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)
The Liberty Cap Half Cent was produced in two distinct designs — the 1793 issue features Liberty facing left, while pieces dated 1794 through 1797 show her facing right. The 1793 release is especially desirable, as it represents one of the earliest coinages struck by the United States Mint and is considered a scarce date today. Within the entire Liberty Cap series, the 1796 issue stands out as the most difficult to obtain.
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Business Strikes
Type 1, Facing Left
1793 | 35,334
Type 2, Facing Right, Large Head
1794 | 81,600
Type 3, Facing Right, Small Head
1795 | 139,690
1796 | 1,390
1797 | 127,840
Draped Bust Half-Cent
(1800 - 1808)
The Draped Bust Half Cent succeeded the Liberty Cap design and was struck from 1800 through 1808. This design features a more refined portrait of Liberty with flowing hair and drapery at the neckline, reflecting the evolving artistic style of early U.S. coinage. Although mintages were modest across the series, certain dates — particularly 1802 and 1804 — are notably scarce and command strong collector interest. The Draped Bust type represents the final half cent design struck before a long production hiatus that lasted more than two decades.
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Business Strikes
1800 | 202,908
1802 | 20,266
1803 | 92,000
1804 | 1,055,312
1805 | 814,464
1806 | 356,000
1807 | 476,000
1808 | 400,000
Classic Head Half-Cent
(1809 - 1836)
The Classic Head Half Cent was introduced in 1809, marking the return of the denomination after a lengthy production pause. Designed by John Reich, this style presents Liberty with a more youthful appearance and a simplified portrait compared to earlier issues. The series was struck from 1809 through 1836, though not every year saw production. Many examples are challenging to find in higher grades due to the relatively soft copper used at the time, which wore quickly in circulation. Among the tougher dates in the series are 1811, 1831, and 1836, each drawing strong interest from collectors assembling complete sets.
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Business Strikes
1809 | 1,154,572
1810 | 215,000
1811 | 63,140
1825 | 63,000
1826 | 234,000
1828 | 606,000
1829 | 487,000
1831 | 2,200
1832 | 51,000
1833 | 103,000
1834 | 141,000
1835 | 398,000
1836 | 1,200
Braided Hair Half-Cent
(1840 - 1857)
The Braided Hair Half Cent was introduced in 1840 and represents the final design used for the denomination. Liberty is shown with her hair intricately braided and tied in a bun, reflecting the more refined engraving style of the mid-19th century. The series was produced from 1840 through 1857, though several later dates were struck in very limited quantities, primarily for collectors rather than general circulation. Key issues such as 1849, 1853, and 1856 are especially sought after due to their low mintages, and the 1857 issue marks the end of half cent coinage altogether as the denomination was discontinued.
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Business Strikes
1849 | 39,864
1850 | 39,812
1851 | 147,672
1852 | 55,358
1853 | 129,694
1854 | 55,358
1855 | 56,500
1856 | 40,000
1857 | 35,180
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