Numismatic

1820 Capped Bust Dime Large O Good

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This silver ten-cent piece, minted in 1820, offers a tangible connection to the early years of United States coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the dime is composed of 89.24 percent silver, containing approximately 0.0775 troy ounces of the precious metal. Despite showing the heavy wear typical of a coin graded Good, its historic design remains a testament to early American engraving artistry. The obverse side presents a left-facing portrait of Liberty, recognizable by her draped bust and the soft folds of a Phrygian cap resting on her curls. Thirteen stars surround her image, representing the original colonies, with the year 1820 anchored below. On the reverse, an American eagle stands with wings spread, clutching a bundle of arrows and an olive branch in its talons. A shield is placed over the eagle's chest, while the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is displayed above. The lower rim of the coin features the denomination, marked as "10 C.", identifying this piece as an early precursor to the modern dime.