Classic Head Half Cent 1809-1836

The Classic Head Half Cent is a series of coins that were minted by the United States from 1809 to 1836. It was the second design for the half cent denomination, following the Draped Bust design.

The obverse (front) of the coin features a left-facing bust of Liberty, wearing a headband inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." The reverse (back) of the coin depicts a wreath encircling the denomination "HALF CENT" and the date.

The Classic Head Half Cent coins were made of copper, with a small amount of added tin and zinc to improve durability. They had a diameter of 23.5 mm.

The coins were minted at the United States Mint in Philadelphia, which was the sole mint producing half cents during this period.

The designer of the Classic Head Half Cent was John Reich, who was an assistant to Chief Engraver Robert Scot at the United States Mint.

The Classic Head Half Cent series has several notable varieties, including variations in the position of the fraction (1/200) and the size of the date. The 1831 issue is particularly famous for having two distinct styles of lettering on the reverse.

Some dates of the Classic Head Half Cent series are quite rare, especially in higher grades of preservation. The 1815 issue is considered the key date of the series, with fewer than 20 known examples in existence.

The production of half cents was discontinued in 1836 due to declining popularity and the rising cost of producing such small denomination coins.

Today, Classic Head Half Cents are highly sought after by coin collectors. The series offers a glimpse into the early

 days of American coinage and holds historical and numismatic value.

Key Dates

1809: The inaugural year of the Classic Head design, making it a popular choice for collectors.

1811: This date is known for having a mintage of fewer than 63,000 coins, making it scarce and highly sought after.

1815: Considered the key date of the series, the 1815 Classic Head Half Cent is extremely rare. It has a mintage of only 35,180 coins, and fewer than 20 examples are known to exist today.

1826: Another low-mintage year, with just over 65,000 coins produced. It is challenging to find in higher grades.

1828: This date is notable for its low mintage and scarcity. Only about 48,000 coins were struck.

1831: The 1831 Classic Head Half Cent has two distinct styles of lettering on the reverse, making it an interesting and desirable variety for collectors.