Seated Liberty Half Dime

The US Mint was established in 1792 and the half dime was the very first denomination struck. The half dime went through several changes over the years and are widely sought after by collectors.

Half Dimes

Most Americans are probably not aware that the half dime was one of the original coins introduced as soon as the United States began using a coinage system. The half disme as it was called of 1792 was a pattern that was designed by Thomas Birch. Birch was well known for his Birch Cent.

Draped Bust Half Dime

In 1793 the US Mint hired banknote plate engraver Robert Scot as the Chief Engraver. Later this decision was regretted as he was egocentric and jealous and hard to get along with. He had no experience designing device punches for coins so he had to learn as he went along in his job. His first try, the Flowing Hair design of 1794 had broken punches and the public was very critical of the design. People said that Liberty was wearing a “fright” wig and that the bird on the reverse looked like a turkey rather than an eagle.

Capped Bust Half Dime

In the United States in 1829 there were all classes of people. The average wage for a laborer was eighty cents per day and there were 75,000 people in debtor’s prisons, most for debts of less than twenty dollars. At the new Tretmont Hotel in Boston, a guest could get a private room, four meals and free soap for just $2.00 a day.