1798 Dime Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

If you are keen on building a complete Draped Bust dime collection, you are probably curious about the 1798 dime value. Is this third-year issue worth collecting? How much can I buy or sell it for? Our in-depth guide will answer these questions and more.

We’ll take you through the fascinating history of the 1798 Draped Bust dime and its key features. You will also learn how to grade and authenticate your silver dime like a pro and discover interesting die varieties and minting errors that make the 1798 dime a truly special issue worth adding to your collection.

So, let’s jump in and find out: How much is a 1798 dime worth?

1797 Dime Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1798 Dime Value	$1,200	$2,450	$4,500	$30,000

 

 

History of the 1798 Dime

The 1798 dime is the third-year issue of the Draped Bust coin series and was also the year that saw significant changes to the coin’s design.

In 1794, the United Stated Mint issued its first ever silver dollar, known as the Flowing Hair dollar, and minted it until 1796. But by this time, the Flowing Hair design had received so much criticism, the Mint caved into the pressure and Congress subsequently authorized a new design.

At the time, all denominations had a similar design on the obverse and none include the coin’s value as it was assumed that this could be deduced from its size. Thus, the dime was smaller than the dollar and the half-dime the smallest of the silver coins.

In designing the new coins, Chief Engraver, Robert Scot, used a portrait by artist Gilbert Stuart, of a busty lady believed to be Ann Willing Bingham, a Philadelphia socialite and the wife to statesman William Bingham. Ann Willing therefore became the representation of Lady Liberty for the duration of the Draped Bust coin design.

From 1796 to 1797, the reverse showed an image of a scrawny, bald eagle, giving these coins the name Draped Bust, Small Eagle. But, in 1798, the Mint changed this design into a bolder Heraldic Eagle based on a watered-down version of the Great Seal of the United States. From then on, the newly designed coins were referred to as the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle series, which were minted until 1807.

With a low mintage, historical status, and sentimental value, the 1798 dime is a popular addition to any Draped Bust coin collection.

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money 

 

Features of the 1798 Dime

Let’s now explore the standout features of the 1798 dime. By familiarizing yourself with these features, you can authenticate and grade your silver dimes more accurately. You’ll also gain the know-how to identify high-value Draped Bust dimes worth collecting.

Here’s what to look out for:

Obverse Features of the 1798 Dime

The “heads” side of the 1798 dime features a busty, right-facing Lady Liberty with her hair flowing lightly in the wind and some of her strands tied daintily with a ribbon.

The word LIBERTY appears above her along the rim while the date is shown below her portrait. Liberty is encircled by thirteen stars, seven on the left and six on the right, representing the 13 original states.

The coin’s rim is decorated by tiny numerous denticles.

Reverse Features of the 1798 Dime

The reverse displays a bold image of the heraldic bald eagle with a shield on its chest as a symbol of independence and sovereignty.

In its beak, the eagle holds a flag with the Latin phrase, E BLURIBUS UNUM, which means “Out of Many, One.” And in its left talon there’s a bunch of arrows, symbolic of victory but also a readiness to defend, and an olive branch in the right, representing peace.

Above the eagle is a constellation of thirteen stars, also symbolic of the original states. The stars are crowned by a billow of clouds while the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are inscribed around the coin’s circumference.

Other Features of the 1798 Dime

Additional features include:

• Diameter: 19.80 millimeters
• Weight: 19.80 millimeters
• Edge: Reeded
• Metal Composition: 89.2% Silver, 10.8%
• ASW: 0.0774oz
• Fineness: 0.892

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money

 

 1798 Dime Value Guides

So, how much is the 1798 dime value? Is it worth collecting? The value depends on the coin’s condition and rarity. Overall, 1798 Draped Bust dimes are scarce across all grades, and are acutely rare in Mint State and Gem condition.

There’s only one type of the 1798 dime:

• 1798 No-Mint mark Dime

Let’s find out just how much it is worth.

1798 No-Mint mark Dime Value

The Philadelphia Mint, the only one at the time, struck about 27,550 Draped Bust dimes in 1798, a relatively low mintage. Today, survivors are scarce across all grades and will command a premium.

 Here’s what to expect:

Circulated Examples: These are scarce and the population dwindles drastically from grade Fine (F) onwards; the higher the grade, the fewer the survivors. So few are the existing examples that even lower grades will command significantly high prices. For example, a Poor/Average dime can fetch as much as $600 and a Good (G) one $1,200. The prices almost double for a Fine (F) example, which can bring in as much as $2,450. A rare Extremely Fine (XF) example will sell for as much as $4,500 while an About Uncirculated (AU58) will command prices as high as $7,500.

Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples, especially in higher grades, are scarce and Gems are genuinely rare. Although these specimens are collectible, prices can be prohibitive. At MS60, expect prices of up to $9,750 and almost double at just MS63, fetching as much as $18,750, while an MS63 will sell for at least $30,000.

Auction Record: The finest known example of a 1798 no-mintmark dime is graded MS66 but has never appeared in the market since 1989 when the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) graded it. In 2015, Stack’s Bowers auctioned an MS64 for a whopping $82,250, making it the most valuable 1798 Draped Bust dime to appear in the market.

 

1798 Dime Grading

Grading the 1798 Draped Bust dime can be challenging not only because of its age and environmental damage but also because these coins generally have a weak strike, which can be mistaken for wear.

When grading, examine the luster, surface quality, strike quality and wear in high-contact areas. Dimes with a distinct shine and well-defined devices are of a high grade; lower-grade examples will lack this distinctive luster.

Pay attention to the high-contact points, which are prone to wear and can tell you how much circulated a coin is. On the obverse, these points include Liberty’s hair above the forehead, her curls and the ribbon. Also check the inscription LIBERTY, all of which will show some smoothing and loss of definition in highly circulated examples, and more crispness and detail in higher-grade dimes.

Assess the extent of wear on the reverse by examining the eagle’s wing and tail feathers, shield and talons, which will show smoothing and weakness in lower-grade dimes and more definition in less circulated or uncirculated examples.  

 

Rare 1798 Dime Errors List

A combination of poorly constructed dies, primitive tools and materials, and bad working conditions resulted in many minting errors and variations in the Draped Bust coin series. The 1798 dime was no exception; this issue has numerous die varieties and errors. Let’s look at some that are worth collecting:

1. 1798 Small 8 Dime (JR-3) Variety

On some 1798 Draped Bust dimes, you’ll notice that the number 8 in the date, 1798, is smaller than the other digits. This is the rarest of the two main die varieties in this issue. The most valuable Small 8 Dime is graded MS66 and was auctioned in 2008 by Heritage Auctions for a record-shattering $253,000.

2. 1798 Large 8 Dime (JR-4) Variety

The JR-4 variety is a common variety; most 1798 dimes have a large 8. However, the term “large 8” is a misnomer in that the number “8” in the date, 1798, is actually the same size as the rest of the numbers. The use of the phrase, “large 8,” is only meant to contrast the difference in size of the number “8” in 1798 dimes.

The most valuable JR-4 1798 dime in the market is graded MS64 and was auctioned in 2015 for an impressive $82,250.

3. 1798 Dime Overdate Error

Another error that frequently shows up in the 1798 dime series is the overdate. This error occurs when a date is re-punched on a die with an already existing date.

Some or all the digits may be re-punched and transferred to the planchet. The result is a coin with a primary date overlapped by a secondary date. Usually, you would require a magnifier to notice that a secondary date has been struck over the primary date on a coin.

In the case of the 1798 dime, the date was struck over the 1797 master die. As such, you might notice the digit “7” showing underneath “8” on some 1798 Draped Bust dimes.

In a 2008 sale, Stack’s Bower auctioned a Fine (F) 1798 dime with an overdate error for an impressive $3,100.

4. 1798 Dime Struck-Through Error g

A struck-through, also known as a strike-through is an error in which foreign elements such as hair strands, dust, wood speck, or even drops of grease are accidentally struck between the die and planchet.

The foreign elements may leave their impression on the planchet’s surface, resulting in a struck-through error. Some impressions are subtle but it is the dramatic, eye-catching ones that tend to be the most valuable.

 In 2020, a collector paid a remarkable $5,000 for an extremely rare 1798 dime graded Extremely Fine (XF) with an obverse struck-through error appearing across Liberty’s face.

5. 1798 Dime Die Crack Error

Another minting error commonly seen on 1798 dimes is the die crack. Cracked dies were commonplace in the striking of early coins, so it’s no surprise that die crack errors are dominant in this issue.

A die crack error occurs when the die develops cracks which are gradually filled with small metal pieces, resulting in raised lines on the die’s surface. These lines are then transferred onto the planchet’s surface, resulting in die crack errors.

Die cracks can take any size and form but larger, more dramatic ones will be generally more valuable. In 2016, an eBay collector paid a neat $3,800 for a 1798 dime graded Very Fine (VF) with obverse and reverse die cracks.

6. 1798 Dime Overstrike Error

Overstrikes are quite common in the 1798 dime series and often attract premium prices due to their unique appearance. This error occurs when the die strikes a different design on an already struck planchet.

In the case of 1798 dimes, overstrikes occurred when the dime design was struck on dollar or half-dollar planchets. This resulted in the coin having two different overlapping designs, making for an eye-catching appearance.

In 2012, a collector paid a whopping $2,000 for a 1798 dime graded Very Good (VG) with an obverse overstrike error.

 

Where to Sell Your 1798 Dime?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons. 

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

 

FAQS

How much is a 1798 Draped Bust Dime worth today?

Depending on the coin’s condition and rarity, the value of a 1798 dime ranges from $600 to $30,00-. Extra details such as minting errors and die varieties will also influence the dime’s value.

Do 1798 Draped Bust dimes exist today?

Yes. It is possible to come across 1798 dimes but many of them are in collectors’ hands. This issue already has a low mintage, combine that with age and the fact that some were damaged or melted, and you find that there are only a few 1798 dime survivors. Mint State examples and Gems are particularly difficult to come by today.

How can I tell if my 1798 dime is real?

Because of their historical and sentimental value, early silver coins, including the 1798 dime, are an easy target for counterfeiters. You can authenticate your dime by comparing it to images of real 1798 Draped Bust dimes acquired from reputable sources such as the PCGS and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). Compare the key features including the diameter, weight, and the edge. You can also perform a simple silver test such as using a magnet against the coin; real silver is not magnetic. It is always recommended to consult with professional coin graders if you’re unsure of your silver dime’s authenticity.