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1833 Capped Bust Half Dime

Half Dimes · Capped Bust Half Dimes · 1829–1837
Weight1.35 grams
Diameter15.5 mm
MintPhiladelphia
Mintage1,370,000
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper
DesignerWilliam Kneass
Collector's Key IDCK-1021
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About this coinHistory

Mintage for 1833 was 1,370,000 half dimes, the highest single-year output of the Capped Bust series to that point. The economy was expanding, small-change demand was rising, and Philadelphia responded with larger production runs. Jackson's Bank War reached its peak during the year when the president ordered federal deposits withdrawn from the Second Bank of the United States and redistributed to state-chartered "pet banks," setting in motion the events that would lead to the Panic of 1837 four years later.

The 1833 is the most common circulation strike Capped Bust half dime and the natural choice for a type coin representing the series. Uncirculated examples are available, though fully struck gems with attractive toning command premiums over typical mint-state coins. The design's eagle reverse is often softly struck on the breast, a characteristic weak point that affects even high-grade examples.

Price GuideTypical retail prices for problem-free examples.
Educational
GradeDescriptionTypical Price
G-4 Good (G) $54–$62
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $68–$79
F-12 Fine (F) $81–$94
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $107–$124
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $155–$179
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $245–$285
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $325–$375
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $960–$1,015

This table is for educational purposes only and is intended to illustrate general market price trends and pricing steps between grades. Actual market conditions may vary significantly, especially for rarer pieces that often command premiums above the ranges shown here.

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