The U.S Half Dime is one of the original denominations introduced under the coinage act of 1792. Originally spelled the English way of "Half Disme" and later changed to "Half Dime". The very first coins in the series were minted privately under direction of George Washington himself. They were made with silverware provided by Washington and Jefferson! Although the first federal minted coins were stamped 1794, the coins were not actually struck until the February of 1795. That then brought about the many different designs of the half dime from 1794-1873. This coin has a lot of U.S History behind it and is a great collection to start learning about.