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Technically a pattern issue, also known as Judd-7, but now widely popular and considered collectible as a regular issue. The 1792 Half Disme is a historic numismatic rarity that ushered in the production of coinage for the United States of America. Alexander Hamilton was ordered by Congress, on April 15, 1790, to establish a Mint for our new country. Just over a year later, the Morris Bill was drafted, detailing the framework of the American coinage system.
By April, 1792, the Mint Act was passed; and, by order of George Washington, the first coin was set to be minted. The Half Disme was conceptualized by David Rittenhouse who went on to become the very first Mint Director.
Thomas Jefferson, himself, delivered the silver to the manufacturer, John Harper, who was a toolmaker by trade. Three months later, Harper presented Jefferson with 1,500 coins given the name Half Dismes, per the Mint Act.
The Half Dismes were struck using dies created by the engraver, Robert Birch. The Morris Bill required that the Half Dismes contain 0.8924 silver along with other metals for a total weight of 1.35 grams and a diameter of 17.5 millimeters. On November 6, 1792, these coins were put into circulation by the United States Mint as the first legal tender of our nation.
The mintage for the 1792 Half Disme was 1,500. Unfortunately, approximately just 275 are estimated to have survived in all grades with about 15% of those in mint state.
Obverse Description
The obverse of the coin displays a depiction of Liberty facing to the left, with the date below the bust, and the phrase LIB PAR OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY in the legend.
Reverse Description
The reverse portrays an eagle, also facing to the left, with "HALF DISME" beneath it and the legend displaying "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
Book Reference
Designer: Unknown (possibly Robert Birch). Weight: 1.35 grams. Composition: .8924 silver, .1076 copper. Diameter: 16.5 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mint: John Harper’s shop, Philadelphia.
Key to Collecting: The 1792 half disme is one of the more fascinating early federal issues, mainly because facts concerning it are scarce and legends and rumors abound. It has been said that Martha Washington posed for the obverse, but if this is true, her image on the coin is not even remotely similar to illustrations of her made from life in the same era. Some have said that President Washington took his own silverware to the Mint, where it was melted down and converted to half dismes, which were then given to him. And so it goes, with widely ranging accounts of this denomination’s history.
The point of mentioning all of this here is that the 1792 half dime is shrouded in a good deal of mystery—and such things contribute to the fascination of numismatics and, indeed, here and there among other designs, to the formation and enjoyment of a type set.
Probably 200 to 300 circulated coins exist, mostly in grades such from G to F, often with dents and marks. Mint State coins are exceedingly rare, with probably fewer than two dozen in existence. Several of these are memorable and qualify as choice or gem grades.
Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Usually fairly well struck except for some lightness on the eagle’s breast. Some have adjustment marks from filing the planchet prior to striking. For this coin, I suggest that you disregard seeking a sharp one and concentrate instead on finding one with overall good eye appeal and without problems.
Catalog Information
GSID:
3715
Designer:
Robert Birch
Obverse Designer:
Robert Birch
Obverse Lettering:
LIB PAR OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY, 1792
Reverse Designer:
Robert Birch
Reverse Lettering:
HALF, DISME, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Fineness:
0.8924
Weight (gr):
1.35 gr
Weight (oz):
0.0434 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.0387 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
17.5
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Reeded
Variety:
1792
Coin Date:
Half Disme
Denomination:
H10c
Designation:
MS
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
1,500
Coinage Type:
Flowing hair half dime
Coinage Years:
1792
Composition:
89% silver; 11% copper
Rarity:
3
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Coin Value History
Half Disme H10c 1792 MS [Type]
Value By Grade
Half Disme H10c 1792 MS [Type]
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
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Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS67 |
|
$1,440,000 | $1,234 |
| MS67 | - | $1,140,000 | $1,234 |
| MS66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS66 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG10 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG10 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG8 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG8 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| G6 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| G6 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| G4 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| G4 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG3 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG3 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG2 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG2 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, Good 6 PCGS. CAC. ...
$109,800
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, VF35 PCGS....
$162,000
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, MS64 PCGS....
$432,000
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, XF40 PCGS....
$144,000
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, AU50 PCGS....
$144,000
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, Fine 15 PCGS....
$102,000
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, VF25 PCGS....
$90,000
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, MS62 NGC....
$210,000
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, VG8 PCGS....
$46,800
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, MS63 NGC. ...
$252,000
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, XF45 PCGS. ...
$120,000
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, MS61 NGC. ...
$146,875
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, MS66 PCGS Secure. ...
$493,500
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, Fine 12 PCGS. ...
$44,650
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, VG10 NGC. ... (Total: 2 coins)
$47,000
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7 AU58 PCGS Secure. ...
$176,250
1792 H10C Judd-7, Pollock-7, SP67 PCGS Secure. CAC. R.4 as a Business Strike, Unique as a Specimen. ...
$1,292,500
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, MS65 PCGS. ...
$528,750
$38,525
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, AU55 PCGS. ...
$158,625
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