89.2%
Other - 10.8% 

Weight: ±41.6 grains (±2.7 grams)

Edge: Reeded

Mintmark: None (all examples of this date and type were struck at the Philadelphia Mint)

Images courtesy of the Professional Coin Grading Service

Varieties (6):
JR-1 - Scarce
JR-2 - Very Scarce
JR-3 - Rare
JR-4 - Very Scarce
JR-5 - Rare
JR-6 - Very Scarce

Significant examples:
See individual varieties

Recent appearances:
See individual varieties

Notes:
1796 was the first year that Dimes were struck in America.  Six varieties (different die combinations) are known for the year, all of which are either scarce or rare.  1796 Dimes are very rare in Uncirculated condition and most examples fall in the MS-62 to MS-64 range.  Gem and better examples are extremely rare.  The finest example graded by PCGS is a single MS-67.

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"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

"Early United Dimes 1796-1837" by David J. Davis et al.