1798/97 10C 16 Stars on Reverse MS65 NGC....

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Gem 1798/97 Dime, 16 Stars on Reverse, JR-1

1798/97 10C 16 Stars on Reverse MS65 NGC. JR-1, R.3. This is the overdate obverse with a small 8 cut over a larger 7. The obverse has 13 stars. All of the stars are distant from the devices, and most are distant from each other. On the left, stars 5 and 6 are further apart than others. On the right, stars 11 and 12 are closer than others.
The reverse has 16 stars with two arcs of seven stars each, and a single star on each side of the eagle's head. Each of these stars are from a defective punch and have an extra point. The branch only has four berries with three on the outside and one on the inside. Stars 4, 5, and 6 each touch a cloud, but no other stars touch any of the devices.
One of the great numismatic mysteries surrounds this issue, with 13 stars on the obverse and 16 stars on the reverse. Obviously the 13 obverse stars signify the original 13 states, and the 16 reverse stars signify the 16 states that were part of the Union when these coins were struck. Tennessee was the 16th state, admitted in 1796, and Ohio was the 17th state, but not admitted until 1803.
This is a lovely example with extremely sharp central details on each side and weaker peripheral details. Heavy clash marks are evident in the fields, with minor die chips or cracks. Light obverse die bulges are also evident. The obverse die is extensively lapped, causing much of the lower hair detail to be almost or entirely absent. Both sides have frosty luster with brilliant silver surfaces and just a hint of ice-green toning. An attractive, highly desirable Gem. Census: 6 in 65, 3 finer (6/08). (Registry values: P6)

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 4468, GSID# 4014)

Metal: 89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper
Weight: 2.70 grams
ASW: 0.07747oz
Mintage: 27,550

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