1794 Half Dime Pattern - J-14

Coin Details

Description

Judd-14 is the unique copper die trial of a 1794 half dime featuring a distinctive starless obverse. Like its dollar-denomination counterpart J-18, this coin was struck from an obverse die that omits the stars found on regular-issue 1794 half dimes. The obverse displays Robert Scot's Flowing Hair portrait of Liberty facing right with LIBERTY above and the date 1794 below, while the reverse shows a small eagle within an open wreath with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border. The starless design links this piece directly to J-18, the starless copper dollar die trial, and the two coins are clearly companion pieces from the earliest phase of die preparation at the Philadelphia Mint. The dies correspond to the LM-3 pairing used for regular silver half dimes. Struck in copper with a reeded edge, this tiny coin — measuring just 16.5mm in diameter — represents the Mint's die-testing process for its smallest silver denomination. The coin resides in the Smithsonian Institution's National Numismatic Collection.

Rarity Notes

Unique (R.8). Housed in the Smithsonian Institution.

Cross References

Pollock-18