Chronology of the United States Half Dime
Often confused with the Nickel Five Cent Piece, the Half Dime used the same general design as the larger coins of silver composition. The first Half Dime was the Flowing Hair design. The Flowing Hair Half Dime had a two year lifespan, put into circulation in 1794, ending in 1795. The next was the Draped Bust Half Dime (1796 to 1805). The Capped Bust Half Dime came next, and was in circulation from 1829 to 1837. The Liberty Seated Half Dime was in circulation from 1837 to 1873. Each of these designs were also used on either Silver Dollars or Silver Half Dollars of the same era (see our Silver Half Dollar and Silver Dollar Pages).
Half Dime
Flowing Hair Half Dime (1794 to 1795);
Draped Bust Half Dime (1796 to 1805);
Capped Bust Half Dime (1829 to 1837);
Liberty Seated Half Dime (1837 to 1873).