Half Cents

As unusual as it sounds today, the U.S. once issued a coin worth less than one cent. The first half cent was made of copper and began being produced in 1792. The half cent had a lifespan of 64 years as a circulating coin with five different basic design types.

Classic Head Half Cent

John Reich held the position of Second Engraver under Robert Scot who was Chief Engraver at the U.S. Mint in the early 1800s. Reich came to America from Germany to flee the Napoleonic Wars. Robert Pattern was the Director of the U.S. Mint at that time and gave the talented Reich the responsibility of revamping the U.S. coins.

Braided Hair Half Cent

It was customary in the 1830s and 40s to give visiting dignitaries to the United States gifts of coin proof sets of U.S. coins. In 1840 Mint Director Robert M. Patterson decided to include the half cent in the proof sets and had Mint engraver Christian Gobrecht create dies for this reason. Gobrecht was also directed to complete hubs from which dies could be made in case the need for the unpopular half cents returned. Gobrecht used the Braided Hair design he had previously used on his cent of 1839.

Draped Bust Half Cent

The Draped Bust half cent was the replacement for the Liberty Cap half cent coin of 1794 through 1797. It was designed by Robert Scot and is a true Jeffersonian coin. It existed from 1800 to 1808 which is when Thomas Jefferson was President.

Liberty Cap Half Cent

It sounds a bit odd today, but the US government once issued a coin that was worth less than a penny-the half cent.