1828–1837: Capped Bust Dime (Type 2: Small Dentils)

1831 Capped Bust Dime Type 2 Small Dentils obverse and reverse

Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1828-1837

Country: United States

Denomination: Ten cents

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: 89.24% silver through 1836; 90% silver in 1837

Silver fineness: 89.24% through 1836; 90% in 1837

Silver weight: About 0.0775 oz ASW through 1836; 0.0773 oz ASW in 1837

Weight: 2.70 g through 1836; 2.67 g in 1837

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; the border uses smaller dentils.

1828–1837: Capped Bust Dime (Type 2: Small Dentils) history

1828–1837: Capped Bust Dime (Type 2: Small Dentils) revised the earlier Capped Bust dime with smaller dentils and a more compact border arrangement. The change began during 1828 and continued until the Seated Liberty dime replaced the design in 1837.

The final 1837 Capped Bust dimes reflect the new .900 silver standard and adjusted weight under the Coinage Act of 1837. Earlier pieces retain the former .8924 statutory alloy and 2.70-gram standard.