1830 Capped Bust Dime, Mint State-67 (PCGS)
John Reich 3: Medium 10c, Superb Gem

John Reich 3 - Outside point of star 7 very close to denticle. Reverse with the I in PLURIBUS centered under the second T in STATES. (Rarity 3). Struck from the third use of this obverse die (1830 JR.1, 1830 JR.2). The obverse cracked across the top while striking 1830 JR.2, from the rim through star 7, across the cap to the rim at right. New obverse cracks then developed from star 8 to star 9 to the rim, joining the outer points of stars 1 to 6, the inner points of stars 1 to 7, and the inner points of stars 8 to 12. The reverse die cracked from the rim through the tops of NITE and back to the rim, from the rim through the top of the A in STATES to the R in PLURIBUS, and through the tops of IC joining the rim at left and right.

An incredible Gem Capped Bust Dime that is superb in every respect. Luster is bold and frosty, overlaid with exceptional toning in shades of amber, violet and blue, which becomes more vivid on the reverse. As we should expect from this grade, contact marks can be seen only under a glass, with some tiny ticks in the obverse field barely visible. Fully struck without compromise, with every star radial, hair strand, and eagle's feather in bold relief.

PCGS reports three 1830 Dimes certified as MS-67, with two 1830/29 Dimes graded MS-67, and none finer. This specimen is far better than the two 1830/29s, and is a strong candidate for the finest known example of the date.

Note that PCGS designates two varieties for 1830 Dimes, recognized as "Medium 10C" and "Small 10C". The PCGS Population Report implies that the "Small 10C" is a significantly rare variety, with a fraction of the population reported for 1830 "Medium 10C". This is a bit misleading as only the 1830 JR.2 die marriage used the "Small 10C" reverse, while all seven other 1830 die marriages were shoe-horned into the "Medium 10C" category. In fact, the 1830 JR.2 "Small 10C" is the most common variety for 1830.

Provenance:

• ONR Private Client