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Sample Photo: not representative of the coin or grade of coin being sold.
Sample Photo: not representative of the coin or grade of coin being sold.
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| Years: |
1829-1837 |
| Composition: |
89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper |
| Weight: |
1.35g |
| Diameter: |
15.5mm |
| Edge: |
Reeded |
| Designer: |
William Kneass |
| Mints: |
Philadelphia |
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Capped Bust Half Dimes
In 1829, the U.S. Mint began the production of half dimes, or 'dismes', again. It had been twenty four years since the mint had first ceased the production of these coins.
The obverse of the half dime features John Reich's bust of Lady Liberty, taken from the 1807 half dollar. In this rendition, Liberty wears a cap bearing the word 'LIBERTY' on the rim. She is surrounded by thirteen stars and the date is struck below her. The reverse features an eagle. The eagle bears a shield on its chest, and carries arrows and an olive branch in its talons. Above the eagle, the words 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' appear within a scroll, and the legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' is written around it. The denomination '5 C.' appears below the eagle.
New minting technology was introduced in 1828, allowing the mint to create coins with greater uniformity and strike quality than previous coinage. In spite of the technological advances, Capped Bust Half Dimes were hand finished. Some letters and dates were stamped by hand, creating numerous die varieties within the series.
In 1838 Mint Engraver Christian Gobrecht's Liberty Seated design from the 1836 dollar replaced the Capped Bust design on the half dime.
