The first half dimes struck at the Philadelphia Mint were dated 1794, although the first pieces were not struck until February of the next year.  Half Dimes dated 1794 and 1795 are of the flowing hair style and are believed to be the work of Robert Scot.  Neither the faces of the edges of these coins displays mark of denomination.

 

In 1796, the draped design appeared and was continued for two years.  The reverse of these coins displays a small eagle perched on a cloud, encircled by a wreath.  There were three varieties of this style made in 1797; the 13, 15, and 16 stars on the obverse.  It has been assumed that as additional states joined the Union, the number of stars were increased until the design became too crowded and then was returned to the original 13 stars.

 

No Half Dimes were coined in 1797 or 1799.  A new reverse was introduced in 1800 displaying a heraldic eagle.  The motif depicted an eagle with wings spread upward and with a shield on its breast.  This reverse style, in combination with the draped bust obverse introduced earlier, was continued through 1805.

 

After 1805, Half Dime coinage was suspended for more than two decades.  In 1829, when striking began again, the design was that of John Reich.  This style was continued until 1837.  In the latter year Gobrecht's Liberty Seated design made its appearance.  Specimens of the design, without stars on the obverse, were coin in 1837, stars were later added in 1838.  This design was continued through 1859.  Half Dimes dated 1853-1855 bear arrowheads on each side of the date to signify a weigh reduction and in 1860 the design was modified again by moving UNITED STATES OF AMERICA to the obverse of the coin from the reverse.  This style was continued until the last year of the Half Dime in 1873.