The half-cent may no longer be part of everyday currency, but it holds a significant place in American history. As one of the first coins ever minted in the United States, the half-cent was a common coin for decades until its retirement in 1857. For collectors and enthusiasts, the half-cent remains a fascinating piece of history—and some examples are worth a fortune today.
Most Valuable Half-Cent Coins
Despite their modest face value of half a penny—or 1/200th of a dollar—many half-cents are now worth thousands or even millions of dollars due to their rarity and historical significance.
| Coin | Value |
|---|---|
| 1793 Half-Cent | $1,005,000 |
| 1796 No Pole Half-Cent | $780,000 |
| 1796 Pole Half-Cent | $630,000 |
| 1795 Half-Cent Struck Over 1795 Cent | $444,000 |
| 1795 Lettered Edge Half-Cent | $408,000 |
| 1794 High Relief Head Half-Cent | $408,000 |
Notable Half-Cent Coins
1793 Half-Cent
The first half-cent minted for circulation in 1793 saw over 35,000 coins produced. However, very few have survived. This coin features Lady Liberty facing left, holding a cap on a pole. In very fine condition, it is highly prized, with one selling for $1,005,000 in 2022.
1796 No Pole Half-Cent
The 1796 half-cent is among the rarest coins, with only 1,390 minted. It comes in two varieties: no pole and with pole. The no-pole version, featuring Lady Liberty without a supporting pole for her cap, is especially rare. One sold for $780,000 in 2021.
1796 Pole Half-Cent
Slightly more common than its no-pole counterpart, the 1796 pole half-cent is still exceptionally rare. A well-preserved example sold for $630,000 in 2019.
1795 Half-Cent Struck Over a 1795 Cent
Minting errors like this demonstrate the challenges of early coin production. This particular 1795 half-cent was struck over a penny, creating a unique surface design. In 2022, one sold for $444,000.
1795 Lettered Edge Half-Cent
Some 1795 half-cents have a distinctive lettered edge reading “TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR.” These coins are challenging to find in good condition due to their age and circulation. One example sold for $408,000 in 2022.
1794 High Relief Head Half-Cent
The 1794 high relief head half-cent features a detailed profile of Lady Liberty, with crisp details highlighting her hair, face, and surrounding text. Mint-state examples are incredibly rare, with one selling for $408,000 in 2022.
Rare and Unique Half-Cent Issues
- 1831 Half-Cent: This is an especially rare year, with only proof coins believed to have been minted. If you come across a half-cent from this year, it’s worth investigating further.
How to Identify Valuable Half-Cents
If you have a half-cent in your collection, here’s what to look for:
- Errors: Coins with unusual minting mistakes are often worth more.
- Condition: Coins with minimal wear and tear are rarer and more valuable.
- Early Years: Half-cents from the 1790s, such as those minted in 1793 or 1796, are highly collectible.
- Rare Years: Look for coins from 1796, 1802, and 1831, which had especially low mintage numbers.
- Unique Details: Features such as lettering on the edge or whether Lady Liberty’s cap includes a pole can significantly impact a coin’s value.
Half-Cents: Pieces of History
While no longer in circulation, the half-cent remains a valuable reminder of early American coinage and its evolution. Whether you’re a collector or simply intrigued by history, owning a half-cent is like holding a tangible piece of the past. Some of these coins are not just valuable in monetary terms but also in their historical significance.
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