 1833 JR-6. Very Choice Brilliant Uncirculated, with claims to Gem. This is an extraordinary coin that has the appearance and striking characteristics of a presentation piece. Well frosted on the primary devices, particularly Liberty and the surrounding fields are decidedly reflective. Close examination will confirm evidence of double striking on most of the stars and date, and the reverse legend also has traces of doubling along the tops of the letters. The strike is exceptionally bold. Toned with delicate gold on the obverse, the reverse deeper with flecks of blue, russet and green around the rim. A few minute nicks are present on the broad rims, in particular below Liberty's lowest curls, another between stars six and seven. Proofs are known from this die pair, and the reverse die was also used to coin Proofs and business strikes in 1834.
A half dozen Proofs of this date have been certified, although it is not known which die pairing was used to coin these. Interestingly, this reverse was first used to coin 1834 Dimes, then later these 1833 Dimes. This fact was determined by a minor die crack seen from the rim through the 'D' of UNITED to the scroll, and a scored area on the die where clashmarks were removed below the left wing of the eagle, neither of which are present on most of those dated 1834. A tiny die crack extends from the second leaf from the bottom to the rim, and the left angle in the 'M' of AMERICA is partially filled by a die chip. Traces of die rust are seen on the obverse above the first '3', and touching the left base curl of Liberty, a feature not noted in Early United States Dimes 1796-1837. and this may be further evidence of a special striking.
Ex The Benson I Sale (Goldbergs, February 2001, lot 1566); Elite Sale (Superior, May 2001, lot 1699).
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