-
Inventory:
3 In Stock
- Product ID: 23036
Checkout
The 1835 Bust Dime is an important coin in the history of U.S. coinage, particularly as it represents a period of transition within the nation’s monetary system. Minted as part of the "Capped Bust" series, this coin is a testament to the efforts of the United States Mint to establish a reliable and standardized currency during the early 19th century. The Bust Dime was first introduced in 1809, and the 1835 issue marked the end of an era as it was one of the last years to feature the "Capped Bust" design before the coinage was replaced by the Seated Liberty design in 1837. Today, the 1835 Bust Dime in Very Fine condition remains a prized piece for numismatists, collectors, and those with an interest in early American coinage.
The design of the 1835 Bust Dime is the work of John Reich, the U.S. Mint's Chief Engraver at the time. The obverse of the coin features a bust of Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom that was widely recognized in the early 19th century. The word "LIBERTY" appears on a banner across her cap, and surrounding her are 13 stars, each representing one of the original 13 colonies. Below Liberty’s bust, the date "1835" is prominently displayed. The reverse side of the coin features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, representing the United States’ desire for peace but also its readiness for war if necessary. The eagle is surrounded by the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" along the upper perimeter, with the denomination "10 C" (for 10 cents) appearing at the bottom. This design, with its classical motifs and patriotic symbolism, reflects the nation’s values during a time of growth and change.
The 1835 Bust Dime was minted at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. At the time, the Mint was working to stabilize the nation’s currency system and establish a uniform set of standards for coins that could be used throughout the country. The dimes produced during this period were made from a silver alloy that was 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, providing a solid and reliable currency that was recognized both domestically and internationally. The dimes were an important part of the circulation coinage used by everyday Americans, making them a key piece of the monetary landscape of the 1830s. The 1835 Bust Dime was struck with a total weight of 2.5 grams and a diameter of 18 millimeters, making it a small yet substantial coin that was easy to carry and use in daily transactions.
While the exact mintage of the 1835 Bust Dime is not readily available, it is believed that the coin was produced in relatively small numbers compared to some other years in the Bust Dime series. This is not surprising, given the smaller population of the United States in the 1830s and the relatively specialized nature of dimes as a denomination in the broader currency system. Additionally, many of the coins struck during this period were circulated heavily and worn down through use, meaning that high-quality examples of the 1835 Bust Dime are relatively rare today. Despite this, the coin has retained significant historical value and continues to be a popular subject for collectors seeking to own a piece of early U.S. coinage.
The 1835 Bust Dime in Very Fine condition is a coin that shows moderate wear while retaining many of its key design features. On the obverse, Liberty’s image is still visible, but the details of her hair, face, and the "LIBERTY" inscription are softened due to circulation. The 13 stars are still discernible, though they may be faint in some areas, and the date "1835" remains legible. On the reverse, the eagle is still clearly defined, with the central elements of the design visible, though the feathers of the wings and the inscription may be worn down somewhat. Despite the signs of wear, the overall appearance of the coin remains attractive, and the central features are still well-preserved. A coin in Very Fine condition offers a balance between affordability and desirability, as it retains much of its historical character while still being accessible to collectors at a relatively reasonable price point.
Coins in Very Fine condition, such as the 1835 Bust Dime, offer a glimpse into the history of U.S. coinage, showing how these coins were used in everyday transactions. While not as pristine as coins in higher grades like Extra Fine or Uncirculated, a Very Fine coin provides a tangible connection to the past and showcases the historical and artistic value of U.S. coinage. As time passes, coins from this era become harder to find in good condition, making well-preserved examples even more sought after. Collectors who are interested in owning an example of the 1835 Bust Dime will find that a Very Fine coin represents an excellent compromise between condition and cost.
The 1835 Bust Dime, and the Bust Dime series in general, is particularly significant in the history of U.S. coinage due to its transitional nature. The coin was struck during a period of change at the U.S. Mint, as the nation’s coinage was evolving to reflect its growing size and influence. The Bust Dime represents the last iteration of the "Capped Bust" design, which had been in circulation since the early 1800s. This design was replaced by the Seated Liberty design in 1837, making the 1835 Bust Dime a key point in the history of U.S. currency. The transition from the "Capped Bust" to the "Seated Liberty" design marked a shift toward a more refined and modern aesthetic in U.S. coinage, but the Bust Dime remains a beloved design among collectors today.
In conclusion, the 1835 Bust Dime in Very Fine condition is a fascinating and important piece of U.S. numismatic history. The design, crafted by John Reich, is a beautiful representation of early American ideals, combining classical motifs with national symbols of strength and unity. The 1835 Bust Dime was part of a broader effort by the U.S. Mint to standardize and solidify the nation’s coinage, and it continues to be an important collectible for numismatists and enthusiasts of early U.S. currency. With a relatively low mintage and many coins from this period seeing extensive use, examples of the 1835 Bust Dime in good condition are highly desirable. For those seeking a tangible connection to the early days of American coinage, the 1835 Bust Dime remains an invaluable part of the nation’s numismatic heritage.