In the hushed aisles of coin shops, vibrant collector fairs, and fast-paced online auctions, a tiny silver coin from the early days of the American republic still enchants collectors and investors.
The 1829 Capped Bust dime—just 18.8 millimeters across and weighing about 2.7 grams—holds historical weight, artistic value, and a monetary worth far beyond its small stature.
For numismatists (coin enthusiasts) and lovers of American history, these nearly 200-year-old coins are tangible links to the United States’ formative years, when the young nation was forging its economic identity and industrial prowess.
Historical Backdrop: America in 1829
To grasp the importance of the 1829 dime, consider the era it hails from. Andrew Jackson had just taken office as president, defeating John Quincy Adams in the 1828 election.
The nation spanned only 24 states, with vast western territories still uncharted by European Americans. The Industrial Revolution was picking up steam, though agriculture dominated. Early railroads were emerging, powered by steam, and the Erie Canal (finished in 1825) had transformed trade in the Northeast.
In this era of change, the United States Mint, founded in 1792, was still a young operation. Based in Philadelphia, it grappled with technical constraints, uneven metal supplies, and rudimentary production methods, leading to coins that varied in quality and appearance.
The Capped Bust Design: Liberty’s Transformation
Introduced in 1809, the Capped Bust dime series marked a leap in American coin artistry. Crafted by German-born engraver John Reich, an assistant at the U.S. Mint, this design replaced the earlier Draped Bust style used on American silver coins.
Reich’s vision showed a fuller, more mature Liberty facing left, adorned with a Phrygian cap (often called a liberty cap) bearing the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair cascades from under the cap, with curls draping to her shoulder. Seven stars sit to her left, six to her right, symbolizing the original 13 states. The date rests below the bust.
The reverse showcases an American eagle, wings spread, clutching arrows and an olive branch—signifying peace yet readiness for conflict.
A shield guards the eagle’s chest, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircling the design. The denomination, noted as “10 C.,” lies at the coin’s base.
Reich’s design stands out for its distinctly American flair. Unlike earlier coins heavily influenced by European styles, the Capped Bust series embraced a bolder, less formal look, reflecting the young republic’s growing sense of identity.
The 1829 Mintage: Production and Variants
In 1829, the Philadelphia Mint produced 770,000 dimes—a sizable figure for the time but tiny compared to today’s output.
(For context, the modern U.S. Mint can churn out more coins in a day than it made in all of 1829.) These dimes were struck on hand-operated screw presses, with each blank planchet placed manually between dies and struck with considerable effort.
This labor-heavy process, paired with the era’s technical limits, led to multiple die varieties as dies wore out and were replaced. Numismatists have cataloged several notable variants of the 1829 Capped Bust dime:
JR-1 to JR-12: These labels (from dime experts Davis Jules and Russell Logan) mark 12 unique die pairings used in 1829.
Small, Medium, or Large 10C: Variations in the size of the denomination on the reverse.
Curl Base vs. Square Base 2: Differences in the engraving of the “2” in the date.
The JR-7 (Square Base 2, Medium 10C) is typically the rarest, while JR-4 is among the most common.
Each variant reveals details about the early mint’s production struggles. Hand-crafted dies, with numerals and letters punched individually, created inevitable differences.
As dies cracked or degraded, unique traits appeared, letting modern collectors trace the history of specific die pairs.
Composition and Physical Traits
The 1829 Capped Bust dime was made of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, yielding about 0.0774 troy ounces of silver. This “89.24% standard,” set by the Coinage Act of 1792, lasted until 1837, when silver content shifted to 90%.
These dimes, at 18.8mm in diameter, were slightly larger than today’s 17.91mm dimes and featured a reeded edge for both style and security, deterring “clipping” of precious metal—a common fraud of the time.
The standard weight was 2.7 grams, though slight variations occurred due to crude production and wear over time.
Unlike modern coins, struck within a collar for uniform size, these dimes used open-faced dies, causing minor size differences and occasional “off-center” strikes where the design isn’t perfectly aligned.
Rarity and Survival Rates
Despite the 770,000 minted, few 1829 Capped Bust dimes remain. Experts estimate fewer than 5,000 survive in any condition, with perhaps under 1,000 in collectible, problem-free shape.
Several factors explain this scarcity:
Prolonged circulation: Early coins often stayed in use for decades, unlike modern ones saved as keepsakes.
Melting during silver spikes: Many were melted during the Civil War silver shortage or the late 1970s silver price surge.
Limited collector interest: Organized coin collecting only grew popular in the 1850s, after many 1829 dimes were worn or lost.
Poor preservation: Surviving coins often bear environmental damage, improper cleaning, or marks from use in jewelry.
High-grade examples (MS-65 or better) are exceptionally rare, fetching significant premiums at auction.
Market Value and Investment Outlook
The value of an 1829 Capped Bust dime hinges on condition, variety, and market trends. As of 2025, approximate values by grade are:
Poor to Fair (P-1 to F-2): $40-75
About Good to Good (AG-3 to G-6): $75-150
Very Good (VG-8 to VG-10): $150-225
Fine (F-12 to F-15): $225-350
Very Fine (VF-20 to VF-35): $350-850
Extremely Fine (EF-40 to EF-45): $850-1,200
About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58): $1,200-3,000
Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-63): $3,000-7,500
Gem Uncirculated (MS-64+): $7,500-25,000+
Rarer varieties, like JR-7, may fetch 20-50% more. Coins with striking eye appeal, original surfaces, or beautiful toning often exceed grade-based estimates.
As investments, these dimes have shown consistent growth, with Extremely Fine examples tripling in value since 2000 and gem uncirculated coins appreciating even more.
Key drivers include:
Fixed supply, shrinking availability: No more 1829 dimes will ever exist, and losses further reduce the pool.
Expanding collector base: Early American coins now attract global interest, beyond U.S. numismatists.
Historical value: As relics of America’s early years, these coins hold cultural significance.
Craftsmanship appeal: Hand-engraved dies and manual striking charm collectors used to modern uniformity.
Authentication and Grading Tips
Due to their value, 1829 dimes are prone to counterfeiting. Collectors should be cautious, especially with high-grade coins. Key checks include:
Weight and size: Authentic coins weigh ~2.7 grams and measure ~18.8mm, with minor variations.
Die traits: Each variety has documented features in specialist guides, aiding identification.
Strike patterns: Genuine coins show consistent strong and weak areas tied to production.
Professional grading: Services like PCGS or NGC offer authentication and buyer confidence.
Watch for fakes like:
Artificial toning: Chemicals mimicking natural patina.
Tooled surfaces: Alterations to hide damage or enhance details.
Whizzed coins: Polished to fake higher grades.
Altered dates: Changed numerals from common years.
The Joy Beyond Value
While many chase the 1829 Capped Bust dime for investment, its true allure often lies beyond dollars.
Holding a coin from Andrew Jackson’s era—possibly carried by someone during the early Industrial Revolution or westward expansion—offers a direct link to history few objects can match.
Collectors revel in completing a Capped Bust dime date set, hunting multiple 1829 varieties, or securing a single pristine example showcasing early American craftsmanship.
These silver coins are more than metal or catalog numbers—they’re artifacts of a bygone era, hand-crafted with obsolete methods, used in an economy vastly different from today.
Rare 1829 Capped Bust Dime: A Silver Legacy
The 1829 Capped Bust dime is more than a rare collectible or savvy investment. It captures the artistic, technical, and economic spirit of a young nation finding its place.
From Liberty’s bold portrait to the carefully reeded edge, every detail reflects America’s early industrial and national identity.
For collectors lucky enough to own one—whether worn from years of trade or preserved through centuries—the experience goes beyond ownership.
These coins are time capsules, tying us to the artisans who made them and the Americans who spent them in daily life.
In a world of digital transactions, these physical relics of economic history hold deep meaning, ensuring the 1829 Capped Bust dime remains cherished, studied, and sought after for generations.