The 1829 Capped Bust dime: Varieties, Grading, and Value
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The 1829 Capped Bust dime is one of the most historically rich silver coins in early American numismatics – a 90-cent melt value piece that routinely sells for thousands based on die variety alone. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a total mintage of 770,000, this dime circulated through a nation still finding its economic footing, changing hands in frontier trading posts, port cities, and aboard ships that would later sink into legend. If you have encountered one of these coins in an estate lot or old collection, understanding its varieties and grading nuances is the difference between a $75 sale and a $7,500 one.
Unlike the Mercury dime value guides and dime value overviews on this site – which focus on mid-20th-century coins with straightforward valuations – this article takes a different path. Here, the emphasis falls on die variety attribution, shipwreck provenance, and the grading challenges unique to pre-Jacksonian silver. Whether you are building a type set of early U.S. coinage or simply trying to identify what you have, this guide covers the ground that matters.
Historical Background: America in 1829
The year 1829 sits at a fascinating crossroads in American history. Andrew Jackson had just won the presidency. Westward expansion was accelerating. Commerce along the Eastern Seaboard depended on small silver coins for everyday transactions – paying ferry tolls, buying bread, settling tavern tabs.
The Capped Bust dime series ran from 1809 to 1837. It was the first U.S. dime series to explicitly label the denomination “10C” on the reverse. Engraver John Reich originally designed the Capped Bust motif, though Chief Engraver William Kneass adapted it during the production years. The obverse shows Liberty facing left, wearing a soft cap with a beaded band. “LIBERTY” arcs above her, and the date sits below. The reverse carries a spread eagle with shield, arrows, and olive branch, surrounded by “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination.
The coin’s composition is 89% silver and 11% copper, weighing 2.67 grams with an 18.5 mm diameter and a reeded edge. Pure silver content works out to approximately 0.0723 troy ounces. At today’s silver spot price of $83 per ounce, the melt value sits around $6. The numismatic premium, however, can multiply that figure by a factor of hundreds in higher grades.
1829 Capped Bust Dime Varieties: Why Attribution Changes Everything
The single most important thing to understand about the 1829 Capped Bust dime is that it is not one coin. It is a family of coins separated by die marriages – combinations of specific obverse and reverse dies used during production. PCGS recognizes four major variety types, all distinguished primarily by the size of the “10C” reverse denomination.
Rarest in Mint State – only 8 MS examples known, finest at MS67
Most accessible in Mint State – roughly 12 examples at MS65 or above
Common in circulated grades, scarcer in Mint State
Repunched variety (JR-1 die) – Small “10C” punched over faint Large
The Large 10C (PCGS #94511) commands the highest premiums because so few survived in collectible condition. The Medium 10C (PCGS #84511) uses the JR-11 and JR-12 die marriages, identifiable by an oval “0” in the denomination that matches the size of the adjacent “1.” The Small over Large 10C is a minor variety that bridges the two main types and rewards careful attribution with meaningful price premiums.
Beyond the denomination size, collectors also look at the date style. The digit “2” in the date appears in two forms: a Curl Base 2 and a Square (Flat) Base 2. This distinction further subdivides the Medium 10C variety and matters to specialists building complete die marriage sets.
A 10x loupe is the minimum tool needed for attribution. Compare what you see against PCGS CoinFacts images for each variety before drawing conclusions. Misattribution – calling a Medium 10C a Large 10C, for example – can inflate or deflate a coin’s perceived value by 50% or more.
Shipwreck Provenance: The SS Central America Connection
One of the more remarkable chapters in the story of the 1829 Capped Bust dime involves maritime disaster. The SS Central America, a sidewheel steamship, sank in a hurricane off the Carolina coast in September 1857. Among the recovered cargo were canvas bags from the purser’s safe containing coins used to pay sailors – including 1829 and 1830 Capped Bust dimes.
When salvagers recovered these coins in the late 20th century, PCGS encapsulated select examples with a “Genuine SS Central America” designation. These shipwreck coins carry documented provenance that adds 20-50% to their value compared to unprovenanced examples in equivalent condition. Two-piece sets pairing an 1829 and 1830 dime with a pinch of gold dust from the wreck have sold in the $500 range and make compelling display pieces.
The caveat: only PCGS- or NGC-encapsulated examples carry legitimate provenance documentation. Raw coins sold as “salvage” without third-party slabs should be treated with skepticism. Cleaning is common in recovered coins, and a cleaned shipwreck coin loses most of its premium.
Grading the 1829 Capped Bust Dime: Key Checkpoints
Grading early American silver is more demanding than grading 20th-century coins. Dies were hand-cut, strikes varied in pressure, and planchet quality was inconsistent. Here is what to examine on the 1829 dime specifically.
Examine eagle feathers on the reverse and the hair curls on Liberty’s portrait – weak strikes are common and reduce grade
Check Liberty’s cap and cheek, plus the eagle’s breast – these areas show wear first
Bag marks and contact marks are expected in circulated examples; in Mint State, their number and location affect grade significantly
Natural rose, blue, or iridescent toning adds eye appeal and value; flat gray or streaky toning is neutral at best
Look for hairlines under magnification – even light cleaning drops a coin to “details” grade and cuts value dramatically
Mint State examples should show cartwheel luster in the fields; dull or washed-out fields suggest cleaning or heavy circulation
Third-party grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended before buying or selling any example above circulated grades. The population data matters here: fewer than 100 Mint State examples are certified per major variety, making each MS coin a genuine condition rarity.
Pricing the 1829 Capped Bust Dime: From Pocket Change to Auction Records
With silver at $83 per ounce today, the melt value of an 1829 Capped Bust dime is roughly $6. That floor matters very little once numismatic premiums enter the picture.
| Grade | Approximate Value Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AG to Good (AG-G4) | $50-$100 | Heavy wear |
| Fine to VF (F-VF35) | $100-$200 | Moderate wear |
| AU (AU50-AU58) | $300-$800 | Light wear on high points |
| MS63-MS64 | $2,000-$5,000 | Mint State with minor marks |
| MS65 (Gem) | $8,000-$25,000 | Gem examples |
| MS66+ | $20,000-$100,000+ | Large 10C MS67 is a condition rarity |
A toned Small 10C graded MS65 by PCGS with the Newman pedigree sold at auction for $24,750. An 1830/29 overdate in MS66 reached $11,000. These are not outliers – they reflect the genuine scarcity of high-grade survivors from a coin that circulated heavily for decades.
PCGS & NGC Coin Verification – Accurate Precious Metals Refineries
Variety attribution drives the spread between the bottom and top of these ranges. A coin sold as “1829 dime” without attribution may trade at Medium 10C prices. If it turns out to be a Large 10C, the seller left significant money on the table. Always attribute before pricing.
The 1829 Half Dime: Don’t Confuse the Two
A common mix-up catches new collectors off guard. The 1829 half dime is a separate coin – smaller (15.5 mm versus 18.5 mm), lighter, and struck in higher quantities (approximately 1.23 million pieces). Both coins share the Capped Bust design, which creates visual confusion when coins are worn or poorly photographed.
The quickest check is physical size. If you are examining a raw coin, measure the diameter. The dime at 18.5 mm is noticeably larger than the half dime at 15.5 mm. In hand, the difference is clear. In auction photos without a scale reference, it is easy to misjudge. When in doubt, check the denomination on the reverse: “10C” for the dime, “5C” for the half dime.
Common Misconceptions About the 1829 Capped Bust Dime
Several myths circulate about this coin, and believing them leads to bad buying or selling decisions.
Myth: High mintage means low value. A mintage of 770,000 sounds substantial, but the vast majority of those coins circulated until they were worn smooth or melted. Certified Mint State examples number fewer than 100 per major variety. Scarcity in high grades is real.
Myth: All 1829 dimes are the same. The die variety system produces meaningfully different coins under one date. Misattributing a Large 10C as a Medium 10C, or vice versa, changes the coin’s market value significantly.
Myth: Shipwreck coins are always worth more. Only when they carry documented provenance from a reputable third-party grader. Raw coins sold as shipwreck finds without encapsulation offer no verifiable history.
Myth: John Reich alone designed this coin. Reich created the original Capped Bust motif, but Chief Engraver William Kneass adapted the design during the series’ production run. Credit is shared, and the attribution varies by source.
Myth: You can eyeball the variety. The difference between Large, Medium, and Small 10C requires magnification and reference images. Naked-eye attribution is unreliable.
Practical Collecting Strategy for the 1829 Capped Bust Dime
Building a position in early American silver dimes requires a clear plan. Here is a practical framework based on budget and collecting goals.
For a first purchase, target a Medium 10C in AU50-AU58 condition, slabbed by PCGS or NGC, priced in the $300-$600 range. This gives you a genuine early American silver coin with clear attribution and verifiable grade. From there, add a Small 10C in a similar grade for comparison, then consider a shipwreck example for provenance interest.
Dansco album #7130 covers the Capped Bust dime series and provides natural slots for building a date run. Pairing the 1829 with an 1830 gives you back-to-back years from the same design era.
Storage matters. Use Air-Tite holders for raw coins and avoid PVC flips, which leach chemicals onto silver surfaces over time. Slabbed coins need no additional protection beyond a cool, dry environment away from direct light.
For deeper attribution research, the Logan/McCloskey reference on Capped Bust coinage is the specialist standard. USA Coin Book’s variety pages and PCGS CoinFacts both offer free online attribution tools with population data.
Selling Your 1829 Capped Bust Dime
If you own an 1829 Capped Bust dime and are considering selling, the process starts with proper identification. Determine the variety (Large, Medium, or Small 10C), check for shipwreck provenance documentation, and assess the grade honestly. A coin sold without attribution typically trades at the lower end of the range.
Accurate Precious Metals buys all precious metals – numismatic coins included – and has been doing so for over 12 years. With more than 1,000 five-star customer reviews and competitive pricing updated to live spot prices, the team evaluates coins based on both silver content and collector value. As an NGC Authorized Dealer, Accurate Precious Metals can also assist with the grading submission process for coins that may benefit from professional encapsulation before sale.
If you are local to Salem, Oregon, visit the shop in person for a face-to-face evaluation. If you are anywhere else in the United States, the mail-in service makes the process straightforward – free insured shipping, professional assessment, and fast payment. Whether your coin is a circulated example worth $100 or a gem specimen worth far more, the process is the same: contact the team, describe what you have, and get a transparent offer.
Accurate Precious Metals is not a pawn shop. It is a specialized precious metals dealer with the expertise to distinguish a worn 1829 dime from a condition rarity – and to price accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the melt value of an 1829 Capped Bust dime today?
With silver at $83 per ounce and the coin containing approximately 0.0723 troy ounces of pure silver, the melt value is roughly $6. Numismatic premiums far exceed melt value for all but the most heavily damaged examples.
How do I tell the difference between the Large 10C and Medium 10C varieties?
Use a 10x loupe and compare the size of the "10C" reverse denomination against PCGS CoinFacts reference images. The Large 10C has noticeably bolder, larger numerals. The Medium 10C shows an oval "0" that matches the height of the adjacent "1." Naked-eye attribution is unreliable.
Are shipwreck 1829 dimes worth more than regular examples?
Yes, but only when the provenance is documented by a third-party grader like PCGS or NGC. PCGS-encapsulated examples designated "Genuine SS Central America" typically command a 20-50% premium over comparable unprovenanced coins. Raw coins sold as shipwreck finds without documentation offer no verifiable history.
Should I clean my 1829 Capped Bust dime before selling?
No. Cleaning – even light cleaning – drops a coin to a "details" grade designation with PCGS or NGC, which significantly reduces its value. Sell the coin as-is and let the buyer or grader assess it in original condition.
What is the difference between the 1829 dime and the 1829 half dime?
Both share the Capped Bust design, but the half dime is smaller (15.5 mm versus 18.5 mm), lighter, and carries a "5C" reverse denomination. The dime shows "10C." When examining worn examples, measure the diameter to avoid confusion.
Where can I sell my 1829 Capped Bust dime?
Accurate Precious Metals buys numismatic coins including early American silver. Visit the Salem, Oregon location in person, or use the mail-in service from anywhere in the United States. The team evaluates both silver content and collector value.
How many Mint State 1829 Capped Bust dimes exist?
Fewer than 100 Mint State examples are certified per major variety. The Large 10C has only 8 known MS examples, with the finest graded MS67. These are genuine condition rarities, not simply scarce dates.
