US Half Cents were the smallest denomination of United States coin ever minted. They were first minted in 1793 and last minted in 1857. They were minted with five different designs.
Half Cents were made of 100% copper and were valued at five milles, or one two-hundredth of a dollar. They were slightly smaller than a modern U.S. quarter with diameters 22 mm (1793), 23.5 mm (1794–1836), and 23 mm (1840–1857). They were all produced at the Philadelphia Mint.
Half Cents were discontinued in 1857 due to inflation and the increasing cost of copper. By the mid-19th century, the half cent was no longer a practical denomination, and most people found it to be more of a nuisance than a useful coin.
Today, US Half Cents are popular among coin collectors. They are particularly valuable in high grades or if they have unusual mint marks or errors. Some of the most valuable US Half Cents include the 1793 Liberty Cap Head Facing Left, the 1804, and the 1840 Coronet Head.
Value: The value of US Half Cents varies depending on the condition of the coin and the rarity of the date and mint mark. Common dates in good condition can be purchased for a few dollars, while rare dates and mint marks in high grades can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Showing 17–22 of 22 results
The 1850 Half Cent graded About Uncirculated (AU) Uncertified #242 is a well-preserved example of a classic American coin. It has minimal wear and tear, and the design is still clearly visible. The coin is uncertified, but it is a genuine US Mint issue. The obverse of the coin features a bust of Liberty facing…
The 1850 Half Cent graded Very Fine 30 (VF30) by PCGS is a well-preserved example of a classic American coin. It has light wear and tear, but the design is still clearly visible and the coin is free of any major defects. The obverse of the coin features a bust of Liberty facing left, with…
The 1855 Half Cent C-1 MS63BN NGC is a well-preserved example of a classic American coin. It is graded Mint State 63 Brown (MS63BN) by NGC, one of the most respected coin grading companies in the world. This means that the coin has very light wear and tear, and the original mint luster is still…
The 1857 Half Cent graded MS65BN NGC is a very well-preserved example of a classic American coin. It has very light wear and tear, and the original mint luster is still visible on the coin’s surfaces. The coin has a pleasing brown patina that adds to its character. The obverse of the coin features…
This coveted Draped Bust half cent was minted in 1802, displaying the C-1 reverse design used just one year. Struck at the Philadelphia mint, Lady Liberty faces right on the obverse, wearing a mob cap and hair tied with a ribbon. The reverse depicts a wreath surrounding the denomination. Despite light wear, all major design…
This desirable early American half cent dates back to 1794, the first year of production for the denomination. Struck at the Philadelphia mint, it features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. The surfaces show light wear consistent with the AU50 grade assigned by PCGS, one of the most respected third-party…