Half Dimes

1792 (half disme) - 1873. The half disme was one of the first coins to be produced by the newly created US Mint. At least 1,500 half dismes struck in 1792, which would technically make them the first business strike coin to be minted by the Mint. However, its status as such is disputed, with the Mint recognizing the 1793 Chain cent as such. Most Americans, not sure how to pronounce the French word "disme", referred to the coin as "dime". By the time production of half dismes resumed in 1794, the "s" had been dropped. (source: wikipedia)

There Are 5 Designs.

Half Disme, Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Capped Bust and Liberty Seated.

Half disma (1792): The half disme was one of the first coins minted by the United States federal government. It's essentially a precursor to the half dime.

Flowing Hair Half Dime (1794-1795): This was the first design of the half dime and featured Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and a small eagle on the reverse.

Draped Bust Half Dime (1796-1805): This design showcased a draped bust of Liberty on the obverse. There were two main reverse designs during this period: the small eagle (1796-1797) and the heraldic eagle (1800-1805).

Capped Bust Half Dime (1829-1837): This design had Liberty wearing a cap on the obverse and a more modern eagle on the reverse.

Seated Liberty Half Dime (1837-1873): This design underwent several variations during its mintage:

- No Stars (1837-1838): Liberty seated without any stars surrounding her on the obverse.

- Stars on Obverse (1838-1859): Stars were added around Liberty on the obverse.

- Arrows at Date (1853-1855): Arrows were added to the obverse on either side of the date to signify a weight change.

- Legend on Obverse (1860-1873): The design was modified to move the stars from the obverse and replace them with the legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."

Half Disme also known as the Bust Half Dime.

The obverse depicted Liberty facing left (in a style quite similar to Liberty facing right on a variety of the Birch cent) with the date 1792 below and an abbreviated form of the motto "Liberty Parent of Science & Industry" (which is found in a fuller form on the 1792 cents and disme).

1.35 grams composed of 90% Silver with a balance of copper. There were small changes over the years.