Coin Specifications

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

half cents classic head