U.S. Half Penny: See How Much Half Cent Coins Are Worth
Many people believe that the 1-cent penny is the lowest face value coin in the United States.
This is untrue.
In the U.S. half cents were issued from 1793 all the way until 1857.
There were 5 different portraits displayed on the half cent over the course of its time:
- The Liberty Cap with the head facing left was designed by Joseph Wright and has letters on the edge of the coin that read "TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR".
- The Liberty Cap with the head facing right was designed by Robert Scot in 1794 and John Gardner in 1795. Both also contain the lettered edge.
- The Draped Bust variety was minted from 1800-1808 and was designed by Robert Scot. This one had no edge lettering.
- The Classic Head was minted from 1809 through 1836 and was designed by John Reich.
- Lastly, the Braided Hair variety was minted from 1840 until the half cent was discontinued in 1857.
All types and varieties of the half cent were minted at the Philadelphia mint. I will try to give you an idea of what the varieties of half cents are worth. Please remember that the large margin I put in the prices of some of these coins is because it mostly depends on what the grade of your coin is.
Braided Hair Variety
1849 to1857 - $50.00 to $300.00
1840 to1849 Proof 63 - $5,000.00
Classic Head Variety
1836 Proof 63 - $8,000.00
1835 to1832 - $50.00 to $165.00
1831 Proof 40 - $11,000.00
1829 to1825 - $50.00 to $300.00
1811 - $165.00 to $6,000.00
1810 - $50.00 to $800.00
1809 - $50.00 to $500.00
Draped Bust Variety
1803 to 1808 - $50.00 to $325.00
1802 2/0 - $325.00 to $9,000.00
1800 - $40.00 to $240.00
Liberty Cap (Facing Right)
1797 Gripped Edge - $8,200.00 to $50,000.00
1797 Lettered Edge - $650.00 to $5,500.00
1797 Plain Edge - $240.00 to $1,100.00
1796 No Pole On Cap - $12,000.00 to $55,000.00
1796 Pole On Cap - $8,000.00 to $24,000.00
1795 All Varieties - $185.00 to $1,100.00
1794 - $260.00 to $1,400.00
Liberty Cap (Facing Left)
1793 - $1,200.00 to $9,000.00
All of the different types and varieties on the same denomination of coin can be confusing. It is much better to have a visual aid to know what coins I am speaking of.
You can find pictures of most of half cent coins here.
my grandmother gave me an half penney from 1943 i think or 1934 and i have looked all over the web and i can t find any info about it so i was wandering if u could help me?
Wow, what a find your friend made, Karl! If the coin is in decent shape, without any corrosion, bends, scratches, or other damage, your friend could expect at least $30-35, and much more if the coin has most of its detail.
You almost have to wonder what the story was behind that coin being placed on top of the rafter....Interesting stuff....
How much would an 1810 or 1809 half penny be worth. I can't remember which year. It is not for sale. Just curiousity. A friend of mine found it on a rafter in an old house and wants to know. I have not been able to find anything on it. It may be something else. I have not seen t in persn yet