The Five-Cent Piece, or Half Dime was an American coin. Originally it was a silver coin first 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 ...