One Dime 1834 Capped Bust, Coin from United States - detailed information

The dime, in United States usage, is a ten-cent coin (10¢), one tenth of a United States dollar, labelled formally as "one dime". The word dime comes from the Old French disme (now dîme), meaning "tithe" or "tenth part", from the Latin decima [pars]. In the past prices have occasionally been quoted on signage and other materials in terms of dimes, abbreviated as "d" or a lowercase "d" with a slash through it (đ) as with the cent and mill signs. After the half dime became five cents in 1873, the dime is now the only United States coin in general circulation that is not denominated in terms of dollars or cents.

The Capped Bust design (also known as the Liberty Cap Dime) was the second type of dime issued into circulation, replacing the Draped Bust dime in 1809. It features a new eagle reverse which - unlike earlier coins - shows the value and denomination; the value is given as "10 cents" and not a "dime" as on all later coins. The obverse design - common for the half dime, dime, quarter and half dollar of the time - shows a new concept of the portrait of Liberty where she wears a soft cap; it was designed by John Reich and modified by Chief Engraver of the Mint, William Kneass. It proved to be a popular design and lasted from 1807 to 1839 on the half dollar, 1815 to 1838 on the quarter, 1809 to 1837 on the dime, and 1829 to 1837 on the half dime. All four of these coin were struck in 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper.

In 1828, there was a change in design which is minor according to some numismatic sources, or major according to others which classify the later coins as a new type. Pre-1828 coins have a diameter of approximately 18.8 mm, which varies slightly. With new equipment installed at the Philadelphia Mint (which is the only mint where these coins were struck), a uniform diameter could be maintained; it was slightly reduced to 18.5 mm. The design was changed to a wider border and a smaller date.

After 1837, the type was replaced by the Seated Liberty design. In later years, there were also changes in size and composition (the dime is now smaller and made of copper-nickel), but these coins have never been demonetised and are still legal tender. This, of course, is of academic interest only, as their numismatic value is enormously higher than their face value.