US Half Dime Coins
The half dime was one of the first denominations issued by the US mint and was composed of silver.These were produced until 1873, by which time the much more well known nickels had started to be minted.
There are 4 major designs for the half dime.
Flowing Hair - 1794 - 1795
The first design minted bears the flowing hair design created by Robert Scott that can be seen on other silver coins during the same period. The reverse of the coin shows an eagle and stars.This design was only minted for two years.
Draped Bust - 1796 - 1805
The obverse of the coin was changed in 1796 to the draped bust design. The reverse continued to show the "small eagle" for the following two years. However, after a break in production until 1800 the reverse was redesigned to show a larger eagle in the Great Seal of the United States.This coin was only minted until 1805, after which there were no half dimes produced until 1829.
Capped Bust - 1829 - 1837
The capped Bust design replaced the draped bust when minting began again in 1829. The reverse shows an eagle with a shield.This is the first half dime design that shows the denomination, which is written as 5c.
Seated Liberty - 1837 - 1873
1837 saw the appearance of the Seated Liberty design. This coin displays the denomination as "half dime" on the reverse.This coin is slightly lighter than pervious half dimes and is comprised of .900 silver.
In 1840 there were some changes to the design with the addition of some stars and drapery. Following this addition there were only minor design changes until the denomination was discontinued in 1873.