The half dime was the smallest silver denomination originally authorized within the American monetary system. The mintages for the Draped Bust Half Dimes remained at relatively low levels throughout the course of the series, creating scarce issues and one significant rarity. A change in the reverse design creates two distinct subtypes.
The mintages of the Capped Bust Half Dime are well above the levels experienced for earlier issues of the denomination. This makes completion of a full set an achievable task for most collectors. The coin series carried a design based on the work of John Reich, but modified by John Kneass. The same basic design was used for the silver coinage of the era.
The Flowing Hair Half Dime was the smallest sized silver coin authorized under the Act of April 2, 1792, which established the United States Mint and regulated U.S. coinage. The coin’s design by Robert Scot features Liberty facing right with unbound hair flowing back. The reverse features an eagle with sings spread surrounded by a wreath.
