How to Identify the Capped Bust Half Dime
A guide to the Capped Bust Half Dime (1829-1837), covering its capped Liberty portrait, eagle reverse with '5 C.' denomination, small size, and how it differs from the similarly styled dime.
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What It Is
The Capped Bust Half Dime was struck from 1829 to 1837, designed by William Kneass in the smaller "reduced size" format used across US silver coinage improvements of the era. Unlike the dime, the half dime denomination never received an earlier "large size" Capped Bust version.
Obverse (Front) Design
Liberty faces left, wearing a cloth cap inscribed "LIBERTY," with curls of hair beneath it and drapery at the shoulder, closely following the same style used on the Capped Bust Dime of the same period. Stars line the border, with the date below.
Reverse (Back) Design
An eagle with a shield on its breast, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons, appears at the center, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the border and "5 C." below the eagle, indicating the five-cent value.
Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge
This coin measures about 15.5 mm in diameter and weighs roughly 1.35 grams, struck in .8924 fine silver, with a reeded edge.
Mint Marks
No mint marks appear on this series, since it was struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint.
Telling It Apart from Similar Coins
The most important distinction is size: the Capped Bust Half Dime is noticeably smaller than the Capped Bust Dime, and its reverse reads "5 C." rather than "10 C." Because both share the same capped Liberty portrait style, someone unfamiliar with the series might mistake one for the other at a glance, so checking the denomination text and comparing the coin's diameter against a known reference is the most reliable check.
Judging Condition at a Glance
As with the Capped Bust Dime, look at Liberty's cap, hair curls, and cheek for early wear on the obverse. On the reverse, the eagle's breast feathers and the shield's vertical stripes are the first details to soften; a coin retaining crisp feather and shield lines is in better condition than one where these have worn smooth.
Authenticity Notes
This series is not commonly counterfeited, but cleaned, polished, or artificially toned surfaces are a more frequent concern given the coin's age. Look for unnatural shine in the fields or hairline scratches suggesting past cleaning. Confirming a suspect coin's diameter and weight against the standard specifications can help rule out a piece that has been altered or is not what it claims to be.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Capped Bust Half Dime different from the Capped Bust Dime?
The half dime is noticeably smaller (about 15.5 mm versus 18.5-18.8 mm) and its reverse reads '5 C.' instead of '10 C.,' even though both share a similar capped Liberty design.
Does the Capped Bust Half Dime have a mint mark?
No, it was struck only at the Philadelphia Mint, so no mint mark appears.
What metal is this coin made of?
It is struck in .8924 fine silver, matching the standard used for US silver coinage of that era.
Where does wear show up first on this coin?
Liberty's cap and hair curls on the obverse, and the eagle's breast feathers and shield lines on the reverse, are the first areas to flatten with circulation.