Semi-Numismatic

1833 Capped Bust Dime Good

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This silver ten-cent piece from 1833 offers a captivating look at early American coinage. Struck in the Philadelphia Mint with a silver purity of 0.8924, this dime represents the Capped Bust era of United States currency. Despite its worn, circulated condition, the design remains a compelling artifact from the first half of the nineteenth century. The front of the coin features Liberty looking to the left, wearing a traditional Phrygian cap with her curls cascading down her neck. Thirteen stars, symbolizing the initial colonies of the nation, curve around the central figure. The date 1833 is clearly visible at the bottom of the design, grounding this piece of currency in its historical moment. On the reverse side, an eagle stands with a patriotic shield across its chest. In its talons, the bird grasps an olive branch alongside a bundle of arrows, representing the dual national ideals of peace and defense. Containing 0.0775 troy ounces of silver, this dime showcases the intricate engraving work of John Reich, who created this enduring imagery for the nation's early circulating coinage.