1797 Dime Value Checker: Errors List & No Mint Mark Worth

Few early American coins are as consistently difficult to find as the 1797 Draped Bust Dime. This date turns up rarely on the market in any grade, and problem-free examples are rarer still.

That scarcity shapes the 1797 dime value in a meaningful way. Even heavily circulated pieces in Good condition start above $3,900, and well-preserved AU examples can climb to $24,000 or beyond depending on the variety.

If you’re trying to figure out what your coin is worth, or simply curious about what makes this date so sought after, this guide covers everything you need to know.

 

1797 Dime Value By Variety

The table below breaks down the 1797 dime value by variety and grade. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Dimes Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1797 Dime Worth Money

The highest auction prices for the 1797 dime show just how much top-grade examples can command on the open market.

The 13 Stars variety leads the chart by a wide margin, with an MS65 specimen reaching $402,500 at Heritage Auctions in July 2008 — the single highest recorded sale for either variety. The 16 Stars variety follows, with an MS66 example from the famous D. Brent Pogue Family Collection bringing $199,750 at Stack’s Bowers/Sotheby’s in May 2015.

Further down the chart, prices remain impressive. A 16 Stars MS65 sold for nearly $100,000, while MS62 and MS64 examples of both varieties generally fall in the $40,000 to $55,000 range. The JR-1 variety also drew attention when an MS62 example sold for $45,600 at Heritage Auctions in November 2024.

Across the board, grade makes an enormous difference. Moving up even one or two points on the scale can more than double a coin’s realized value.

 

History of the 1797 Dime

The 1797 dime belongs to the Draped Bust series, which the United States Mint struck from 1796 to 1807. The series was authorized under the Coinage Act of 1792 — the law that established the first Philadelphia Mint and defined the dollar as the standard monetary unit.

The Draped Bust design is credited to Chief Engraver Robert Scot, who adapted a sketch by portrait artist Gilbert Stuart. According to numismatic tradition, Stuart’s model was Ann Willing Bingham, a prominent Philadelphia socialite — though recent scholarship, as noted in CoinWeek’s reference guide on the series, has raised some doubt about Stuart’s direct involvement. Scot finished preparing the dies in September 1795, and the dime entered production in 1796.

The Draped Bust dime exists in two reverse varieties. Coins dated 1796 and 1797 feature a small bald eagle on the reverse — giving them the name Draped Bust, Small Eagle. The design changed in 1798 when the small eagle was replaced by a Heraldic Eagle modeled after the Great Seal of the United States.

Another notable feature of the 1797 dime is the number of stars on the obverse. The Mint originally added a star each time a new state joined the Union. When Tennessee entered in June 1796 as the 16th state, a 16th star was added to the dies. Mint Director Elias Boudinot realized this approach was unsustainable — there would eventually be no room left on the coin’s face — and ordered a return to 13 stars representing the original colonies.

That’s why some 1797 dimes show 16 stars and others show 13. Numismatic researchers also believe a portion of the official 25,261 mintage figure may actually have been struck from 1796-dated dies, making the true 1797 production total uncertain.

With a very low mintage across both varieties, the 1797 dime is scarce, collectible, and an important piece for anyone building a Draped Bust collection.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money List (Year Chart)

 

Is Your 1797 Dime Rare?

Check your 1797 dime’s rarity status instantly with the Coin Value Checker App for precise grading and value assessment.

 

Key Features of the 1797 Dime

Let’s now learn more about the physical characteristics of the 1797 dime. By knowing these design details, you can grade your dime more accurately, authenticate it, and spot Draped Bust dimes that are worth a fortune.

The Obverse of the 1797 Dime

The front side of the 1797 dime features Lady Liberty in draped clothing with her hair tied back by a ribbon. The word LIBERTY is inscribed above her portrait while the date, 1797, appears at the bottom along the rim.

On the 16-stars 1797 dimes (known as the JR-1 variety), Liberty’s portrait is surrounded by 16 stars — 9 to the left and 7 to the right. On the 13-stars variety (JR-2), there are 7 stars to the left and 6 to the right. A quick way to tell them apart beyond counting stars: on the JR-1, the tail of the “9” in the date ends in a sharp point, while on the JR-2, it ends with a distinct rounded knob.

The Reverse of the 1797 Dime

The reverse displays a small bald eagle with wings outstretched and perched on a billow of cloud. The eagle’s image is encircled in a wreath tied at the bottom with a ribbon.

The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are inscribed around the coin’s rim. Notably absent is the denomination — as was the norm at the time, a coin’s value was determined by its size relative to other silver coins, with each denomination stepping up in size toward the silver dollar.

Other Features of the 1797 Dime

Additional standout features of the 1797 dime include:

• Diameter: 19.80 millimeters
• Weight: 2.70 grams
• Edge: Reeded
• Metal Content: 89.2% Silver, 10.8% Copper

One important detail for graders: many 1797 dimes show adjustment marks — fine parallel file lines across the surface. These were deliberately made at the Mint before striking to bring overweight planchets down to the required 2.70 gram standard. Adjustment marks are not damage and are fully expected on this issue, but they can affect eye appeal and grade.

Also Read: Top 70+ Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money (Chart By Year)

 

1797 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

Both the 16 Stars and 13 Stars varieties of the 1797 dime share an identical mintage of 25,261 coins — though researchers believe a portion of this total may have been struck on 1796-dated dies, meaning fewer true 1797-dated examples exist than Mint records suggest.

Their survival figures are notably different. PCGS CoinFacts estimates approximately 200 surviving 16 Stars examples across all grades, with 10 to 15 known in Mint State. The 13 Stars variety is significantly rarer, with roughly 100 examples surviving — making it nearly four times rarer than the 16 Stars in the AU and Mint State range. According to PCGS CoinFacts, auction records don’t fully reflect this disparity, making high-grade AU examples of the 13 Stars an exceptional value by current market standards.

Centuries of circulation, melting, and loss have taken a heavy toll on both varieties. The 1797 production season was also disrupted by one of Philadelphia’s recurring yellow fever outbreaks, which periodically forced the Mint to close during the summer and fall. The 1797 epidemic was among the worst of the era.

Also Read: Roosevelt Dime Coin Value (1946-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1797 Dime Value

Two factors carry the most weight when it comes to the 1797 dime value: variety and grade. Identifying whether your coin shows 13 or 16 stars on the obverse is the place to begin, as the two varieties are priced quite differently across all grades.

Condition matters just as much. The difference between a heavily worn example and a lightly circulated one can mean thousands of dollars in value.

Get an instant grade estimate for your 1797 dime with the Coin Value Checker App.

 

1797 Dime Value Guides

The 1797 dime comes in two distinct varieties, both easily identified by counting the stars on the obverse.

• 1797 16 Stars Dime (JR-1): Features 16 stars on the obverse — 9 to the left and 7 to the right of Liberty’s portrait. The tail of the “9” in the date ends in a sharp point. This variety was struck first, before Mint Director Elias Boudinot decided to standardize the star count at 13.
• 1797 13 Stars Dime (JR-2): Features 13 stars — 7 left, 6 right — representing the original states. The tail of the “9” in the date ends with a distinct rounded knob. It followed the 16 Stars variety and is significantly scarcer in higher grades today.

Both varieties share the same Draped Bust obverse and Small Eagle reverse design. The JR numbering system used to identify these varieties comes from Early United States Dimes 1796–1837 (1984) by Davis, Logan, Lovejoy, McCloskey, and Subjack — the standard reference for the series published by the John Reich Collectors Society.

 

1797 16 Stars Dime Value

The 1797 16 Stars dime is one of the more historically grounded coins in the Draped Bust series. Its 16 stars directly reflect Tennessee’s June 1796 admission to the Union — making this variety a tangible record of the country’s growth captured at the exact moment it happened.

The entire known population comes from just one die pairing (JR-1). In its earliest state, the die is perfect. In later die states, a crack begins forming above the date, progressively worsening until the bottom of the die sinks and eventually becomes unusable. According to PCGS CoinFacts, coins from the late die state — featuring the most dramatic cracking — are especially sought after by advanced variety collectors. As of September 2024, PCGS has certified just two examples in MS66, while NGC has certified one MS66 and CAC has stickered one MS66.

The top specimen is the famous Pogue Collection coin: graded PCGS MS66, it sold for $199,750 at Stack’s Bowers/Sotheby’s in May 2015. The coin’s pedigree traces back to the Lorin G. Parmelee Collection (1890) and passed through the James A. Stack Collection before reaching the Pogue family. An MS62 example sold for $45,600 at Heritage Auctions in November 2024, showing that even mid-Mint State examples command strong prices.

Here’s a look at how the 1797 16 Stars dime has performed across grades at auction.

The chart below shows the market activity for the 1797 16 Stars dime over the past year.

 

1797 13 Stars Dime Value

The 1797 13 Stars dime (JR-2) is the final variety struck with the Small Eagle reverse. After this coin, the design shifted to the Heraldic Eagle, making the 13 Stars dime the last chapter of an early and short-lived era in American coinage.

What sets this variety apart is its position in design history. The decision to fix the star count at 13 — honoring the original colonies rather than adding one per new state — was effectively formalized through this die, shaping how American coins would look for decades to come. Numismatic author Q. David Bowers, in his book United States Coins by Design Types, notes that very few 1797 dimes of either variety exist in Mint State or even close to it. According to PCGS CoinFacts, about 100 examples of the 13 Stars variety survive in total, making it roughly four times rarer than the 16 Stars variety at the AU and Mint State level.

High-grade examples are rarely seen at auction. The variety’s all-time record stands at $402,500, achieved by an MS65 example sold at Heritage Auctions in July 2008. The JR-2 variety within this group has also produced strong results, with an MS64 example reaching $82,250 in June 2017 and a separate NGC MS62 example from the R.L. Miles, Jr. Collection realizing $37,375 at Heritage Auctions in July 2008.

Take a look at the auction chart below for a broader view of how this variety has performed over time.

The chart below gives you a sense of how market activity for the 1797 13 Stars dime has shifted in recent months.

Also Read: 16 Rare Dime Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1797 Dime Error List

Production in the 1790s was largely manual, and imperfections in the striking process were far more common than they are today. On the 1797 dime, a handful of error types are known to exist, each adding its own layer of collectibility.

1. 1797 Dime Die Crack Error

The most well-documented error on the 1797 dime is the progressive die crack found on the 16 Stars variety (JR-1). A crack runs along the lower stars on the right and across the base of Liberty’s bust, worsening over time as more coins were struck.

In advanced die states, the crack is severe enough that the date area becomes faint and the final “S” in STATES nearly disappears. According to PCGS CoinFacts, only 7 to 10 coins from the late die state are known — making late-state examples a genuine rarity within an already scarce variety. Coins showing a more severe crack are especially sought after by variety collectors, and examples in higher circulated grades can fetch prices well above standard values for the variety.

2. 1797 Dime Adjustment Mark Variety

Adjustment marks are not errors in the traditional sense, but they are a significant grading and value factor on 1797 dimes. Before striking, Mint workers would file overweight planchets down to the required 2.70 gram specification, leaving parallel file lines across the blank.

These marks often show up on the coin’s high points — Liberty’s hair or the eagle’s feathers — and can make otherwise high-grade coins appear worn. Q. David Bowers notes in his reference work that adjustment marks are seen frequently across the entire Draped Bust Small Eagle type, and their presence should be factored into any grade or value assessment.

3. 1797 Dime Doubled Die Error

A doubled die (abbreviated DDO for obverse, DDR for reverse) occurs when the die receives more than one impression during the hubbing process at slightly different angles, leaving a slight doubling visible on design elements such as lettering or the date. On early coins like the 1797 dime, this can be subtle and is often confirmed only under magnification.

The John Reich Collectors Society reference — Early United States Dimes 1796–1837 (1984) — remains the standard guide for attributing die varieties on this series. A clearly attributable doubled die in decent condition could command a meaningful premium over a normal coin of the same grade.

4. 1797 Dime Struck-Through Error

A struck-through error happens when a foreign object — such as a cloth fiber, grease, or debris — gets caught between the die and the planchet during striking, leaving an area of missing or flattened detail on the surface.

On a coin as old and scarce as the 1797 dime, a clearly attributable struck-through error would attract significant collector interest. Value is influenced by the size and placement of the affected area, with errors falling on key design elements generally carrying the highest premiums.

 

Where to Sell Your 1797 Dime?

Whether you’re looking to sell a 1797 dime or add one to your collection, knowing where to buy and sell makes all the difference. I’ve put together a list of trusted platforms, complete with introductions, pros, and cons to help you get started.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

FAQ about the 1797 Dime

1. How much is a 1797 dime worth?

The value depends primarily on two things: which variety you have and what condition it’s in. The 16 Stars variety starts at around $3,956 in Good condition and climbs to $69,920 in Mint State (MS). The 13 Stars variety is scarcer, ranging from about $4,140 in Good up to $78,200 in MS. Top auction results for both varieties have reached six figures.

2. Which 1797 dime variety is rarer, the 16 Stars or the 13 Stars?

The 13 Stars variety is significantly rarer at higher grades. PCGS CoinFacts estimates roughly 200 survivors for the 16 Stars variety (with 10 to 15 in Mint State), compared to approximately 100 for the 13 Stars — making the 13 Stars nearly four times rarer in the AU and Mint State range. That difference in high-grade survival directly affects both availability and price at auction.

3. How can I tell if my 1797 dime is genuine?

Start with the basics: the coin should measure 19.80 millimeters in diameter, weigh 2.70 grams, and have a reeded edge. A genuine silver coin will not attract to a magnet. Under magnification, check the “9” in the date — a sharp-pointed tail identifies the 16 Stars (JR-1), while a rounded knob identifies the 13 Stars (JR-2). For any coin worth several thousand dollars or more, professional certification from PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended.

4. What are JR variety numbers on the 1797 dime?

JR numbers refer to the variety classification system documented in Early United States Dimes 1796–1837 (1984), published by the John Reich Collectors Society and authored by Davis, Logan, Lovejoy, McCloskey, and Subjack. Each die pairing for a given date gets its own JR number. The 1797 16 Stars dime is JR-1, and the 13 Stars dime is JR-2. Both are also listed in the Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins), the standard annual coin price guide.

5. Why do some 1797 dimes have file marks on the surface?

These are called adjustment marks — fine parallel lines left by Mint workers who filed overweight silver planchets down to the official 2.70 gram weight standard before striking. They were common practice at the Philadelphia Mint in the 1790s and are fully expected on early silver coins of this era. Adjustment marks are not considered damage but can reduce eye appeal and affect grade, particularly when they fall on key design elements like Liberty’s hair or the eagle’s feathers.

6. Who designed the 1797 dime?

The obverse design is credited to Chief Engraver Robert Scot, who adapted a sketch attributed to portrait artist Gilbert Stuart. The model for Liberty’s portrait is traditionally said to be Ann Willing Bingham, a Philadelphia socialite — though recent numismatic research has raised questions about Stuart’s direct involvement. Scot finished preparing the dies in September 1795, and dime production using this design began in 1796.

7. Why does the 1797 dime have no denomination shown?

The Coinage Act of 1792 only required the cent and half cent to display their denomination on the coin. All silver coins of the era — including dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars — carried no face value inscription. Instead, the size of the coin was used to indicate its denomination, with each silver coin increasing in diameter from the dime up to the dollar.

8. How many Mint State 1797 dimes exist?

Very few. PCGS CoinFacts estimates 10 to 15 Mint State examples of the 16 Stars variety, and the 13 Stars variety is even scarcer at that level. As of September 2024, PCGS has certified just two coins in MS66 for the 16 Stars variety — the highest grade confirmed at either service for that issue. Authors Winston Zack, Louis Scuderi, and Michael Sherrill noted in their Bust Dime Variety Attribution Guide (2015) that only about six Mint State examples could be accounted for across the entire 1797 date.

9. Does the die crack on the 1797 dime add value?

Yes, for variety collectors it can. The 16 Stars variety (JR-1) is known for a progressive die crack that starts above the date and worsens over time. Coins from the most advanced die state — where the crack is most dramatic and the date is noticeably weak — are among the most sought-after within the variety. PCGS CoinFacts estimates only 7 to 10 late-state examples are known, making them genuinely rare even within an already scarce series. Advanced die-state coins can command a meaningful premium over a standard example of the same grade.

10. Is a 1797 dime a good investment?

As a key date in the Draped Bust Small Eagle series — one of only two years the design was struck — the 1797 dime occupies an important place in every type set of early U.S. silver coinage. With a combined surviving population of approximately 300 coins across both varieties, and strong historical demand from advanced collectors, high-grade problem-free examples have a consistent track record at major auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers. That said, early American coins at this value level should always be purchased certified by PCGS or NGC, and sold through reputable major auction houses to achieve the best result.