1830 Capped Bust Dime: In the world of rare U.S. coins, some of the most valuable pieces are those that appear nearly identical to their more common counterparts — until you look a little closer. The 1830 Capped Bust Dime – Small Date variety, which recently sold for $399,500, is one such example.
At first glance, it may seem like just another early American silver dime. But to seasoned numismatists, this coin represents a fascinating blend of subtle design variation, historical significance, and rarity that makes it highly desirable among collectors of early U.S. coinage.
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A Closer Look at the Capped Bust Dime Series
The Capped Bust Dime was minted from 1809 to 1837 and was the second official ten-cent piece produced by the United States Mint. Designed by John Reich, the coin features a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a cap and a flowing gown on the obverse, while the reverse originally depicted a small eagle surrounded by stars and rays — later simplified to just an open wreath.
Also Read: 1820 Capped Bust Dime Is a Hidden Gem for Collectors
Throughout its run, the design underwent several minor modifications, often due to die wear, engraving changes, or evolving artistic standards. These variations have led to numerous die varieties that modern collectors now seek out with great enthusiasm.
One of the most notable of these is the 1830 Small Date variety — a coin whose value comes not from dramatic differences in design, but from the smallest of details: the size and style of the numerals in the date.
What Makes the “Small Date” Variety Special?
The 1830 Capped Bust Dime was struck in large numbers compared to earlier years, with estimates placing mintage in the hundreds of thousands. However, not all dimes from that year are created equal.
There are two primary date varieties for the 1830 dime:
- Large Date
- Small Date
The Small Date variety is significantly rarer and commands a much higher premium among specialists. As the name suggests, the numerals in the date are smaller and more compact than those seen on the Large Date version. This difference likely resulted from the use of a different punch set when preparing the dies — a seemingly minor change that has major implications for collectors today.
What makes the Small Date even more intriguing is that it was only used early in production before being replaced by the more common Large Date variety. As a result, far fewer examples of the Small Date made it into circulation — and even fewer survived in high grades.
Why Did It Sell for Nearly $400,000?
The specific 1830 Small Date Capped Bust Dime that sold for $399,500 was graded MS-64 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), indicating it is in mint state condition with strong luster, minimal marks, and sharp strike detail. For a coin over 190 years old, this level of preservation is exceptional.
Several key factors contributed to its impressive sale price:
1. Rarity Within a Common Year
While the 1830 dime as a whole is relatively available, the Small Date variety is scarce in any grade and especially rare in mint state.
2. Historical Significance
Struck during the presidency of Andrew Jackson, this coin reflects a time of economic transformation in the U.S., including debates over the national bank and the rise of westward expansion.
3. Collectibility Among Specialists
Advanced collectors who focus on die varieties and transitional issues find the Small Date dime particularly appealing, making it a prized addition to elite sets.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
Even though the design differences are subtle, the Small Date variety is visually distinct and offers a unique charm to those who appreciate early American coin artistry.
Also Read: Could You Own an 1822 Capped Bust Dime Worth Big Money?
A Glimpse into Early American Minting Practices
Studying coins like the 1830 Small Date Capped Bust Dime gives us insight into the challenges faced by early U.S. Mint engravers. Unlike modern minting operations, where precision tools ensure consistency across millions of coins, early 19th-century coin production relied heavily on manual labor and hand-cut dies.
This led to frequent variations in lettering, date sizes, and design elements — differences that were largely unnoticed at the time but are now closely studied by numismatists. The Small Date dime serves as a reminder of how every coin tells a story — not just about history, but also about the people and processes behind its creation.
Market Trends and Collector Demand
Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable uptick in interest in early American coinage, particularly among advanced collectors looking to complete high-quality type sets or specialize in die varieties.
Coins like the 1830 Small Date Dime offer both aesthetic beauty and intellectual challenge — they reward careful study and deep knowledge. As a result, prices for top-tier examples have steadily climbed, with the recent $399,500 sale reflecting this growing demand.
This trend shows no signs of slowing down. With fewer high-grade specimens available and increasing competition among collectors, values are expected to continue rising — especially for coins with clear provenance and superior eye appeal.
Could You Own One?
Finding an 1830 Small Date Dime in your pocket change is unlikely — unless you’re sifting through a long-forgotten collection passed down through generations. Most surviving examples are held in private collections, museums, or auction house inventories.
However, if you own any early 19th-century U.S. coins, it may be worth having them examined by a professional numismatist. Even if it’s not the elusive Small Date variety, there could be other underrated rarities hiding in plain sight.
FAQs
What is the 1830 Capped Bust Dime (Small Date)?
It’s a rare die variety of the 1830 dime with smaller, more compact numerals in the date.
How much did it sell for?
A high-grade example sold at auction for $399,500.
Why is the Small Date variety rare?
It was only used early in production and far fewer examples survived in good condition.
How can I identify a Small Date dime?
The numerals in the date are noticeably smaller and more closely spaced than on the more common Large Date version.
Who designed the Capped Bust Dime?
It was originally designed by John Reich, Assistant Engraver at the U.S. Mint.
