A RARE and remarkable 1807 Draped Bust Dime, featuring an unusual “curved clip” error, recently sold for an impressive $25,200 at auction.
Collectors of rare coins were drawn to this unique piece, not just for its historical significance but also for the clipped detail, which dramatically increases its value.
A “curved clip” refers to an incomplete planchet, the metal disk used to strike the coin, that is missing a portion due to a manufacturing error.
This type of error is highly prized by collectors due to its rarity and the impact it has on the coin’s design, Heritage Auctions reports.
The curved clip on this 1807 Draped Bust Dime appears at the two o’clock position, affecting stars nine and 10 on the obverse.
This missing segment led to uneven pressure during the minting process, resulting in strong details on the central and right sides of the coin but weaker ones on the left.
The combination of rarity and visual appeal makes the curved clip a fascinating detail for collectors.
IN CONDITION
This particular dime is graded MS66 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), indicating that it is in exceptional mint state condition, the auctioneering site says.
The coin also exhibits frosty silver luster, ivory-toned surfaces, and remarkable iridescent hues, making it not only rare but visually stunning.
Additionally, the coin shows signs of being struck from a late die state.
Heavy clash marks and die bulges are visible, characteristic of the later stages of the JR-1 obverse die.
These details include the positioning of the “1” in the date, nearly touching Liberty’s lowest curl, and the “7,” which is positioned farther from the bust.
On the reverse, the die shows peripheral softness, a result of the deteriorating obverse.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The 1807 Draped Bust Dime, designed by Robert Scot, is part of a series struck between 1796 and 1807.
With a relatively high mintage for its time and a good survival rate, the 1807 issue is a favorite among collectors seeking Draped Bust dimes, per Heritage Auctions.
What is a die break or error on a coin?
What causes such defects on coins and why are they so rare to find?
A die break, also known as a cud, is an error on a coin that is formed when a die, (a metallic piece that is used to strike a coin) is missing a piece near the rim.
When dies strike coins, they have a heavy impact and pressure and the metal from the blank part of the coin, known as the planchet, overlaps the area left by the missing piece of the die.
Coins with such deformities are rare thanks to the strict quality control measures at the US Mint.
When such errors do occur, they are often caught and destroyed.
However, those that slip through the net become huge collector’s items worth much more than their face value.
Source: Littleton Coin Company
However, the curved clip on this particular coin makes it stand out in the crowd.
Even among high-end examples of the 1807 Draped Bust Dime, this coin ranks in the Condition Census — the top examples of its kind.
Its rarity and remarkable condition contributed to its high auction price.
According to Heritage Auctions, only five examples of this coin have been graded MS66 by PCGS, and only one finer example exists in the world, making this dime extremely rare and valuable.
For anyone looking to add a similar rare piece to their collection, the curved clip is a key detail to watch for.
These unique errors transform ordinary coins into sought-after treasures, as seen in the case of this dime.
