1820 Capped Bust Dime, Mint State-67 (PCGS)
John Reich 2: "Office Boy" Reverse, Finest Known

John Reich 2 - This die marriage is easily recognizable by the multiply blundered reverse die, known only in this pairing. Traces of an earlier punch are visible in the space between D-S, S-O are noticeably recut, M is recut and joined to E at both serifs.

This is a really fabulous early dime. The strike is unquestionably full, with bold stars showing all of their radials, and devices that exhibit every fine detail of the design. The toning is exceptionally attractive, the obverse mostly green and gold with a touch of blue and violet, while the reverse is blue and violet at center, with a broad frame of vivid blue green that extends to the rim. As should be expected for this grade, the surfaces are essentially perfect, with no notable contact marks to report.

PCGS reports only this specimen graded MS-67, with one MS-68 finer. However, given that the MS-68 is very weakly struck, this 1820 Dime is arguably a strong contender for the Finest Known of the date.