Half dime

The half dime, or half disme, was a silver coin, valued at five cents, formerly minted in the United States.

Some numismatists consider the denomination to be the first coin minted by the United States Mint under the Coinage Act of 1792, with production beginning on or about July 1792. However, others consider the 1792 half dime to be nothing more than a pattern coin, or 'test piece', and this matter continues to be subject to debate.