Capped Bust Dime: The Capped Bust Dime, minted from 1809 to 1837, may be small in size, but it holds immense historical and numismatic significance. Designed by John Reich, this classic coin features Lady Liberty wearing a cap inscribed with “LIBERTY” on the obverse and an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch on the reverse.
While many Capped Bust Dimes were produced for circulation, certain issues have become exceptionally rare and valuable due to factors like low mintages, mint errors, and extraordinary condition.
For collectors, these dimes are more than just pocket change—they’re tangible pieces of early American history. Below, we’ll explore nine standout Capped Bust Dimes that carry big value and why they’re so highly prized.
Table of Contents
The 9 Most Valuable Capped Bust Dimes
1. 1809: The First-Year Issue
- Year & Mintmark: 1809 (No mintmark)
- Why It’s Rare/Valuable: As the inaugural year of the series, the 1809 dime is a cornerstone for collectors. Its relatively low mintage and heavy circulation make high-grade examples scarce.
- Recent Sale Price: $1,500 (VF-30 grade) to $15,000 (MS-65 grade in 2023).
- Interesting Fact: The introduction of the Capped Bust design marked a new era for U.S. coinage, replacing the earlier Draped Bust motif.
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2. 1822: The Key Date Rarity
- Year & Mintmark: 1822 (No mintmark)
- Why It’s Rare/Valuable: With just 44,000 coins minted, the 1822 dime is one of the lowest-mintage issues in the series. High-grade examples are exceptionally rare.
- Recent Sale Price: $5,000 (Fine condition) to $50,000+ (MS-65 grade in 2022).
- Interesting Fact: Many 1822 dimes were heavily circulated, leaving few survivors in pristine condition.
3. 1829 Curl Base 2: Variety Hunter’s Dream
- Year & Mintmark: 1829 (No mintmark)
- Why It’s Rare/Valuable: This variety features a distinctive curl at the base of the “2” in the date. Collectors prize it for its subtle rarity and unique design.
- Recent Sale Price: $2,500 (EF-40 grade) to $12,000 (MS-64 grade in 2023).
- Interesting Fact: The Curl Base 2 variety is a favorite among variety collectors, showcasing the intricacies of early minting techniques.
4. 1837: Final Year Rarity
- Year & Mintmark: 1837 (No mintmark)
- Why It’s Rare/Valuable: As the last year of the series, the 1837 dime marks the end of an era. High-grade examples are particularly sought after.
- Recent Sale Price: $1,000 (XF-45 grade) to $10,000 (MS-66 grade in 2022).
- Interesting Fact: The 1837 issue represents a transition to the Seated Liberty design, adding sentimental value for collectors.
5. 1814/3 Overdate
- Year & Mintmark: 1814/3 (No mintmark)
- Why It’s Rare/Valuable: An overdate occurs when a die intended for one year is reused and altered for another. In this case, remnants of “1813” can be seen beneath “1814.”
- Recent Sale Price: $3,000 (AU-50 grade) to $25,000 (MS-64 grade in 2023).
- Interesting Fact: Overdates provide insight into the resourceful practices of early 19th-century mints.
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6. 1828: Large Date vs. Small Date
- Year & Mintmark: 1828 (No mintmark)
- Why It’s Rare/Valuable: Two distinct varieties exist for 1828: Large Date and Small Date. The Small Date version is significantly rarer.
- Recent Sale Price: $2,000 (Large Date, AU-55 grade) to $20,000 (Small Date, MS-64 grade in 2022).
- Interesting Fact: The Small Date variety is a sleeper rarity, often overlooked until graded specimens appear on the market.
7. 1820: Eroded Die Example
- Year & Mintmark: 1820 (No mintmark)
- Why It’s Rare/Valuable: Coins struck from eroded dies feature weak details, making them unique and intriguing to collectors. Only a handful of these examples exist.
- Recent Sale Price: $4,000 (VF-35 grade) to $18,000 (AU-58 grade in 2023).
- Interesting Fact: Eroded die coins highlight the challenges faced by early mint workers, who had limited tools and resources.
8. 1827: Scarce Proof Issue
- Year & Mintmark: 1827 (No mintmark)
- Why It’s Rare/Valuable: Fewer than 10 proof examples of the 1827 dime are known to exist, making it one of the rarest proofs in the series.
- Recent Sale Price: $50,000+ (PR-63 grade in 2021).
- Interesting Fact: Proof coins were specially made for collectors and feature mirror-like surfaces and sharp details.
9. 1831: Condition Rarity
- Year & Mintmark: 1831 (No mintmark)
- Why It’s Rare/Valuable: Though not the lowest mintage, finding the 1831 dime in gem condition is incredibly challenging. Its subtle rarity surprises many collectors.
- Recent Sale Price: $1,500 (Fine condition) to $8,000 (MS-65 grade in 2023).
- Interesting Fact: This date is often overlooked, but its scarcity in high grades makes it a hidden gem for savvy collectors.
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What Makes These Capped Bust Dimes So Valuable?
Several key factors contribute to the desirability and value of these coins:
Rarity
Low mintages, unique varieties, and mint errors make certain issues nearly impossible to acquire. Coins like the 1822 dime or 1827 proof are true rarities.
Condition
High-grade examples are exponentially more valuable than circulated coins. Grading services like PCGS and NGC play a critical role in determining a coin’s worth based on preservation.
Historical Significance
Each Capped Bust Dime tells a story about the era in which it was minted, whether it’s the War of 1812, the rise of industrialization, or the transition to new designs.
Artistic Beauty
John Reich’s design captures the neoclassical style of the early 19th century, appealing to both collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
You never know where a rare Capped Bust Dime might turn up. Perhaps you’ve inherited a box of old coins, stumbled upon a curious piece at an estate sale, or even found something intriguing in your pocket change. The Capped Bust Dime series is full of surprises, and every coin has potential—if you know what to look for.
