half dime

half dime. The half dime was a silver coin valued at five cents, issued by the United States Mint from 1794 until its discontinuation in 1873. It preceded the nickel five-cent piece and was one of the original denominations authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792. Despite its small size, the coin played a significant role in early American commerce and numismatic history.

History

The half dime was among the first coins struck by the newly established United States Mint following the passage of the Coinage Act of 1792. The initial 1794-1795 issues, known as the Flowing Hair type, were produced at the Philadelphia Mint under the direction of Henry Voigt. Subsequent designs included the Draped Bust type, authorized during the tenure of Mint Director Elias Boudinot, and the Capped Bust design by Chief Engraver John Reich. The coin's production was intermittent, with no issues minted between 1805 and 1829 due to a shortage of silver bullion and the economic disruptions following the War of 1812. The introduction of the Seated Liberty design in 1837, created by Christian Gobrecht, marked the coin's final and longest-running type. The Coinage Act of 1873, often called the "Crime of 1873" by silver proponents, officially demonetized the silver half dime, replacing it with the copper-nickel five-cent piece championed by industrialist Joseph Wharton.

Design and specifications

The half dime underwent several major design changes throughout its history. The first Flowing Hair design, similar to that on the half dollar and dollar, featured a portrait of Liberty facing right. The Draped Bust design, introduced in 1796, depicted Liberty with a drapery at her bustline, with a reverse featuring a small eagle later replaced by the heraldic eagle design. The Capped Bust motif, by John Reich, showed Liberty wearing a cap, with a revised eagle on the reverse. The definitive Seated Liberty design by Christian Gobrecht featured Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a pole with a Phrygian cap, inspired by figures from British coinage and Ancient Greek coinage. All half dimes were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a standard weight of 1.24 grams and a diameter of 15.5 millimeters. The edge was initially lettered or decorated, but by the 1830s, all coins featured a reeded edge for security.

Mintages and varieties

Mintage figures for the half dime varied dramatically by year and mint facility. Key early dates with low survival rates include the 1794 and 1795 Flowing Hair issues and the 1802 Draped Bust variety. The New Orleans Mint began striking half dimes in 1838, with its "O" mint mark, followed by the San Francisco Mint in 1863, using an "S" mint mark. Notable scarce issues include the 1870-S, with an extremely low mintage, and the unique 1870-S specimen reportedly placed in the cornerstone of the San Francisco Mint building. Varieties are extensively studied by numismatists, such as different obverse styles in the 1790s, modifications to the stars and drapery on the Seated Liberty design, and the addition of mint marks during the American Civil War. Proof coins were struck sporadically, with notable sets produced for the Philadelphia Mint's presentation to dignitaries and collectors.

Collecting

The half dime is a popular series among collectors of early United States coinage and silver coins. It is typically collected by type, with major design categories including Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Capped Bust, and Seated Liberty. Condition is paramount, with fully struck examples with original luster commanding significant premiums, especially for early dates graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service or Numismatic Guaranty Company. Key coins for a complete set include the 1796 Small Eagle reverse, the 1802, and the 1870-S. Many collectors also pursue varieties listed in reference works like those by Walter Breen or the "Early United States half dimes" series. Due to their small size and delicate detail, well-preserved specimens are challenging to find, making the series a rewarding pursuit for dedicated numismatists interested in the history of the United States Mint and 19th-century America. Category:Coins of the United States Category:Obsolete United States coinage Category:Silver coins