Draped Bust Dime

United States’ first ever ten-cent piece – this is the Draped Bust Dime. Crafted by Gilbert Stuart, this coin started began its service at the US coinage so to speak in 1796. When it comes to its design on the obverse, the Draped Bust Dime is very identical to the Draped Bust Half Dime…which is another coin designed by Stuart.

The coin’s obverse features a Lady Liberty who’s facing right and her hair flowing all the way behind her. Along with that, you can find the word LIBERTY at the top as well as the year the coin’s bottom. Additionally, you’ll find 15 stars displayed on the coin’s obverse – seven on the right and eight on the left.

On the other hand, the coin’s reverse features small eagle with its wings outstretched while standing on a cloud. The small eagle as well as the cloud is encircled with palm and olive branches. To top it off, the words – UNITED STATES OF AMERICA circles almost the entire image.

The initial or first design of the Draped Bust Dime was minted and circulated for two years…starting in 1796. However, during 1798, the design – the coin’s reverse was changed. Like the obverse, it was very identical to the design of the Draped Bust Half Dime. It has an eagle, which is the traditional Union Shield, in the coin’s front. A closer look at the eagle will show you a ribbon along with a phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM.

Along with that, the claws of the eagle hold 13 arrows on the left as well as an olive branch on the right. You can also find 13 stars which are printed just right above the eagle. This is topped off by an arc of clouds above them. On the reverse side, the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA rounds almost this full side of the coin.