Half Dime History & Collecting Guide

Overview

Half Dimes were among the first coins struck by the United States Mint, authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792. Despite their small size—smaller than a modern dime—these coins were composed of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, giving them real intrinsic value. They played a crucial role in everyday commerce for nearly 80 years before being replaced by the Shield Nickel in 1866.

Specifications:

• Denomination: 5 cents
• Years Minted: 1794-1873
• Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
• Weight: 1.35 grams (1794-1805), 1.34 grams (1829-1873)
• Diameter: 16.5mm (approximately)
• Edge: Reeded

Design Types

Flowing Hair Half Dime (1794-1795)

The first Half Dimes featured the Flowing Hair design by Robert Scot, matching the larger silver denominations. The obverse shows Liberty with flowing hair, while the reverse displays a small eagle within a wreath. These are among the earliest U.S. coins and are highly prized by collectors. Mintages were small, and examples in any condition command substantial premiums.

Key Facts: Only two years of production, extremely rare in high grades, represents the birth of American coinage.

Draped Bust Half Dime, Small Eagle (1796-1797)

The Draped Bust design, also by Robert Scot, shows a more refined portrait of Liberty. The Small Eagle reverse features a delicate eagle within clouds. These coins are extremely rare, with the 1797 15 Stars variety being particularly sought after by specialists.

Draped Bust Half Dime, Heraldic Eagle (1800-1805)

From 1800 to 1805, the reverse changed to the Heraldic Eagle design, featuring a more robust eagle with shield, arrows, and olive branch. No Half Dimes were minted between 1806 and 1828, making this the end of the first era of Half Dime production. The hiatus was caused by the exportation of silver coins due to their higher bullion value compared to face value.

Capped Bust Half Dime (1829-1837)

When Half Dime production resumed in 1829, the design featured John Reich's Capped Bust portrait of Liberty. The reverse showed an eagle with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" on a ribbon. These coins are more available than earlier types but still command respect in the marketplace. The reduction in silver content and weight made them economically viable to produce and circulate.

Collecting Note: Look for coins with strong strikes, as weakness in the stars and eagle's feathers is common.

Seated Liberty Half Dime (1837-1873)

The longest-running Half Dime design featured Christian Gobrecht's Seated Liberty motif, which also appeared on other silver denominations. Liberty sits on a rock, holding a shield and liberty pole with cap. The design went through several variations:

• No Stars (1837-1838): The initial design had no stars on the obverse, with 13 stars added starting in 1838.
• Stars on Obverse (1838-1859): Thirteen stars surround Liberty, representing the original colonies.
• Transitional Pattern (1859-1860): Obverse Legends variety exists.
• Legend on Obverse (1860-1873): "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" replaced the stars, creating a cleaner, more modern look.

The Seated Liberty Half Dimes are the most commonly collected type, with many dates and varieties available in circulated grades. Mint State examples, particularly from branch mints like New Orleans (O) and San Francisco (S), are considerably scarcer.

Historical Significance

The Original Five-Cent Piece

Before the Shield Nickel was introduced in 1866, the Half Dime was the standard five-cent coin. During the Civil War, precious metal coins largely disappeared from circulation as citizens hoarded them for their bullion value. This led Congress to authorize a new five-cent piece made of copper-nickel, which had no intrinsic precious metal value and thus wouldn't be hoarded.

Production Gaps and Rarities

The 22-year gap in production (1806-1828) creates an interesting collecting dynamic. Early Half Dimes (1794-1805) are substantially rarer and more expensive than later issues. The resumption of production in 1829 with reduced silver content reflected changing economic conditions and the mint's attempt to keep silver coins in circulation.

Mint Marks and Branch Mints

Half Dimes were produced at three mints:

• Philadelphia (no mint mark): The primary production facility
• New Orleans (O): Produced Half Dimes from 1838-1860
• San Francisco (S): Struck Half Dimes from 1863-1873

Certain dates and mint marks are extremely rare, including the 1802 (only 3,060 minted), 1846 (27,000 minted), and various low-mintage New Orleans issues.

Collecting Half Dimes

Building a Type Set

A Half Dime type set includes one example of each major design:

1. Flowing Hair (1794-1795) - Most expensive type
2. Draped Bust, Small Eagle (1796-1797) - Very rare
3. Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle (1800-1805) - Scarce but obtainable
4. Capped Bust (1829-1837) - Moderately available
5. Seated Liberty, No Stars (1837-1838) - Scarce
6. Seated Liberty, Stars (1838-1859) - Most available
7. Seated Liberty, Legend (1860-1873) - Readily available

Date and Mint Mark Collecting

Assembling a complete date and mint mark set is challenging but achievable with patience. The Seated Liberty series from 1837-1873 forms the core of most collections. Key dates include:

• 1802 - Lowest mintage of the Draped Bust type
• 1838-O No Stars - First New Orleans mint issue
• 1846 - Low mintage, highly sought
• 1863-S - First San Francisco Half Dime
• 1870-S - Low mintage, key date

Grading and Condition

Half Dimes present grading challenges due to their small size and the softness of silver:

• Early types (1794-1805): Often come weakly struck. Focus on eye appeal and honest wear rather than technical perfection.
• Capped Bust: Check the star definition and eagle details.
• Seated Liberty: Liberty's head, hand, and shield details are key grading points. Look for adjustment marks from the planchet preparation process.

Investment Potential

Half Dimes represent solid value in the early American silver market. While not as widely collected as dimes or quarters, dedicated collectors appreciate their historical significance. Early types have shown steady appreciation, while common-date Seated Liberty Half Dimes in circulated grades remain affordable entry points to early American silver collecting.

Notable Varieties and Errors

Half Dime varieties are actively collected, with some commanding significant premiums:

• 1797 15 Stars vs 16 Stars: The 1797 came with either 15 or 16 stars on the obverse, commemorating Tennessee's statehood.
• 1838-O No Drapery: The first Seated Liberty Half Dimes from New Orleans lacked drapery at Liberty's elbow.
• 1849/8 Overdate: A 9 was punched over an 8 in the date.
• V-5 vs V-6 Varieties: Specialists collect die varieties catalogued by Valentine numbers.