1828 Capped Bust Dime Value Guide (JR-1 & JR-2 Varieties)

1828 Capped Bust Dime: A Pivotal Transitional Year

The 1828 Capped Bust Dime marks a critical technological transition at the Philadelphia Mint

The 1828 Capped Bust Dime represents a watershed moment in early American coinage. This year marks the Philadelphia Mint's technological transition from open-collar to close-collar striking, a manufacturing advancement that would standardize coin production for decades. The year's output includes two distinct business strike varieties—the Small Date (JR-1) and the scarcer Large Date (JR-2)—plus an exceptionally rare Proof issue. Values range from $70 for circulated examples to over $50,000 for top-grade specimens.

While official mint records indicate a total mintage of 125,000 dimes, scholarly analysis reveals that most were actually struck using 1827-dated dies. The true mintage of coins bearing the 1828 date is estimated at only 35,000 pieces, establishing this as a semi-key date within the series. This guide provides comprehensive pricing for both die varieties, identification diagnostics, grading insights, and authentication guidance for collectors at all experience levels.

How to Identify Your 1828 Capped Bust Dime

The 1828 dime exists in two primary business strike varieties, designated by the John Reich Collectors Society (JRCS) as JR-1 and JR-2. Accurate identification is essential for proper valuation, as the Large Date (JR-2) commands substantial premiums over the more common Small Date (JR-1).

Mint Mark Information

All 1828 Capped Bust Dimes were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. No mint marks appear on these coins, as was standard for Philadelphia issues of this era. The absence of a mint mark is therefore correct and expected.

Design Features

Obverse: Liberty faces left, wearing a cloth cap inscribed with LIBERTY. Her hair flows behind her head, with curls visible at the forehead and ear. A drapery clasp appears at her left shoulder. Thirteen six-pointed stars surround Liberty, with seven to the left and six to the right. The date 1828 appears below the portrait.

Reverse: A heraldic eagle with spread wings holds arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right. A shield covers the eagle's breast. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA curves around the top, with the denomination 10 C. below the eagle.

The shape of the numeral 2 provides immediate identification

Variety Diagnostics: JR-1 vs. JR-2

The primary diagnostic feature is the shape of the numeral 2 in the date:

JR-1 (Small Date): The base of the numeral 2 is flat and straight—the "Square Base 2." The date numerals are smaller, thinner, and more delicate overall. The obverse stars are smaller and more refined. Most distinctively, the border features a raised rim with small, tightly spaced beads along the interior, characteristic of the new "Small Size" design type that would continue through 1837.

JR-2 (Large Date): The base of the numeral 2 has a prominent curved tail—the "Curl Base 2." This is the most reliable diagnostic. The date numerals are larger, taller, and more robust. The obverse stars are larger, consistent with pre-1828 styling. The border features larger, more widely spaced denticles extending nearly to the coin's edge, a holdover from the earlier "Large Size" type.

Border styles distinguish the transitional nature of these varieties

The JR-2 is actually a "mule" pairing—an older obverse die from the John Reich era combined with a new William Kneass reverse die. Numismatic research suggests these were likely struck in 1829 using leftover 1828-dated dies.

1828 Capped Bust Dime Price Guide

Values for the 1828 Capped Bust Dime vary dramatically based on die variety, grade, and strike quality. The following market data consolidates professional price guide information and verified auction results to provide accurate, current valuations.

1828 Small Date, JR-1 (Business Strike)

The Small Date variety is the more available of the two 1828 business strikes. It represents Chief Engraver William Kneass's first major use of modified design elements, including smaller stars and a refined date logotype paired with a leftover John Reich reverse die. While more common than the JR-2, the Small Date is still a scarce coin, particularly in higher grades.

Sources: PCGS Price Guide, NGC Price Guide (October 2025)

The market shows steady value increases through circulated and About Uncirculated grades. A dramatic jump occurs at the Gem MS-65 level, where values more than triple from MS-64. This reflects the variety's condition rarity—very few examples survive in Gem condition or better.

1828 Large Date, JR-2 (Business Strike)

The Large Date variety is the scarcer and more highly prized of the two 1828 business strikes. This transitional "mule" pairs an older obverse die from the John Reich era with a new William Kneass reverse die. Numismatic research indicates these coins were likely struck in 1829 using leftover 1828-dated obverse dies. This production circumstance accounts for the variety's relative scarcity.

Sources: PCGS Price Guide, NGC Price Guide (October 2025). NGC data last updated April 2019.

In circulated grades, the JR-2 consistently carries a 50-100% premium over the JR-1. In Mint State, premiums increase dramatically, reflecting both absolute scarcity and strong collector demand for this historically significant transitional variety.

1828 Small Date, JR-1 (Proof Strike)

The Philadelphia Mint produced an extremely small number of Proof examples of the 1828 dime as presentation pieces. All known Proofs are of the Small Date (JR-1) variety; no Proof examples of the Large Date exist. Modern estimates suggest approximately 10 surviving examples, making these coins among the most coveted issues in the entire Capped Bust dime series.

Source: PCGS Price Guide (October 2025)

These coins appear for sale very infrequently, with any auction appearance constituting a major numismatic event. Authentication is critical, as the distinction between a true Proof and a very early, sharply struck business strike with prooflike surfaces can be subtle for this era.

Grading the 1828 Capped Bust Dime

Accurate grading of Capped Bust dimes requires understanding both wear patterns and the production characteristics typical of this era. One of the most critical skills is differentiating genuine circulation wear from strike weakness—a common challenge with early 19th-century coinage.

Understanding grade transitions is essential for accurate valuation

Key Wear Points

Obverse: Wear first appears on the highest points of Liberty's portrait. Examine the hair above her forehead and around her ear—these areas will flatten first. The drapery clasp at her shoulder is another early wear point. In circulated grades, check the letters of LIBERTY on the cap's band; these will become progressively weaker as the coin wears. The stars surrounding Liberty will also lose their central details as circulation progresses.

Reverse: On the reverse, the eagle's claws are among the first areas to show friction and wear. The eagle's neck and head feathers flatten quickly. The individual feathers on the wings and shield lose definition as the coin circulates. The arrows and olive branch details also diminish with wear, though these are often weakly struck even on Mint State examples.

Critical diagnostic points for assessing grade and originality

Strike Weakness vs. Circulation Wear

A characteristic challenge in grading Capped Bust dimes is distinguishing weak strikes from genuine wear. Due to the manual screw-press technology of the era and die positioning variations, it is entirely normal for these coins to show soft detail in certain areas—particularly Liberty's hair around the ear, the eagle's head and neck, and the shield feathers—even on coins that have never circulated.

Strike quality varies independently of grade

The key to differentiation is luster. An area that is weakly struck will still retain its original, satiny mint frost or luster. Under proper lighting, you can see the flow lines and texture of the mint surface, even if design details are indistinct. In contrast, an area worn flat from circulation will be dull and smooth, with the metal's surface disturbed by friction. The presence of mint luster proves an area was never circulated, regardless of how weak the design elements appear.

Grade Descriptions

Good (G-4): Heavy wear throughout. The date is readable but may be weak. LIBERTY on the cap is partially or completely worn away. Liberty's portrait is flat with virtually no hair detail visible. On the reverse, the eagle is an outline with minimal feather definition.

Very Good (VG-8): Moderate to heavy wear. At least three letters of LIBERTY are visible. Some hair strands can be distinguished near Liberty's forehead and neck. The eagle shows more distinct body separation from the wings, with some feather lines beginning to emerge.

Fine (F-12): Moderate wear. LIBERTY is complete but may be weak in spots. Hair detail is visible from Liberty's forehead to behind her ear, though worn flat in the highest areas. The eagle's feathers show definition, with individual lines distinguishable on the wings and shield.

Very Fine (VF-20): Light to moderate wear on high points. All letters of LIBERTY are sharp and complete. Hair detail is clearly visible, with some separation of strands, though the highest curls remain somewhat flat. On the reverse, the eagle's feathers are well-defined with good separation between individual elements.

Extremely Fine (EF-40): Light wear on the highest design points only. LIBERTY is bold. Hair detail is strong, with most individual strands visible and only the very highest curls showing slight flatness. On the reverse, the eagle retains nearly full feather detail. Some original luster may be visible in protected areas.

About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58): Only the slightest trace of wear on the absolute highest points. Full original luster is present over most of the coin's surface. At AU-58, wear is barely detectable even under magnification. Design elements are complete and sharp throughout.

Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70): No trace of wear. The coin retains full original luster. Grading within the Mint State range depends on the quality of the strike, the degree and appeal of any toning, the presence and severity of contact marks or bag marks, and overall eye appeal. MS-60 coins may have numerous marks and distracting imperfections. MS-65 and higher specimens exhibit exceptional surface quality, strong strikes, and attractive toning or luster.

Authentication & Problem Detection

Ensuring the authenticity and originality of an 1828 Capped Bust Dime is critical to its value. While sophisticated counterfeits of this specific date are not widespread, collectors must be vigilant about post-mint problems and alterations that can dramatically reduce a coin's worth.

Weight and Diameter: A genuine 1828 dime should weigh 2.70 grams, though slight variance is acceptable due to circulation wear. The diameter should measure approximately 18.5 to 18.8 millimeters. Coins that fall significantly outside these specifications warrant further scrutiny. A digital scale and caliper provide quick verification.

Design Authenticity: The design details, particularly the font of the date numerals and the style of lettering in LIBERTY and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, should match known genuine examples. Comparing a potential purchase to high-resolution images from the PCGS and NGC CoinFacts websites is highly effective. Pay special attention to the shape of the numeral 2 in the date, as this is the key diagnostic for variety attribution.

Edge Reeding: The edge should display sharp, consistent reeding characteristic of early 19th-century close-collar striking technology. The reeds should be evenly spaced and uniformly impressed around the entire edge. Irregular or crude reeding may indicate a cast counterfeit.

Cleaned coins suffer permanent value reduction

Cleaning Detection: This is the most common problem affecting Capped Bust dimes. A cleaned coin will often exhibit an unnatural, lifeless sheen—either overly bright and white or displaying an artificial "golden" tone from chemical dipping. Under magnification, fine parallel hairlines may be visible across the fields and devices, evidence of brushing or polishing. Telltale residue or discoloration may accumulate in recesses around lettering and design elements where cleaning solution has dried. Natural toning develops gradually and evenly; abrupt changes in color or patina confined to certain areas suggest cleaning or artificial toning.

Damage Assessment: Carefully inspect the entire coin for post-mint damage. Common problems include rim bumps or dings, deep scratches across the surfaces, graffiti or test marks (where someone has used a knife or tool to check the metal), environmental damage such as corrosion spots, and evidence of repairs like filled holes or tooling marks. Any such problems result in a steep discount from listed values. Professional grading services will note these issues with "details" grades rather than numeric grades.

Professional Certification: For any 1828 dime in About Uncirculated or Mint State condition, or for any Large Date (JR-2) variety regardless of grade, professional authentication and grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended. The modest submission cost is justified by the protection against counterfeits, the third-party verification of grade and originality, and the enhanced marketability that certification provides. Certified coins consistently command premiums over raw examples of equivalent quality.

Preservation & Storage Best Practices

Proper care and storage are essential to maintaining the condition and value of your 1828 Capped Bust Dime. Early silver coins are particularly sensitive to environmental factors and improper handling.

Storage Solutions: If your coin is not professionally encapsulated, store it in an inert, archival-quality holder. Mylar flips are recommended for raw coins. Avoid soft PVC plastic flips, as these can emit chemicals that damage silver surfaces over time, causing a green residue known as "PVC damage." For long-term preservation and maximum market liquidity, professional encapsulation by PCGS or NGC provides superior protection in a sealed, inert holder.

Environmental Conditions: Store coins in a cool, dry, and stable environment. Ideal conditions are room temperature with low humidity. Avoid areas subject to extreme temperature fluctuations, such as attics, basements prone to dampness, or locations near heating or cooling vents. High humidity accelerates toning and can potentially lead to corrosion or spotting. Silverware storage or anti-tarnish strips are not recommended for numismatic coins, as they may create uneven toning.

Handling Protocol: Always handle raw coins by their edges only, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces. Skin oils contain acids and salts that can leave permanent fingerprints or cause spotting on silver. Wearing clean cotton gloves provides an additional layer of protection. When examining a coin, work over a soft surface to prevent damage if the coin is accidentally dropped.

The Cleaning Prohibition: Under no circumstances should a collector attempt to clean an 1828 Capped Bust Dime or any early silver coin. Any abrasive or chemical cleaning—whether using jewelry cleaners, baking soda, erasers, or even mild detergents—will permanently alter the coin's original surfaces. Cleaning removes the natural patina that forms over decades and leaves microscopic scratches that destroy the coin's luster. The numismatic market places an extremely high premium on originality. A coin with natural toning and perhaps some dirt or residue in the crevices is far more valuable than a "bright" but cleaned coin. If you believe a coin requires conservation, consult a professional numismatic conservator who specializes in early U.S. silver.

Die Varieties of the 1828 Capped Bust Dime

The 1828 Capped Bust Dime series is defined by two major die varieties, classified by the John Reich Collectors Society (JRCS) as JR-1 and JR-2. Understanding these varieties is essential for accurate attribution and valuation.

The numeral 2 provides immediate variety identification

JR-1: Small Date, Square Base 2

The JR-1 variety, known as the Small Date, represents Chief Engraver William Kneass's first major implementation of modified design elements following John Reich's retirement. This variety pairs a new obverse die featuring smaller, more delicate date numerals and refined star punches with a leftover reverse die from the Reich era.

Diagnostic Features:

• Date Style: The numerals 1828 are smaller, thinner, and more delicate in appearance compared to earlier issues and the JR-2 variety.
• The Numeral 2: The base of the 2 is flat and straight—the defining "Square Base 2" diagnostic. This is the most reliable identification point.
• Stars: The thirteen obverse stars are smaller and more refined than on earlier Capped Bust issues.
• Border: Features a distinct raised rim with small, tightly spaced beads along the interior edge. This beaded border style characterizes the new "Small Size" type that continued through 1837.
• Die Clashes: Some JR-1 specimens exhibit evidence of a boldly clashed reverse die, with impressions of the eagle visible in the obverse fields around Liberty's portrait.

Rarity and Value: The JR-1 is the more available of the two 1828 business strike varieties, though it remains a scarce coin overall. It is rated R.2 (Rarity-2) in the JRCS system, indicating 101-200 examples are estimated to exist in all grades. Values range from $70 in G-4 to $40,000 in MS-66.

JR-2: Large Date, Curl Base 2

The JR-2 variety, known as the Large Date, is a fascinating transitional "mule" created by pairing an older obverse die from the John Reich design era with a new reverse die prepared by William Kneass. Numismatic research strongly suggests these coins were actually struck in 1829 using a leftover 1828-dated obverse die that the Mint was unwilling to discard due to its remaining serviceability.

Diagnostic Features:

• Date Style: The numerals 1828 are larger, taller, and more robust, consistent with the style used on dimes from 1809 through 1827.
• The Numeral 2: The base of the 2 has a prominent, curved tail extending downward and to the right—the defining "Curl Base 2" diagnostic. This feature allows for instant identification.
• Stars: The obverse stars are larger and match the style of pre-1828 Capped Bust issues.
• Border: Features larger, more widely spaced denticles that extend nearly to the edge of the coin. This border style is characteristic of the earlier "Large Size" type used from 1809 through 1827.

Rarity and Value: The JR-2 is the scarcer of the two 1828 varieties and commands substantial premiums. It is rated R.3 (Rarity-3) in the JRCS system, indicating 501-1,000 examples are estimated to exist. The variety's unusual production circumstances and transitional status make it highly desirable to specialists. Values range from $135 in G-4 to over $50,000 for the finest known MS-64+ examples.

Mint Errors on 1828 Capped Bust Dimes

Major, dramatic minting errors on 1820s coinage are rare. The manual, screw-press technology of the era did not lend itself to the types of errors commonly seen on modern high-speed presses. However, certain mint-made anomalies are known for this period, and understanding them helps collectors distinguish errors from damage.

Weak Strikes: This is less an error and more a common production characteristic. Due to uneven die pressure, worn dies, or improper planchet positioning, areas of the design—particularly Liberty's hair and the eagle's head and neck—may appear indistinct even on uncirculated coins. As discussed in the grading section, weak strikes retain mint luster in the affected areas, distinguishing them from circulation wear. Weak strikes are not considered errors and do not add value; in fact, they may slightly reduce a coin's desirability compared to a fully struck example.

Die clashes are collectible production varieties

Die Cracks: As dies aged and experienced metal fatigue, they could develop cracks. These cracks transferred to struck coins as raised lines, appearing as thin raised ridges on the coin's surface. Minor die cracks are common on early U.S. coinage and add little to no value. However, large, dramatic die breaks—particularly "retained cuds" where a piece of the die has broken away, leaving part of the design missing and replaced by a raised blob of metal—are rare and add significant value. No specific major die breaks are widely documented for the 1828 dime, but such errors would likely command several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the size and location of the cud.

Die Clashes: When the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet between them, elements of each design could be impressed onto the opposing die. This ghost image would then transfer to subsequent coins struck with the clashed dies. For the 1828 dime, clashes might appear as faint impressions of the eagle's wings or body in the fields around Liberty's portrait on the obverse, or parts of Liberty's portrait appearing on the reverse. A boldly clashed reverse die is specifically noted on some JR-1 specimens. Minor clashes add a modest premium of 10-25%, primarily appealing to variety specialists. Dramatic, boldly visible clashes can command premiums of 50% or more.

Off-Center Strikes: If a planchet was not perfectly seated between the dies when struck, the resulting coin would show the design off-center, with a blank crescent on one side. Off-center strikes are valued based on the percentage the design is displaced and whether the date remains fully visible. A 5-10% off-center strike with a full date might add 50-100% to the coin's value. A 15-20% off-center strike could double or triple the value. Dramatically off-center strikes (25% or more) are major rarities for this era and would be valued individually, potentially bringing several thousand dollars.

Wrong Planchet Errors: Extremely rarely, a planchet intended for a different denomination might be fed into dime dies, creating a wrong planchet error. For example, a dime struck on a half dime planchet would be undersized and underweight. These are exceptionally rare for early silver and would command premiums of 500% or more.

General Valuation Guidance: Given the lack of specific auction records for major 1828 dime errors, approximate values are: Minor errors (small die cracks, light clashes) add 10-25%; Moderate errors (significant die breaks, 5-15% off-center strikes) add 50-150%; Major errors (dramatic cuds, 20%+ off-center strikes, wrong planchet errors) are valued case-by-case at major auctions, likely commanding $2,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the error's nature and the coin's base grade.

Recent Auction Results

Auction records provide valuable insight into the current market for 1828 Capped Bust Dimes. The following results represent actual transactions at major numismatic auctions, offering a reality check against published price guides.

Small Date (JR-1) Recent Sales

• PCGS MS-65: $28,200 (Heritage Auctions, October 2014)
• PCGS MS-61: $2,640 (Heritage Auctions, May 2025)
• PCGS MS-63: $1,955 (Heritage Auctions, July 2007)
• PCGS MS-62: $1,610 (Heritage Auctions, September 2010)
• PCGS AU-58: $822 (Heritage Auctions, February 2016)
• PCGS VF-20: $198 (Heritage Auctions, August 2019)

Large Date (JR-2) Recent Sales

• PCGS MS-64+: $49,200 (Heritage Auctions, January 2023)
• NGC MS-64: $28,200 (Heritage Auctions, October 2014)
• PCGS AU-58: $4,465 (Heritage Auctions, April 2017)
• PCGS AU-53: $2,820 (Heritage Auctions, January 2013)

These results confirm the substantial premium commanded by the Large Date (JR-2) variety, particularly in high grades. The 2023 sale of a PCGS MS-64+ at $49,200 represents a significant advance over older price guide data, reflecting both the variety's scarcity and strong collector demand for premium examples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Price Guide Methodology

This value guide synthesizes data from multiple authoritative sources to provide accurate, current market valuations for the 1828 Capped Bust Dime. Primary sources include the PCGS CoinFacts Price Guide and NGC Coin Explorer, both of which aggregate dealer retail prices and auction data. Verified auction results from Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers Galleries, and other major numismatic auction houses provide real-world transaction data.

Technical specifications and historical context derive from scholarly sources including the Newman Numismatic Portal, the Capped Bust Dime Complete Coin Guide, and published references on early U.S. coinage. Die variety information follows the John Reich Collectors Society (JRCS) attribution system, the standard used by major grading services.

Values represent retail prices for problem-free, original coins. Market prices fluctuate based on precious metal spot prices, overall numismatic market conditions, and the availability of quality material. Prices for high-grade rarities can vary significantly between transactions due to the unique nature of each specimen and collector demand at the time of sale. This guide was compiled in October 2025 using the most current data available at that time.