PCGS The Standart for the Rare Coin Industry

The 1792 Half Dismes

Half dimes, called half dismes at the time, were first minted for circulation in 1792. In that year some 1,500 to 2,000 were produced. The Philadelphia Mint was not ready for commercial coin production. 1792 half dismes are believed to have been struck in the cellar of John Harper, a Philadelphia saw maker who had connections to the Mint. In his December 4, 1792 presidential message George Washington mentioned that a beginning in United States coinage had been made with such pieces, due to the need for coins in circulation. Today, many consider the 1792 half disme to be a pattern coin, but such students of the series as Harold P. Newlin and Daniel W. Valentine each made strong cases for it to be included in the regular series.

The design of the 1792 half disme closely follows certain patterns of the year. The obverse depicts Miss Liberty facing left, a portrait some have credited as that of Martha Washington, although no corroborative evidence has ever been found to support this. Surrounding is the inscription: LIB. PAR. OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY. The date 1792 is below the neck truncation. Nearly all specimens in existence today show evidence of considerable circulation.

Budget Recommendations: G-4 to VG-8.

Recommendations for the Connoisseur: Nice VF-20 to EF-45, with smooth surfaces.

Elite Recommendations: MS-65 coins do exist, and a couple of years ago dealer Ed Milas had a coin which was at least MS-65, perhaps finer (I don't recall its precise numerical designation), which was one of the most spectacular coins I've ever seen. Any MS-60 or better coin is a numismatic treasure worth owning!

Early Half Dimes (1794-1837)

After the 1792 pieces, half dimes were next struck in quantity bearing the dates 1794 and 1795. These issues are known as the Flowing Hair design and portray Miss Liberty facing right, with tresses streaming out behind her head. The reverse is the Small Eagle type and shows a delicately engraved eagle perched on a rock, enclosed by a wreath. The same general design, believed to have been the work of Robert Scot, was used for other silver coins of the era, namely the half dollar and silver dollar. Curiously, the half dimes of 1794 and 1795, indeed those of the following type was well, bore no indication of denomination. Half dimes of Flowing Hair type are elusive, with the 1794 being rarer than the 1795.