1821 Capped Bust Dime
Base
About This Coin
The 1821 Capped Bust Dime is a United States dime from the Capped Bust Dimes 1809-1837 series — 5th of 20 years in the series. In 1821, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 2.4 million. This ranks 18th of 20 years by total mintage, above the series median of 1.0 million. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a mob cap or turban and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Struck during a period of national unity and westward expansion following the War of 1812, as the U.S. grew in confidence and territory. Struck in 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper, weighing 2.7 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $108 to $4.9K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $204K in PR65 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by John Reich.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
