Semi-Numismatic

1809-1837 Capped Bust Dime Worse Than Culls

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During the early decades of the United States, the nation's silver coinage underwent a beautiful artistic evolution. Between 1809 and 1837, the ten cent denomination featured the elegant Capped Bust design, a creation of engraver John Reich. These historic dimes were composed of 89.24 percent silver, containing approximately 0.0715 to 0.0775 troy ounces of precious metal. The obverse of the coin presents a profile of Liberty facing right, her head covered by a traditional Phrygian cap with her long hair flowing down past her shoulders. Encircling this central figure are thirteen stars, which pay tribute to the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. On the reverse, a detailed eagle is depicted with a protective shield draped across its chest. In its talons, the eagle grasps both an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, representing the dual national themes of peace and military readiness. This classic combination of early American symbols makes the Capped Bust series a fascinating subject for study and historical appreciation.