Medium gray surfaces with pale gold and iridescent toning. A few trivial surface marks are noted, however, this is an extremely pleasing example for the grade. This is one of the top three Capped Bust dime varieties along with 1827 JR-10 (a Proof-only variety) and 1833 JR-3. Just six examples are recorded in the Dime Census, and we suspect there may only be one or two others known.

Considered Rarity-7 when the Dime Book was published in 1984 and still listed as Rarity-7 today. This is an important consideration as it suggests that this is an extreme rarity. Generally, after publication of a die variety study, rarity ratings will start to decrease as more people examine their holdings and seek examples from the marketplace. When many years pass and the rarity remains approximately the same, it is doubtful that many more new examples will be discovered.

Second use of the obverse after JR-1 and first use of the reverse prior to JR-4.

The obverse has very light die cracks through the three lower stars on each side, with a nearly imperceptible crack at base of the date. A bulge affects stars 1 through 4. Perfect reverse.

From Stack’s sale of the Lovejoy Collection, October 1990, Lot 52. Previously from Stack’s, privately, September 12, 1975.