Capped Bust Dime: A Small Coin With Big Value

The Capped Bust Dime, minted from 1809 to 1837, may be small in length, but it holds big historic and numismatic significance. Designed by John Reich, this classic coin functions Lady Liberty carrying a cap inscribed with “LIBERTY” on the obverse and an eagle clutching arrows and an olive department at the reverse. While many Capped Bust Dimes were produced for circulate, sure troubles have come to be extraordinarily rare and treasured due to factors like low mintages, mint mistakes, and high-quality condition.

For creditors, these dimes are greater than just pocket alternate they’re tangible portions of early American history. Below, we’ll discover 9 standout Capped Bust Dimes that deliver big price and why they’re so relatively prized.

What Is a Capped Bust Dime?

The Capped Bust Dime became first minted in 1809 and become the 0.33 layout used for the U.S. Dime. The coin features:

• Obverse: A portrait of Lady Liberty going through left, wearing a cap (the “Phrygian cap”), with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed at the band.
• Reverse: A heraldic eagle with a defend, olive branch, and arrows (on earlier versions), later changed by a less complicated eagle layout.

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 creditors. Its extraordinarily low mintage and heavy movement make excessive-grade examples scarce.
• Recent Sale Price: $1,500 (VF-30 grade) to $15,000 (MS-65 grade in 2023).
• Interesting Fact: The creation of the Capped Bust design marked a new era for U.S. Coinage, replacing the earlier Draped Bust motif.

2. 1822: The Key Date Rarity

• Year & Mintmark: 1822 (No mintmark)
• Why It’s Rare/Valuable: With simply 44,000 coins minted, the 1822 dime is one of the lowest-mintage troubles in the collection. High-grade examples are particularly uncommon.
• Recent Sale Price: $5,000 (Fine circumstance) 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 specific curl at the bottom of the “2” inside the date. Collectors prize it for its subtle rarity and unique layout.
• 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 favourite 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 closing year of the series, the 1837 dime marks the cease of an technology. High-grade examples are specifically renowned.
• Recent Sale Price: $1,000 (XF-45 grade) to $10,000 (MS-66 grade in 2022).
• Interesting Fact: The 1837 difficulty represents a transition to the Seated Liberty layout, adding sentimental value for creditors.

5. 1814/3 Overdate

• Year & Mintmark: 1814/3 (No mintmark)
• Why It’s Rare/Valuable: An overdate takes place while a die intended for twelve months is reused and changed for any other. In this situation, remnants of “1813” can be visible under “1814.”
• Recent Sale Price: $3,000 (AU-50 grade) to $25,000 (MS-64 grade in 2023).
• Interesting Fact: Overdates offer perception into the innovative practices of early 19th-century mints.

6. 1828: Large Date vs. Small Date

• Year & Mintmark: 1828 (No mintmark)
• Why It’s Rare/Valuable: Two awesome varieties exist for 1828: Large Date and Small Date. The Small Date model is appreciably 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 range is a sleeper rarity, frequently omitted until graded specimens seem 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 info, making them specific and exciting 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 spotlight the challenges confronted by using early mint workers, who had limited tools and assets.

8. 1827: Scarce Proof Issue

• Year & Mintmark: 1827 (No mintmark)
• Why It’s Rare/Valuable: Fewer than 10 evidence examples of the 1827 dime are regarded 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 in particular made for creditors and characteristic reflect-like surfaces and sharp info.

9. 1831: Condition Rarity

• Year & Mintmark: 1831 (No mintmark)
• Why It’s Rare/Valuable: Though no longer the lowest mintage, locating the 1831 dime in gem circumstance is notably difficult. Its diffused rarity surprises many creditors.
• Recent Sale Price: $1,500 (Fine condition) to $8,000 (MS-65 grade in 2023).
• Interesting Fact: This date is regularly overlooked, but its shortage in excessive grades makes it a hidden gem for savvy collectors.

What Makes These Capped Bust Dimes So Valuable?

Several key factors make a contribution to the desirability and price of these coins:

• Rarity: Low mintages, specific sorts, and mint mistakes make sure issues almost impossible to collect. Coins like the 1822 dime or 1827 evidence are actual rarities.
• Condition: High-grade examples are exponentially more valuable than circulated coins. Grading services like PCGS and NGC play a vital role in determining a coin’s really worth based on preservation.
• Historical Significance: Each Capped Bust Dime tells a tale approximately the era wherein it changed into minted, whether it’s the War of 1812, the upward push of industrialization, or the transition to new designs.
• Artistic Beauty: John Reich’s layout captures the neoclassical style of the early nineteenth century, attractive to both collectors and artwork fanatics alike.

Conclusion

The Capped Bust Dime may be small in size, but it packs outstanding historical and collectible fee. With elaborate designs, low mintage numbers, and ability for uncommon die varieties, these coins are a staple in high-end coin collections. If you take place to stumble upon one in a set, inheritance, or property sale don’t underestimate it. In today’s numismatic market, this dime will be well worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars relying on its year and condition. So, maintain your eyes peeled the following coin you flip might just be a fortune.

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