The U.S. Half Penny Was Made From 1793 To 1857 – See How Much Half Cent Coins Are Worth

by Jay

Pennies

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy thru these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.


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.

Keep in mind 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 to 1857 – $50 to $300
1840 to 1849 Proof 63 – $5,000

Classic Head Variety

1836 Proof 63 – $8,000
1835 to 1832 – $50 to $165
1831 Proof 40 – $11,000
1829 to 1825 – $50 to $300
1811 – $165 to $6,000
1810 – $50 to $800
1809 – $50 to $500

Draped Bust Variety

1803 to 1808 – $50 to $325
1802 2/0 – $325 to $9,000
1800 – $40 to $240

Liberty Cap (Facing Right)

1797 Gripped Edge – $8,200 to $50,000
1797 Lettered Edge – $650 to $5,500
1797 Plain Edge – $240 to $1,100
1796 No Pole On Cap – $12,000 to $55,000
1796 Pole On Cap – $8,000 to $24,000
1795 All Varieties – $185 to $1,100
1794 – $260 to $1,400

Liberty Cap (Facing Left)

1793 – $1,200 to $9,000

NOTE: All of the different types and varieties on the same denomination of coin can be confusing. For a visual to see which coins I am speaking of, you can see pictures of most of half cent coins here.

Get the latest Coin tips!

Stay up to date with everything about U.S Coins

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy