From Heritage Auctions, rare coins valued in the millions of dollars are traded every year. One example is the 1804 dime, featuring an iconic and subtly evocative image of Lady Liberty. is the 1804 dime, which features an iconic and subtly evocative image of Lady Liberty.
The “draped bust” design shows Liberty with a subtle neckline on the side of her head, accompanied by an eagle on the reverse. This coin is especially rare, as only 6,738 dimes were minted in 1804. The dime features a pale gold and brown gold tone, and the lettering on the back of the word “Liberty” is noticeably spaced, contributing to its high value.
The coin has some imperfections
Despite its age, the coin has only a few imperfections. There is a small crack on the side of the head, between the stars surrounding Lady Liberty, and some scratch marks in her hair.
On the reverse, most of the details are still visible, although some lettering on “United States of America” has partially or completely worn off over time.
According to the auction house, “this is easily the best 1804 coin in any variety I have seen or heard of.”
“Light wear is seen primarily on Liberty’s shoulder, a few strands of her hair, and the clouds above the eagle. Although faint hairlines are common on these coins, few exhibit the surface quality seen on this one.”
Unfortunately, the dime was cleaned at some point, which probably contributed to the wear.