Background

The US Mint started production of Large Cents in early 1793. They started production of Half Cents in July of that year. There are 4 Varieties of Half Cents spanning 1793 to 1857:

Ø1) Liberty Cap (2 Versions; Facing Left and Facing Right) (1793-1797)

Ø2) Draped Bust (1800 – 1808)

Ø3) Classic Head (1809 – 1836)

Ø4) Braided Hair (1840 – 1857)

Half Cents were all made in Philadelphia with no mint marks

Half Cents

Half Cents are a bit smaller than modern US quarters and made of copper.

Liberty Cap Half Cents

ØThe 1793 Half Cent is the only issue with Liberty facing left

ØThe obverse was changed to Liberty Facing right for 1794 – 1797

ØThe Phrygian cap is an ancient symbol of freedom

ØThe edge is engraved “TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR” for 1793 and 1794 coins and for some 1795 coins. The edge on the remainder of the Half Cents is smooth.

Draped Bust Half Cents

ØThe Liberty design was replaced by the Draped Bust design in 1800. The Draped Bust design was used through 1808. Here is an example from 1804.

Classic Head Half Cents

ØThe Classic Head design was used from 1809 to 1836

ØThe term “Classic Head” derives from Liberty’s headband

ØHeadbands called “tainias” were worn in ancient Greece

Braided Hair Half Cents

ØThe Braided Hair design was used from 1840 to 1857

ØProofs only were made from 1840 to 1849

Many Varieties and Die Pairs

ØThere are many varieties and die pairs for the Half Cent

ØCohen and Breen wrote the original books on this topic

ØWilliam R. Eckberg has a new book available that corrects some inaccuracies and provides superior photos:

Summary

This has been a brief introduction into the US Half Cents. Half Cents were some of the first coins produced by the US. All Half Cents were manufactured in Philadelphia and have no mint marks.

ØThere are 4 major varieties; Liberty Cap, Draped Bust, Classic Head, and Braided Hair

ØLook for our future videos examining each in more detail

Happy Hunting!