Diagnostic Controls & Presets Inaugural US Mint Coinage Act Issue
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Alloy: 1485/1664 Silver (89.24% Ag, 10.76% Cu)
Alexander Hamilton's monetary proposal established the half disme as 1/20th of a silver dollar. Because the official US Mint building was not yet constructed, striking occurred in sawmaker John Harper's Philadelphia cellar.
Receipt: "Recd. 1,500 half dismes of the Secretary of the State"
Thomas Jefferson personally oversaw the production run and distributed them during his travels to Monticello, proving that the half disme was struck as legal-tender regular coinage rather than a mere pattern experiment.
Estimated Survivors: ~250 to 300 specimens
Over 80% of survivors are heavily worn (Good to Fine), as they circulated widely as small silver specie in late 18th-century America. High-grade uncirculated examples are premier national treasures.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Ex-Floyd Starr & Garrett. Incredible mirror-like fields, razor-sharp eagle feathers; universally acknowledged as the finest 1792 half disme on earth.
Ex-Cardinal Collection. Pristine satiny mint bloom with iridescent toning; completely intact 'LIB. PAR. OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY' legend.
Remarkable cabinet specimen with faint high-point friction; sharp central hair details and full reverse wreath berries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the 1792 Half Disme the first official coin of the United States?
Yes. Authorized by the Coinage Act of April 2, 1792, approximately 1,500 half dismes were struck in July 1792 before the official Philadelphia Mint building was operational. President George Washington referenced them in his Fourth Annual Address to Congress on November 6, 1792, noting: 'There has been also a small beginning in the coinage of half dismes, the want of small coins in circulation calling for the first attention to them.'
Did George and Martha Washington donate their personal silverware to strike them?
A cherished numismatic legend holds that First Lady Martha Washington donated her personal tea set and silverware to provide silver bullion for the coins, and that her likeness was used for the Miss Liberty portrait. While historical scholars debate the silverware story, records confirm that Thomas Jefferson provided $100 in silver bullion to fund the 1,500-coin inaugural delivery.
Why is it spelled 'DISME' instead of 'DIME'?
The word 'disme' (pronounced 'deem') comes from the Old French word 'dixième', meaning a tenth part. Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton adopted the French decimal terminology when designing the American dollar system. The silent 's' was dropped in American vernacular by the early 1800s.
What does the motto 'LIB. PAR. OF SCIENCE. & INDUSTRY.' mean?
The obverse inscription stands for 'Liberty, Parent of Science and Industry.' It reflected the Enlightenment values of the Founding Fathers, asserting that a free democratic society (Liberty) provides the intellectual and social foundation for scientific advancement and productive commerce.
Where were the 1792 Half Dismes actually minted?
Because the First Philadelphia Mint building at 7th and Arch Streets was still under construction in July 1792, the coins were struck in the cellar of John Harper, a Philadelphia sawmaker and machinist located at 6th and Cherry Streets, using a hand-operated screw press.
How many 1792 Half Dismes exist today?
Out of approximately 1,500 to 1,750 original strikes, numismatic researchers estimate that approximately 250 to 300 survive today. The vast majority are found in low circulated grades (Good-4 to Fine-12), with fewer than 30 existing in Uncirculated condition.
How can you verify that a 1792 Half Disme is authentic and not an electrotype copy?
Authentic specimens weigh 1.35 grams (±0.08 g) with a diameter of 17.5 mm, have an Archimedes specific gravity of approximately 10.3, and display crisp hand-punched letters. Electrotype counterfeits feature a telltale edge seam where two shell halves were soldered together and often weigh heavier due to a soft lead or pewter core.