1861 USA Half Dime G-VG (G6)

1861 USA Half Dime G-VG (G-6)

The United States half dime was the smallest denomination of silver coin authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792 and was among the very first coins struck by the newly established United States Mint. Valued at five cents, the half dime was considerably smaller than the later nickel five-cent piece and was struck in silver, reflecting the monetary system of the early United States. The first half dimes were produced in 1794, with the earliest issues featuring the Flowing Hair design attributed to Chief Engraver Robert Scot. These tiny silver coins played an important role in everyday commerce at a time when even a few cents could represent a meaningful amount of purchasing power.

Over the years, the half dime went through several distinctive designs, including the Draped Bust, Capped Bust, Liberty Seated and, finally, the Liberty Head or “Liberty Head” half dime. Production continued until 1873, although the denomination became increasingly obsolete as other five-cent coins entered circulation. Today, early half dimes are highly prized by collectors, not only for their scarcity and small size, but also for their connection to the formative years of the United States Mint.

Obverse: Seated Liberty looking right over her shoulder, with a Phrygian cap on a stick in her left hand, a shield resting on her right, with the country name around and the date below.
Reverse: The denomination within a wreath.

Specifications:
Engraver: Christian Gobrecht
Composition: 0.900 Silver, 0.100 Copper
Weight: 1.24 g
Diameter: 15.5 mm
Edge: Reeded
Die Axis: ↑↓
Mint: The United States Mint of Philadelphia, United States
Mintage: 3,360,000