Capped Bust Dime Values
How Much Capped Bust Dimes are Worth: Capped Bust Dime Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1811/09 | (None) Phil | SRS:R3 | -- | $465 | $1,013 | $1,328 | $1,950 | $2,600 | $4,150 | $8,575 | $12,313 | $30,700 | $60,000 |
| 1814 | (None) Phil | Large Date | -- | $165 | $212 | $310 | $631 | $839 | $1,605 | $2,795 | $4,125 | $14,290 | $26,575 |
| 1814 | (None) Phil | Small Date | -- | $179 | $269 | $415 | $830 | $1,232 | $2,422 | $4,538 | $6,088 | $19,100 | $70,000 |
| 1814 | (None) Phil | STATESOF | -- | $600 | $990 | $1,300 | $1,950 | $3,675 | $12,600 | $19,500 | $25,450 | $33,000 | -- |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Large O | -- | $133 | $187 | $273 | $581 | $940 | $2,365 | $3,788 | $5,475 | $20,050 | $30,700 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | Small O | -- | $133 | $187 | $273 | $639 | $940 | $2,115 | $3,180 | $5,115 | $18,800 | $28,500 |
| 1820 | (None) Phil | STATESOF | -- | $310 | $479 | $598 | $1,300 | $2,240 | $5,950 | $10,650 | $13,550 | $21,300 | $67,250 |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | Small Date | -- | $133 | $187 | $273 | $593 | $963 | $2,710 | $4,840 | $6,750 | $17,850 | $45,495 |
| 1821 | (None) Phil | Large Date | -- | $133 | $187 | $273 | $581 | $817 | $1,590 | $2,795 | $4,125 | $16,600 | $59,750 |
| 1822 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3,070 | $5,310 | $7,660 | $10,870 | $13,050 | $21,850 | $30,700 | $39,000 | $83,000 | $117,000 |
| 1823/2 | (None) Phil | Large Es | -- | $183 | $260 | $354 | $678 | $863 | $2,600 | $4,425 | $8,130 | $20,750 | $39,300 |
| 1823/2 | (None) Phil | Small Es | -- | $169 | $260 | $443 | $755 | $1,024 | $1,840 | $3,650 | $6,025 | $21,300 | $33,000 |
| 1824/2 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $198 | $335 | $592 | $1,074 | $1,240 | $2,270 | $3,433 | $5,208 | $24,650 | $51,250 |
| 1825 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $133 | $187 | $273 | $581 | $789 | $1,535 | $2,905 | $4,345 | $17,150 | $31,250 |
| 1827 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $133 | $187 | $273 | $581 | $789 | $1,480 | $2,795 | $4,125 | $18,995 | $26,575 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Large Date | -- | $216 | $332 | $578 | $1,355 | $2,240 | $5,810 | $14,250 | $28,500 | $60,000 | $85,000 |
| 1828 | (None) Phil | Small Date | -- | $123 | $170 | $248 | $548 | $913 | $1,783 | $3,400 | $5,725 | $24,995 | $35,000 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Medium 10C | -- | $68 | $100 | $155 | $390 | $598 | $1,688 | $2,863 | $4,230 | $7,800 | $14,250 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Large 10C | -- | $86 | $141 | $199 | $470 | $794 | $1,535 | $3,525 | $6,000 | $10,650 | $24,750 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Curl Base 2 | -- | $8,850 | $13,700 | $17,850 | $24,750 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Small 10C | -- | $65 | $90 | $130 | $312 | $515 | $997 | $2,042 | $3,460 | $7,700 | $12,710 |
| 1829 | (None) Phil | Extra Large 10C | -- | $118 | $168 | $238 | $675 | $940 | $2,158 | $4,175 | $7,300 | $11,750 | $26,950 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | Small 10C | -- | $65 | $90 | $130 | $312 | $515 | $1,633 | $2,518 | $3,875 | $17,700 | $31,250 |
| 1830/29 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $83 | $117 | $182 | $415 | $725 | $1,688 | $3,540 | $6,500 | $16,600 | $49,995 |
| 1830 | (None) Phil | Medium 10C | -- | $65 | $90 | $130 | $312 | $515 | $997 | $2,042 | $4,095 | $12,875 | $20,750 |
| 1831 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $65 | $65 | $130 | $312 | $515 | $997 | $2,042 | $2,960 | $5,439 | $11,460 |
| 1832 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $65 | $90 | $130 | $312 | $515 | $1,015 | $2,042 | $2,960 | $5,950 | $31,250 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $65 | $90 | $130 | $312 | $515 | $997 | $2,042 | $2,960 | $5,950 | $11,460 |
| 1833 | (None) Phil | Last 3 High | -- | $65 | $90 | $130 | $312 | $515 | $1,010 | $2,130 | $3,070 | $7,050 | $15,350 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Small 4 | -- | $65 | $90 | $130 | $312 | $515 | $997 | $2,042 | $2,960 | $5,950 | $11,460 |
| 1834 | (None) Phil | Large 4 | -- | $65 | $90 | $130 | $390 | $515 | $997 | $2,042 | $2,960 | $5,950 | $11,460 |
| 1835 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $65 | $90 | $130 | $312 | $515 | $997 | $2,042 | $2,960 | $6,775 | $17,000 |
| 1836 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $65 | $90 | $130 | $312 | $515 | $997 | $2,042 | $2,960 | $5,950 | $11,460 |
| 1837 | (None) Phil | Capped Bust | -- | $65 | $90 | $130 | $312 | $515 | $997 | $2,042 | $3,345 | $13,000 | $19,650 |
Overview
The Capped Bust Dime, minted from 1809 to 1837, represents a crucial evolution in early American coinage. Designed by John Reich, this series introduced a more refined and proportional depiction of Liberty, setting the standard for future U.S. coin designs. Collectors value Capped Bust Dimes for their historical significance, artistic design, and key date rarities, making them a highly sought-after addition to any collection.
History of the Capped Bust Dime
The Capped Bust Dime was introduced in 1809, replacing the Draped Bust Dime. The redesign, spearheaded by German-born engraver John Reich, featured a stronger, more detailed depiction of Liberty wearing a cap and an eagle-adorned reverse.
Over the years, the series underwent two distinct design modifications:
- Large Diameter (1809-1828) – This version measured 18.8 mm and featured a lettered edge.
- Small Diameter (1828-1837) – The diameter was reduced to 18.5 mm, and the edge was replaced with reeding to improve production efficiency.
In 1837, the Seated Liberty Dime replaced the Capped Bust Dime, marking another important transition in U.S. coinage.
Collecting Capped Bust Dime Coins
Collectors prize Capped Bust Dimes for their historical context, intricate design, and unique varieties. Many of these coins saw extensive circulation, making well-preserved specimens particularly valuable.
Notable key dates and varieties include:
- 1809 – The first-year issue, highly desirable among collectors.
- 1811 – A scarce early date with a lower mintage.
- 1820 Large 0 & Small 0 Varieties – A fascinating variation that appeals to specialists.
- 1822 – A low-mintage year, making it a key rarity.
- 1829 Small Diameter – The first issue of the reduced-diameter design, marking a pivotal transition.
- 1834 & 1835 – High-mintage years, making them more accessible for collectors.
- 1837 – The series’ final year before transitioning to the Seated Liberty design.
Additionally, collectors seek overdates, repunched dates, and die varieties, which add another layer of depth to collecting this series.
Tips for Collectors
- Where to Find Them: Capped Bust Dimes are often available through major coin auctions, established dealers, and estate collections.
- Key Details to Watch For: Look for full detail in Liberty’s cap, strong eagle features, and clear date and legend markings.
- Proper Storage: Store Capped Bust Dimes in certified holders or climate-controlled safes to preserve their condition and prevent oxidation.
Most Valuable Coin
One of the most valuable coins in this series is the 1822 Capped Bust Dime, one of the lowest-mintage issues and highly sought after by advanced collectors. Additionally, rare die varieties and well-preserved early dates, such as 1809 and 1829, can command significant premiums at auction.
Investment Potential
The Capped Bust Dime is a substantial investment choice due to its historical appeal, rarity, and collector demand. Key dates such as 1822 and 1809 continue to appreciate, and high-grade certified examples often sell for impressive premiums. Additionally, varieties such as overdates and repunched numerals add further investment intrigue.
Key Dates and Varieties
Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates and varieties:
- 1809 – First-year issue and historically significant.
- 1811 – A scarce early issue with lower mintage.
- 1820 Large 0 & Small 0 – A fascinating variety in the series.
- 1822 – A key rarity due to its extremely low mintage.
- 1829 – The first small-diameter issue, marking an important transition.
- 1837 – The final year of the series before the introduction of the Seated Liberty Dime.
Notable Errors
- Overdates – Some issues feature overpunched dates, such as 1814/3 and 1829/7.
- Repunched Numerals – Certain dates display misaligned or repunched elements, creating collectible varieties.
- Weak Strikes – Due to early minting methods, some examples show weakness in Liberty’s cap or the eagle’s features.
Design Features
The Capped Bust Dime, designed by John Reich, showcases a left-facing Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap secured with a ribbon inscribed with “LIBERTY.” The reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings, arrows, an olive branch, and a shield at its chest.
Key design changes include:
- Lettered Edge (1809-1828): Featured an engraved edge with inscriptions.
- Reeded Edge (1828-1837): Introduced a more standardized minting technique.
Conclusion
The Capped Bust Dime is a cornerstone of early American coinage, offering collectors a unique glimpse into the evolving artistry of U.S. Mint designs. With its historical significance, key date rarities, and collector appeal, this series remains an excellent choice for seasoned collectors and investors.