1833 Dime - 1833 10c NGC AU53 CAC. Gun-metal gray and silver predominate on this lovely 1833 Dime. The surfaces, somewhat darker on the obverse than the reverse, are virtually mark free and completely original. Only through magnification can a few small abrasion marks be seen. Original mint luster remains within the devices of this eye-appealing coin. The CAC sticker indicates that it is a premium quality piece that fully merits the assigned grade.Only one ( 1 ) specimen of the 1833 dime has been approved by CAC in AU-53 and this is that coin! This is the only AU-53 that has been approved by CAC in AU-53.

Designed by John Reich, the Capped Bust dime shows Liberty in profile facing left wearing a Phrygian cap with LIBERTY inscribed on the headband. Ringlets of hair protrude from her cap at the forehead and ear, and her curls fall to the shoulders. A clasp just off the shoulder holds the drapery, and the date is below the truncation.  Seven stars are to her left and six are to the right. The reverse shows the heraldic eagle looking left with wings raised. Above the eagle, on a banner, is the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The required inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the coin, and the denomination written as 10 C. is below.

John Reich, a skilled engraver, was born in Bavaria and came to the United States around 1800. In order to finance his passage, he sold himself into servitude. President Thomas Jefferson recommended that Reich be hired as an engraver at the Mint in 1801. When he was serving in Washingtons Cabinet, Jefferson was in charge of the Mint as Secretary of State. While in France, Jefferson developed a working knowledge of the minting process. Reich was hired for other duties, but he eventually became an engraver. He had a superb eye for the complicated aesthetics of coin engraving. At this time his freedom was purchased by an unknown mint official. Although Chief Engraver Robert Scot designed most of the coins at the mint since 1794, it was said that Reich had much more talent and ability than Scot.

The design for the Capped Bust dime uses a buxom Liberty wearing a LIBERTY inscribed cloth cap, which gave the coin a distinctly European look. The heraldic eagle reverse symbolizes the Union with the arrows and olive branch in its talons. Reich created a signature device of a small notch on the outside of star 13.

In its population report, NGC shows that they have certified 9 1833 dimes at the AU53 level. At CAC, as of May 2013, only the present coin has been confirmed at AU53.