U.S. Half-Cent Coins
(1793 - 1857)
U.S. Half Cents were the smallest denomination ever struck for circulation by the United States. Authorized to help facilitate everyday commerce when copper was scarce and prices were high, the half cent played a vital role in early American trade. Struck exclusively in copper, these coins featured evolving portraits of Liberty and simple wreath or eagle reverses. As the nation’s economy matured and purchasing power increased, the half cent gradually became unnecessary and was discontinued in 1857, leaving behind a short but historically significant legacy in U.S. coinage.
Check out every series of U.S. Half-Cent Coins below, complete with dates & mintages for each.
Liberty Cap Half-Cent (1793 - 1797)
Business StrikesDATE
MINTAGE
Type 1, Facing Left
1793
Type 2, Facing Right, Large Head
1794
Type 3, Facing Right, Small Head
1795
1796
1797
35,334
81,600
139,690
1,390
127,840
Draped Bust Half-Cent (1800 - 1808)
Business StrikesDATE
MINTAGE
1800
1802
1803
1804
1805
1806
1807
1808
202,908
20,266
92,000
1,055,312
814,464
356,000
476,000
400,000
Classic Head Half-Cent (1809 - 1836)
Business StrikesDATE
MINTAGE
1809
1810
1811
1825
1826
1828
1829
1831
1832
1833
1834
1835
1836
1,154,572
215,000
63,140
63,000
234,000
606,000
487,000
2,200
51,000
103,000
141,000
398,000
1,200
Braided Hair Half-Cent (1854 - 1857)
Business StrikesDATE
MINTAGE
1849
1850
1851
1852
1853
1854
1855
1856
1857
39,864
39,812
147,672
55,358
129,694
55,358
56,500
40,000
35,1800
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