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originally a silver coin authorized in 1792, and coined the same year (original weight, 20.8 grains). In 1853 it was reduced to 19.2 grains. In 1873 it was discontinued. In 1866 the coinage of nickel five-cent pieces was authorized, the value remaining, as at first, one-twentieth of the standard dollar. The legal-tender value was, however, reduced from five dollars to thirty cents. There were no issues of half dimes during the years 1798, 1799, 1804, 1806 to 1828 inclusive. Some silver half dimes were the first coins struck by the U. S. Mint in 1792.