Numismatic

1805 Draped Bust Dime AG (4 Berries)

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In the early days of United States coinage, the Philadelphia Mint produced a modest run of just 120,780 silver dimes for the year 1805. Today, survivors of this mintage offer a captivating glimpse into the nation's first decades of currency production. This particular issue is struck in 0.8924 fine silver, containing 0.0775 troy ounces of precious metal, and represents a time when each die was prepared with unique, hand-engraved details. What makes this specific coin especially intriguing to scholars and enthusiasts is its classification as the four berries variety, distinguished by the precise number of berries visible in the olive branch on the reverse. The reverse design showcases a heraldic eagle with its wings spread wide, holding the symbols of peace and defense. On the obverse, the classic Draped Bust motif presents a right-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, her hair flowing gently as she is surrounded by a ring of stars, with the date 1805 positioned clearly at the bottom. Even in an Almost Good state of preservation, the essential elements of this historic ten-cent piece remain recognizable. The soft wear on the silver surfaces tells a story of active circulation during the Jefferson administration, making it a marvelous subject for anyone eager to explore the subtle variations of early American minting technology.