10 Most Valuable Capped Bust Dimes

Capped Bust dimes, minted from 1809 to 1837, are a beloved series in U.S. coinage history. Designed by John Reich, these coins feature the iconic image of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and represent a fascinating period of early American craftsmanship. While all Capped Bust dimes hold historical significance, certain coins in this series are exceptionally rare and valuable, sought after by collectors worldwide. Here are the ten most valuable Capped Bust dimes that could transform any collection.

1822 Capped Bust Dime

The 1822 Capped Bust Dime is a crown jewel for collectors. With only a small mintage of 100,000 and few surviving examples, this coin commands high prices at auction. A well-preserved specimen can easily fetch upwards of $10,000.

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1809 Capped Bust Dime (Large Date)

The 1809 Large Date variety was the first of its kind and holds special significance as the inaugural issue of the series. Its rarity, coupled with its status as a first-year coin, makes it highly desirable, often reaching values in the tens of thousands.

1829 Capped Bust Dime (Curl Base 2)

This unique variety features a “2” in the date with a curled base, distinguishing it from the standard design. Its scarcity and demand among variety collectors make it one of the most valuable coins of the series, with high-grade examples selling for impressive sums.

1830 Capped Bust Dime (Small 10c)

This variety features a smaller “10c” inscription on the reverse, making it an exciting find for collectors. Its lower mintage and distinct design variation drive its value, with pristine examples valued at several thousand dollars.

1824/2 Overdate Capped Bust Dime

The 1824/2 overdate is a fascinating error where the “2” in the date is stamped over a previously engraved “2.” This minting anomaly adds intrigue and value to the coin, with collectors willing to pay a premium for well-preserved specimens.

1814 Capped Bust Dime (StatesofAmerica Variety)

A unique die pairing resulted in the phrase “StatesofAmerica” appearing without spaces between the words. This rare error increases the coin’s desirability and value, especially in higher grades.

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1820 Capped Bust Dime (Large 0)

This coin is identified by the unusually large “0” in the date. A low mintage and distinct design variation make this one of the most valuable coins from the series, with high-grade examples fetching thousands.

1811 Capped Bust Dime

The 1811 Capped Bust Dime is a classic rarity, with a low mintage of only 65,180 coins. Surviving examples are scarce, and those in fine condition are highly sought after, often selling for tens of thousands of dollars.

1835 Capped Bust Dime (No Drapery)

This late-series coin features a design with no drapery on Liberty’s bust, making it unique. The low mintage and subtle design differences make it a favorite among collectors, with high-grade coins commanding strong prices.

1827 Capped Bust Dime (Proof Only)

The 1827 Capped Bust Dime is an incredibly rare coin, as it was only struck in proof format. With less than a dozen known examples, it’s one of the most valuable coins in the series, often selling for six figures at auctions.

5 FAQ

What are Capped Bust dimes?
Capped Bust dimes are U.S. coins minted between 1809 and 1837, featuring Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap on the obverse.

Why are Capped Bust dimes valuable?
Their rarity, historical significance, and unique varieties make them highly sought after by collectors.

What is the rarest Capped Bust dime?
The 1827 Proof-Only Capped Bust Dime is considered the rarest, with fewer than a dozen known examples.

How can I identify a valuable Capped Bust dime?
Look for unique features like overdates, minting errors, or design variations, and assess the coin’s condition and mintage year.

Where can I buy or sell Capped Bust dimes?
You can buy or sell them through coin dealers, auctions, or online platforms like Heritage Auctions and eBay.