Numismatic

1821 Capped Bust Dime Small Date VG

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The early coinage of the United States offers a tangible window into the nation's formative years, as demonstrated by this 1821 Capped Bust silver dime. Minted in Philadelphia, this ten-cent piece is composed of 89.24 percent silver, containing 0.0775 troy ounces of the precious metal. The coin represents the enduring creative vision of designer John Reich, whose work defined the look of American circulating currency during this era. On the obverse, a left-facing portrait of Liberty is depicted wearing a traditional Phrygian cap, which is inscribed with her name. Thirteen stars encircle the portrait, representing the original colonies, with the date 1821 positioned at the bottom. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, with a shield draped across its chest. Above the eagle, the scroll bears the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, while the denomination is indicated at the base. Surviving in Good condition, this dime shows the honest wear of a coin that actively circulated in the early nineteenth century. The soft, worn details tell a story of daily commerce from a time when the young republic was rapidly expanding its borders and economic reach.