Capped Bust Large Diameter

Vital Stats.

Type 1
Large Diameter 1809-1828

Reich's Capped Bust Liberty of 1809 was was more streamlined than the previous Draped Bust Liberty. Many years later William Ewing DuBois said that the model was a woman he called "Reich's fat German mistress."

1809 with the "Capped Bust" entered production with a new "Lifted Wings" eagle on its reverse. The new design also had the denomination on the reverse: 10c. which was of course an abbreviation for "ten cents". The coin stayed in production unchanged until 1837.

The Type 1 Capped Bust dime is often known as the "Large Size." A more accurate designation would be the "Open Collar" type. They were struck without a restraining collar which gave them a broad, low-rimmed appearence and a slightly larger diameter. They were actually 1.1 mm smaller than the Draped Bust dime which came just before it. The type 1 is only larger in relation to its smaller successor the type 2, issued from 1828 onward. In reality, diameters vary widely over the years.

All dates are available even in gem uncirculated condition, but, the low mintage 1809, 1811 and 1822 are the scarcest. Some proofs, exist for the years 1820 and later. Unlike variety collectors, type collectors have few serious challenges with this series.

Capped Bust Small Diameter

Type 2
Small Diameter 1828-1837

There was some confusion among collectors about a second variety of "Capped Bust" dimes. Around 1827-1828 a new process was began going from an "open collar" to a "closed collar" dies in the minting process. This did make for a slightly smaller diameter coin. Most experts and authors of books on the subject agree that the size difference does not really constitute another variety.