The story of the 1792 half disme is well-known to numismatists today. Authorized by the Mint Act of 1792, the coins were struck in the cellar of Philadelphia sawmaker John Harper before the First United States Mint was ready for operations in its own building. President George Washington gave his approval for the coin’s production on July 9, 1792 in a letter to Mint Director David Rittenhouse and Thomas Jefferson deposited the bullion for the striking on July 11. Two days later, Jefferson noted in his personal account book, “Recd. from the mint 1,500 half dismes of the new coinage.

• Contains 2 oz. Troy of .999 Fine Silver
• Obverse: “LIB. PAR. OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY,” below bust, the date, “1792.”
• Reverse: An eagle centered with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around. ” “HALF DISME” below with “TWO TROY OUNCES .999 FINE SILVER INTAGLIO MINT” on the lower curve.

Specifications:

• Weight: 2.00 troy ounce
• Thickness: ~6mm
• Purity: .999 fine
• Edge: Reeded
• Diameter: 39 mm
• Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated