Numismatic

1834 Capped Bust Dime VG

---

This silver ten-cent piece from 1834 offers a window into early United States coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the coin is composed of 89.24 percent silver, which equates to about 0.0775 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents the Capped Bust design era, a period characterized by detailed artistry and traditional American symbolism. The front of the coin displays a left-facing portrait of Liberty, who wears a soft Phrygian cap inscribed with her name. Thirteen stars encircle this central figure, representing the original colonies, with the date 1834 positioned directly below the bust. John Reich created this iconic depiction, which became a staple of early nineteenth-century American currency. On the reverse, an eagle holds an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing both peace and defense. A striped shield is placed over the bird's chest, while the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is displayed on a banner above. The denomination is indicated at the bottom as 10 C., surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.