The Classic Head Half Cent was the third design used for the half cent denomination. It was used from the introduction in 1809 through 1836, the date of a rare proof only issue. John Reich was the designer of the coin which features a head of Liberty wearing a headband with the word “Liberty” on the obverse and a wreath of laurel leaves encircling the denomination on the reverse. The Classic Head Half Cent would have the same coin specifications as the previous Draped Bust design, although a refinement of minting techniques would make the actual specifications of most coins closer to the stands.
As with all small denomination coins of the era, production took place at the Philadelphia Mint only. Despite the span of the series, sporadic production reduces the number of dates in the series to just thirteen dates, including two struck in proof only version.
Classic Head Half Cent Coin Specifications
| Dates: |
1809-1811 |
|
1825-1826 |
|
1828-1829 |
|
1831-1836 |
| Mints: |
Philadelphia |
| Composition: |
copper |
| Weight: |
5.44 grams |
| Diameter: |
23.5 mm |
half cents classic head
The Liberty Cap Half Cent was the first series for the smallest denomination of the United States authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792. As such it has become an important coin historically and a desirable issue for type set collectors. The obverse of the coin features an image of Liberty facing left (1794) and facing right (1795-1797). A cap appears on a pole behind her head the inscriptions “Liberty” and the date appear above and below. The reverse features a laurel wreath with the denomination and “United States of America”.
During the course of the short series, the Liberty Cap Half Cent underwent a change in specifications. The official weight was reduced from 6.74 grams to 5.44 grams starting with 1795. The edge of the coin was also changed to lettered to plain, although some lettered edge coins exist for dates after the standard had changed.
Liberty Cap Half Cent Coin Specifications
| Dates: |
1794 (facing left) |
|
1795-1979 (facing right) |
| Mint: |
Philadelphia |
| Composition: |
copper |
| Weight: |
6.74 grams (1794) |
|
5.44 grams (1795-1797) |
| Diameter: |
23.5 mm |
half cents liberty cap