Back in 1792, the U.S. Coinage Act established the disme, as the dime was then spelled. About 1500 half-dismes were struck in 1792 as well, of which some 200-300 remain. The rare example that Stack’s Bowers will offer in a Baltimore auction ending on November 15th is in “choice” condition. Bidding on the coin currently stands at $63,000, or 126,000 times its original face value.
Another item of unusual interest at the sale is a Two-Cent Piece from 1871. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) has graded the coin, whose original red surface shines through, the finest proof for its date. Bidding stands at $56,500. An 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar is also likely to be a focus for collectors. Although 1.2 million of these were minted, few were saved. This one, rated MS-62, isn’t in mint condition. Even so, it carries a current bid of $39,000.
