Bust Half Dime 1794-1837

The Bust Half Dime is a coin that was minted by the United States from 1794 to 1837. It is one of the earliest denominations of American currency and holds historical significance.

The design of the Bust Half Dime features a portrait of Liberty facing right on the obverse side. This design, known as the Draped Bust design, was created by Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. The reverse side of the coin features a small eagle, which was a common symbol on early American coins.

The first Bust Half Dimes were minted in 1794, although they were not widely circulated. These early coins were struck in silver and had a weight of 1.35 grams. They had a diameter of approximately 16.5 millimeters.

In 1800, the weight of the Bust Half Dime was reduced to 1.34 grams. Over the years, various modifications were made to the design, including changes to the size of the eagle on the reverse and the addition of stars around the edge of the coin.

In 1829, William Kneass, the second Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, modified the design of the Bust Half Dime. The new design, known as the Capped Bust design, featured Liberty wearing a cap on her head. This design was used until the end of the series in 1837.

During its production, the Bust Half Dime faced challenges such as counterfeiting and public disapproval. The small size of the coin and its low face value made it susceptible to counterfeiting, leading to public mistrust and reluctance to use it in daily transactions.

In 1837, the United States Mint discontinued the production of the Bust Half Dime and replaced it with the Seated Liberty design. The Seated Liberty Half Dime had a similar size and value but featured a different design and a higher silver content.

Today, the Bust Half Dime is highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance and rarity. Its production spanned a relatively short period, and surviving specimens are relatively scarce compared to later coinage. These coins provide a glimpse into the early days of the United States Mint and the development of American coinage.

Key Dates

1794: The first year of the series, with a mintage of approximately 7,756 coins. The 1794 Bust Half Dime is extremely rare and highly valuable.

1796: Both the 1796 and 1797 issues of the Bust Half Dime are considered key dates. The 1796 has a low mintage of around 10,230 coins, while the 1797 has an even lower mintage of approximately 25,261 coins.

1802: The 1802 Bust Half Dime is another key date known for its scarcity. It has a mintage of only around 3,060 coins.

1804: The 1804 issue is considered one of the rarest and most sought-after dates in the series. It has an extremely low mintage, estimated to be around 8,265 coins.

1829: This year marks the transition from the Draped Bust design to the Capped Bust design by Chief Engraver William Kneass. The 1829 Bust Half Dime is a key date due to its design change and historical significance.

1836: The 1836 issue is notable for having a mintage of only approximately 1,200 coins, making it one of the scarcest dates in the series.