Half Cent Values And Half Cent Types-Half Cent History And Mintage
HALF CENT HISTORY
The half cent coin is the smallest denomination that was ever produced in the United States of America. The half cent coin was first produced in 1793 and the production lasted up to 1857. In total, there were only 7,781,426 half cent coins produced between 1793 and 1857, a relative small figure compared to other coin series. A handful of men designed the coin over the years. All half cent coins were made out of 100% copper.
In total, there were five different types of half cent coins produced. They include the Liberty Cap Left (1793), Liberty Cap Right (1794-1797), Draped Bust (1800-1808), Classic Head (1809-1836), and the Braided Hair (1840-1857). Any dates that were not mentioned between 1793-1857 only produced proof half cents or none was produced at all.
HALF CENT COIN DESIGNERS
HALF CENT TYPE
| COIN DESIGNER
| TIMELINE
|
---|---|---|
Liberty Cap Left
| Henry Voigt
| 1793
|
Liberty Cap Right
| Robert Scot/John Gardner
| 1794-1797
|
Draped Bust
| Gilbert Stuart/Robert Scot
| 1800-1808
|
Classic Head
| John Reich
| 1809-1836
|
Braided Hair
| Christian Gobrecht
| 1840-1857
|
HIGHLY VALUED HALF CENT COINS
All half cent coins have a value, even in low grades. At this point in time, all half cent coins are valued at $30 or more. However, some half cent coins are extremely valuable. The 1796 half cent coin is the highest priced half cent coin in the series. The 1796 is also the rarest half cent coin. There were two different types of this coin produced in 1796. They are referred to as the 1796 Liberty Cap Right half cent with pole and the 1796 Liberty Cap Right half cent no pole. The 1796 Liberty Cap Right half cent with pole is the most valued out of the two. Even at a low grade, this coin is worth $25,000. The 1796 Liberty Cap Right half cent no pole has a slightly lower value at $16,000 in low grade.
The 1793 Liberty Cap Left half cent and the 1831 Classic Head half cent are also highly valued. There were only 35,334 1793 Liberty Cap half cents produced in the coins first year. At low grade, the 1793 Liberty Cap Left half cent is worth $2,200. The 1831 Classic Head half cent has the second highest value in the series. There were only 2,200 Classic Head half cents produced in 1831. The 1831 Classic Head half cent has a value of $6,000 in low grade. Keep in mind, these values are based on a low grade. If you have one of these coins and they are in great shape, the value highly increases.
There are also a few half cents that have a value in the hundreds in low grade. The 1794, 1795, 1797, 1802, and 1811 half cents all have values in the hundreds in a low grade. The 1794, 1795, and 1797 half cents are all worth $400 or more in a low grade. The 1802 Draped Bust half cent coin has the highest value out of the grouping. The 1802 half cent is worth over $500 as a low graded coin. The 1811 has the lowest value of the group with a value of $340.
All of our prices are based on a low grade because most coins from this time period are on a low grade scale. However, there can still be prime examples out there. Remember, if you have a high graded half cent coin, the value increases tremendously. Below, you can find the values of all half cent coins.
MINTAGE AND VALUES
YEAR
| MINTAGE
| VALUE (LOW GRADE)
| COIN TYPE
|
---|---|---|---|
1793
| 35,334
| $2,200
| Liberty Cap Left
|
1794
| 81,600
| $405
| Liberty Cap Right
|
1795
| 139,690
| $480
| Liberty Cap Right
|
1796
| 1,390
| $16,000
| Liberty Cap Right
|
1797
| 127,840
| $415
| Liberty Cap Right
|
1800
| 202,908
| $60
| Draped Bust
|
1802
| 20,266
| $535
| Draped Bust
|
1803
| 92,000
| $48
| Draped Bust
|
1804
| 1,055,312
| $45
| Draped Bust
|
1805
| 814,464
| $50
| Draped Bust
|
1806
| 356,000
| $60
| Draped Bust
|
1807
| 476,000
| $55
| Draped Bust
|
1808
| 400,000
| $55
| Draped Bust
|
1809
| 1,154,572
| $34
| Classic Head
|
1810
| 215,000
| $55
| Classic Head
|
1811
| 63,140
| $340
| Classic Head
|
1825
| 63,000
| $50
| Classic Head
|
1826
| 234,000
| $47
| Classic Head
|
1828
| 606,000
| $40
| Classic Head
|
1829
| 487,000
| $42
| Classic Head
|
1831
| 2,200
| $6,000
| Classic Head
|
1832
| 51,000
| $35
| Classic Head
|
1833
| 103,000
| $35
| Classic Head
|
1834
| 141,000
| $40
| Classic Head
|
1835
| 398,000
| $44
| Classic Head
|
1849
| 39,864
| $37
| Braided Hair
|
1850
| 39,812
| $37
| Braided Hair
|
1851
| 147,672
| $31
| Braided Hair
|
1853
| 129,694
| $35
| Braided Hair
|
1854
| 55,358
| $37
| Braided Hair
|
1855
| 56,500
| $37
| Braided Hair
|
1856
| 40,430
| $38
| Braided Hair
|
1857
| 35,180
| $38
| Braided Hair
|
REMEMBER
Remember, the value of your coin depends on the rarity and condition of the coin. The values listed above are for low graded half cents only. If your half cent is in great condition, the value will rise. The value of any coined is always based on rarity and condition. Below, you will find pictures of each coin type so you can learn how to tell them apart. Also, if you wish to learn more about coins, feel free to follow the links below. Thanks for your visit.
TYPE VARIATIONS FOR EACH STYLE
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