2016-07-20 Wed

Many rare half dimes can be a good investment for collectors and also have historical significance. Many classic U.S coins are worth more than $10,000 each and some are $1 million each. But many key date coins may be acquired for less than $2,500 each. Experts suggest that it is not very difficult to collect these half dimes. Some come with a $2,500-per-coin limitation, some for less than $300 each and many for less than $60 in low grades.

Half dimes are five-cent silver coins that are smaller than dimes. All Liberty Seated half dimes are 90% silver including those dated from 1837 to 1964. From 1837, U.S. silver coins were made of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper.

Half dimes are much different from five-cent nickels, which consist of a 25% nickel alloy. Each half dime was half the weight of a dime minted in accordance with coinage standards that was present at that time.

There are nine types of half dimes listed below:

Flowing Hair (1794-95);

Draped Bust, Small Eagle (1796-97);

Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle (1800-05);

Capped Bust (1829-37);

Liberty Seated, No Stars (1837-38);

Liberty Seated, With Stars, No Drapery (1838-40);

Liberty Seated, With Stars, With Drapery, No Arrows (1840-1859, except 1854-55);

Liberty Seated, With Arrows (1853-55);

Liberty Seated, Legend on Obverse (front) – 1860-73.

In past articles, it was explained that 1792 half dimes are patterns, not regular issues.

Key dates is important to those who are interested in building sets, some are acquired because they are rare. For example, a 1909 VDB Lincoln cent and a 1909-S VDB Lincoln are two different dates. A 1909-S VDB is a key date, while a 1909 VDB is not a key date. A 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent and a 1909-S (without a VDB) are two different dates as well.