Capped Bust Dimes 1809-1837

About This Series

John Reich's Capped Bust design brought artistic consistency to the dime denomination, depicting Liberty wearing a mob cap (also called a liberty cap or bonnet) with the word LIBERTY inscribed on the band. The Large Size type (1809-1828) was struck without a close collar, producing coins with somewhat irregular edge characteristics, while the Reduced Size type (1828-1837) employed the close collar technology that yielded uniform diameter and precise reeding. The 1822 is the series' premier rarity, with most reference works estimating fewer than 30 specimens surviving from a modest original mintage, making it one of the most valuable dimes in all of American numismatics. The JR (John Reich) reference catalogs extensive die varieties throughout the series, and variety collecting is a major pursuit within this denomination. Struck in .8924 fine silver at 2.70 grams (Large Size) and 2.50 grams (Reduced Size), these small coins saw extensive circulation in an economy where the dime represented meaningful purchasing power. The transition from Large to Reduced Size around 1828 mirrors similar changes across other denominations as the Mint modernized its production technology. Notable varieties include the 1814 STATESOFAMERICA (no spaces), the 1811/09 overdate, and numerous Large Date/Small Date pairs that provide specialists with a rich collecting landscape.

Series Information