Capped Bust Dime

The Capped Bust Dime carried American ten-cent coinage through the early 19th century, spanning both a larger original diameter and a later, reduced-size version introduced in 1828. Its long production run and two distinct size varieties make it a favorite among collectors of early U.S. type coins.

Mintages varied considerably from year to year, and many dates exist in numerous die varieties studied closely by specialists, giving the series depth well beyond simple date collecting. The coin is also notable for a lengthy gap in production during the mid-1810s to early 1820s tied to broader U.S. coinage priorities.

Collectors typically pursue the series either as a single representative type coin or, for more advanced collectors, by individual date and die variety, since some issues are considerably scarcer than others.

Designed by German-born engraver John Reich, the Capped Bust Dime debuted in 1809, replacing the earlier Draped Bust Dime. Reich's design depicted Liberty wearing a soft cap, a style he used across several denominations of the era, giving the series its "Capped Bust" name.

Production was irregular in the design's early years, and no dimes were struck at all between 1812 and 1813 changeovers or during certain years in the 1810s as the Mint focused resources elsewhere; a notable gap also occurred between 1812 and 1814 dates for some varieties. In 1828, the Mint introduced a mechanically reduced-diameter version of the coin, sometimes called the "reduced size" Capped Bust Dime, reflecting improved coining technology under Chief Engraver William Kneass.

The series continued until 1837, when it was replaced by Christian Gobrecht's Seated Liberty Dime, part of a broader redesign of U.S. silver coinage during that era.

The obverse shows Liberty facing left wearing a soft cap inscribed "LIBERTY," surrounded by stars, with the date below. The reverse depicts a perched eagle with a shield on its breast, holding arrows and an olive branch, encircled by "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"; some early varieties instead read "10 C." on the reverse rather than a spelled-out denomination.

The coin is struck in silver, with a reeded edge, and comes in two distinct sizes: the earlier large-diameter type (1809–1828), roughly 18.8 mm, and the later reduced-diameter type (1828–1837), roughly 17.9 mm, closer in size to the subsequent Seated Liberty Dime. No mint marks appear, as all were struck in Philadelphia.

Collectors distinguish the two size varieties primarily by measuring diameter or comparing overall proportions, since the design elements are broadly similar. Specialists further study numerous minor die varieties within each date, cataloged by variations in star arrangement, letter size, and other small design details.

Capped Bust Dimes range from relatively affordable common dates in worn condition to genuinely scarce issues tied to low original mintages or historically small survival rates. Large-size (1809–1828) coins tend to command higher premiums than the more common reduced-size (1828–1837) issues in comparable grades.

Certain early dates, particularly from the 1810s when mintages were low and irregular, are considered key issues and can bring significant premiums even in well-worn condition. Variety collectors also pay premiums for well-documented die varieties that are scarcer than the overall date might suggest.

Generally, well-preserved, problem-free examples of any date bring notably stronger prices than average survivors, since the series saw extensive circulation and many surviving coins show significant wear or damage.