1828 10C Small Date Capped Bust Dime
The 1828 10C Small Date (Regular Strike) is a piece celebrated among numismatists for its historical significance and rarity. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin is part of the Capped Bust series, a design that was in circulation from 1809 to 1837. The coin, created by John Reich, features a left-facing portrait of Liberty on the obverse with a cap inscribed with "LIBERTY" and surrounded by stars and the year of mintage. The reverse showcases an eagle, perched on an olive branch with arrows in its talons, under the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and values “10 C.” Mintage for the 1828 Small Date variant was relatively low, with the entire 1828 dime mintage numbering 100,000 coins, which also includes the Large Date variety.
The Small Date variety is significantly rarer compared to its Large Date counterpart and is prized by collectors for its scarcity and aesthetic. From the perspective of rarity, the 1828 Small Date is particularly difficult to find in higher grades, making it quite desirable among collectors. Its rarity is compounded by the limited number of surviving examples in collector-worthy conditions.
The PCGS Coin Facts database lists this coin with a unique identifier, the PCGS #94410, helping collectors and dealers track and authenticate these valuable pieces. In today’s market, the value of the 1828 10C Small Date can vary significantly based on condition and provenance. Auction records provide insight into the demand for this coin; for instance, a well-preserved example has seen sales exceeding several thousand dollars in recent auctions.
Prices for these coins have reached upwards of $10,000 in particularly high grades, with values increasing as the condition improves, demonstrating the coin's desirability and investment potential. The coin's history is an intrinsic part of its allure. Collectors are often drawn to the 1828 10C Small Date due to its connection to early 19th-century American coinage and the artistry of the Capped Bust design.
Each of these dimes offers a tangible link to the past, embodying the era's craftsmanship and economic history. Potential investors and collectors should be aware of the coin's condition, provenance, and authentic grading by reputable services like PCGS to ensure the authenticity and value of their acquisition. As the demand for historical U.S. coinage continues to grow, the 1828 10C Small Date remains a coveted piece for serious numismatists seeking to expand their collections with rare and historically significant coins.
