Half Dimes

Half dimes have the same general designs as larger United States silver coins. Authorized by the Act of April 2, 1792, they were not struck until February 1795, although some were dated 1794. At first the weight was 20.8 grains, and fineness .8924. By the Act of January 18, 1837, the weight was reduced to 20-5/8 grains and the fineness changed to .900. The weight was later reduced to 19.2 grains by the Act of February 21, 1853. Half Dimes offer many varieties in the early dates. From 1838 through 1859, the mintmark is located above the bow on the reverse. Large, medium, or small mintmark varieties occur for several dates. As on the dimes, quarters, and halves, arrows were placed at the sides of the date for a short period starting in 1853. They were placed there to denote the reduction of weight under the terms of the Act of Febraury 21, 1853. A new die was utilized in 1859 at the Philadelphia Mint, in which the stars are hollow in the center and the arms of Liberty are slimmer. During the years 1859 and 1860 interesting half dime patterns were made which do not bear our nation's identity. These are transitional pieces, not made for circulation, but struck at the time the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA was being transferred from the reverse to the obverse. -- Red Book (2008)