U.S. Mint coin reference

1809–1828: Capped Bust Dime (Type 1: Large Dentils)

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Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1809-1828

Country: United States

Denomination: Ten cents

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper

Silver fineness: 89.24%

Silver weight: 0.0775 oz ASW

Weight: 2.70 g

Diameter: 18.8 mm

Thickness: Approx. 1.35 mm

Edge: Reeded

Designer: John Reich / William Kneass

Design identification

Obverse: Liberty bust portrait.

Reverse: Heraldic eagle with shield, olive branch, arrows, and 10 C below; large border dentils identify this type.

1809–1828: Capped Bust Dime (Type 1: Large Dentils) history

1809–1828: Capped Bust Dime (Type 1: Large Dentils) introduced John Reich’s Capped Bust dime. The large dentils, broad border treatment, and early portrait style distinguish this first layout from the smaller-dentil revision introduced in 1828.

The denomination is expressed as 10 C. on the reverse. Actual dated issues contain production gaps, and collectors use die marriages, overdates, numeral styles, and the relationship of devices to the border to separate varieties.