Half Dime Types: Five Main Designs

A half dime is a small silver five-cent coin. These five groups cover the main designs, not every variety.

Half Dime Types:

• 1792 — Half disme (early issue; Liberty faces left).
• 1794–1795 — Flowing Hair (Liberty faces right; loose hair).
• 1796–1805 — Draped Bust (tied hair; Small Eagle or Heraldic Eagle back).
• 1829–1837 — Capped Bust (Liberty wears a cap; “5C” on the back).
• 1837–1873 — Liberty Seated (seated figure; “HALF DIME” on the back).

Ranges include gaps. Both Capped Bust and Liberty Seated half dimes exist for 1837.

Look closer: Read about 1797 star counts or 1835 date and 5C sizes.

Face value was five cents. Collector value depends on the date, mint, wear and authenticity.