U.S. Mint coin reference
An early federal silver five-cent piece made before the first United States Mint building was ready.
History: About 1,500 silver half dismes were made in 1792 while the first Mint building was still under construction.
Obverse: Left-facing Liberty surrounded by LIB. PAR. OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY, with the date below.
Reverse: A small flying eagle surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with HALF DISME below.
The half disme was the young nation’s first federal silver five-cent issue. The spelling “disme” reflects the decimal terminology used in the Coinage Act of 1792.
The United States Mint reports that 1,500 pieces were made in a nearby building’s cellar before the Philadelphia Mint was ready. PCGS lists fewer than 100 surviving examples.
Collectors evaluate strike definition, original surfaces, damage, repairs, and cleaning. Because genuine examples are rare and valuable, authentication is essential.